To understand Costa Rica is to listen closely—not just to the rustle of palm fronds or the distant rhythm of ocean waves, but to observe the quieter pulse of daily life. Here, nestled between two oceans and stitched together by volcanic ridges and rainforest, Ticos have shaped a culture defined not by urgency, but by ease. It is warm, generous, and unhurried. And it moves to its own time, the famous, Tico time!
At the heart of this ethos is a deeply rooted philosophy, and no it’s not just the usual pura vida, but this time we share with you: No hay que ahogarse en un vaso de agua—don’t drown in a glass of water. In other words, don’t let small problems steal your peace. Life, as lived here, is approached with patience and perspective. Conversations linger and you can enjoy that second cup of coffee. Time stretches to accommodate the moment. And a cafecito isn’t just a small coffee; it’s an invitation to connect, to slow down, to enjoy.
Linguistically, this gentleness reveals itself in the affectionate use of diminutives. Everything, it seems, is softened with -ito or -cito: and it appears everywhere: momentico (just a little moment), poquitico (just a tiny bit), cafecito. It’s affectionate, polite, and makes the everyday feel a little more personal. It reflects how Ticos communicate—with kindness and ease. A quick coffee becomes a cafecito, a short moment a momentico. It’s not just about size—it’s about the little things, and it adds to their humility, and subtle grace. Even the smallest things are treated with care, cariñito.
Family is the anchor in Costa Rican society. Sundays often revolve around la casa de la abuela, where generations gather to share food, stories, and time. Mealtime, in fact, holds particular reverence. Speaking of that which is sacred, Sundays and a word to the wise, never interrupt a Tico’s lunch hour. It’s sacred. Mealtime isn’t just fuel; it’s community, conversation, and often, a well-earned pause in the day.
Ticos value harmony over conflict, presence over productivity. A Tico will respond to thanks not with a perfunctory “you’re welcome”, but with con gusto—with pleasure. It’s not performative. It’s not curated. It’s pura vida—the pure life. And it’s lived, not rushed.
Tiempo al tiempo
Literal translation: Time to time
Meaning: Be patient, as things may take time to change. Everything in due time, for everything there is a season.
