About Route Pura Vida

👋 Pura vida! I’m Aaron, your host at Route Pura Vida. I’ve been traveling to and living in Costa Rica for 7 years now. While I love Costa Rica deeply, I’ve experienced first-hand and noticed many tourists grapple with trying to navigate from place to place. It’s a small country, but sometimes incredibly difficult to navigate. That’s part of why I started this site—to help fellow travelers and newcomers find their way through the adventure.

From Pure Michigan for Pura Vida

I’m originally from Michigan, but these days you’ll find me in San José, Costa Rica, where I’ve built a new life with my rescue puppy, Chase. What started as a vacation has become home, and I now proudly consider myself an immigrant to this beautiful country.

There’s something magical about waking up in Costa Rica every day. I love exploring all over this country—from cloud forests to coastal towns, there’s always something new to discover. My favorite beach is Bejuco in Puntarenas, near Jacó. There’s a solitude there that’s hard to find anywhere else.

I’m learning Spanish with a tutor, slowly but surely. Some days I feel like I’m making progress, other days I’m grateful for patient ticos who kindly repeat themselves. It’s all part of the journey.

I moved here as a dedicated tea drinker, but I have to confess: Costa Rican coffee has won me over. The rich, smooth flavors are simply irresistible. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m a coffee person now.

While I’m deeply rooted in Costa Rica, I still love traveling beyond its borders. Every trip away just reminds me how lucky I am to call this place home.

Driving Saltimontico

After renting dozens of cars, I now travel the country in my 3-door Suzuki Jimny named Saltimontico—which means “little grasshopper.” I bought it in 2022, and it has taken me everywhere. From bumpy mountain roads to beach parking lots, Saltimontico has been the perfect companion for exploring Costa Rica.

Since adopting Chase, I’ll admit I now wish I had more space and a 5-door Jimny (which wasn’t available when I purchased mine), but I’ll upgrade soon. For now, we make it work, and there’s something endearing about our cozy adventures together.

I’ve also taken countless shuttles, busses and flights within Costa Rica, so I write this site from experience.

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Want to connect? Feel free to email me (vamos@routepuravida.com). I’m always happy to chat about Costa Rica, share travel tips, or talk about the adventures of life with a rescue pup.