The phrase pura vida, the national slogan of Costa Rica, seems to echo in every crevice of this Latin American nation. Literally translated as "Pure Life," the phrase is a greeting, a good-bye, an affirmation, and a general means to express contentment with life. And who wouldn’t be, living in a rich tropical paradise boasting cloud forests, monkey-covered coastal beaches, hot springs emerging from glowing volcanoes, and some of the best surfing in the Western hemisphere. Costa Ricans, known amongst themselves as "Ticos," embrace their natural surroundings with a laid back attitude, the combination of which results in the country earning highest ranks in international happiness indices. All of this joy in pura vida may also in part be attributed to the delicious national dish of gallo pinto, a mixture of rice and beans served at every meal, and some of the best coffee on the planet. But all this beauty and contentment is not just for the locals. Tourism is the country’s biggest industry, with millions filling tiny eco-lodges and grand resorts around the nation. A trip to Costa Rica is definitely the opportunity to live the good life, so take a hike, ride a rapid, relax on a beach, zip-line through a rain forest, and embrace all the glory of this "Rich Coast."