Why Costa Rica Is The Happiest Country In The World

I visited Costa Rica in August 2009 and witnessed why it’s the happiest country in the world. Staying with a friend who owned a massive farm, Finca Rio Perla, was cool; however, I didn’t  know this would be one of my most adventurous trips. Excited to explore a new country and celebrate my birthday, I saddled up for the ride. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Backcountry Roads

My friend stayed an hour away from the airport and arranged our transportation. The roads were treacherous and undeveloped but we were riding with Ticos. We held on tight, prayed, and laughed a lot. They could hear the tremble in my voice and would lighten the mood with jokes. I enjoyed getting to know Alex and Roberto. My Spanish was rusty but that didn’t stop our conversation. My girlfriends are also fluent in Spanish.

We stopped for food along the way and the fish with the head on was delicious with an ice cold Imperial! After our meal and back on the long bumpy road, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a luxury, resort vacation; however, I was enjoying my new adventure living off the land in Costa Rica. 

Finca Rio Perla

When we arrived at Finca I couldn’t believe my eyes! Beautiful acres of land with a fish pond, waterfall, horses, cattle, and chicken coop. It was a peaceful oasis. 

The posada was gorgeous and built for the rainforest. I had my own room with bunk beds and the rooster greet me every morning. The showers and toilets were enclosed separately outside. You couldn’t flush toilet paper because their plumbing system wasn’t built to handle excessive amounts of tissue; however, it was well sanitized. The showers were not steaming hot but mild warm, it gave you a good wake up at start. 

Vivian and Roberto lived up the road with their son and took care of Finca and their guests.Vivian  cooked the most scrumptious meals and in the mornings we had fried cheese, leftover beans and rice, fresh eggs, savory coffee, and fish. She has a wonderful, loving spirit and I enjoyed our time together. 

Every meal was delightful and prepared with love!

They would rise at 6:00 AM daily to milk the cows. I hadn’t milked a cow since grade school growing up in St. Louis visiting Grants Farm. I wanted an adult experience and woke early one morning to milk the cows. Vivian was very patient with the student venturing into new territory. 

It was a hilarious experience because there’s a grip and pull technique to milking and I had to learn to strengthen my grip. It’s also a messy process but I was all in and finally got the swing of it. Nothing like drinking fresh unpasteurized cow milk you squeezed. It was the freshest milk. 

Waterfalls

When it rained the pour was serine and calming. The posada was open but built to shield the rain from entering. It rained at night for an hour then it would suddenly stop as if it never rained. I could hear howler monkeys!

This trip was all about peace and nature at its best. Horseback riding, hiking to the marvelous waterfalls that are soul nourishing. I won’t lie, the hike was a bit frightening because some areas were steep with slippery terrain. We hung spent time on the beach and putting our feet in the water. 

I loved every detail of Finca and the idea of living on a farm was born.

Pure Vida

I can testify as to why Costa Rica was voted the most peaceful country in Central America and happiest country in the world. The people are warm, caring, hospitable and embody “pura vida” as a way of life. It was an amazing adventure that changed my perspective on how I want to live. 

Have you experienced a place that changed your life? Leave me a comment below and share your life-altering experience.