Hola from Costa Rica!
We're Aaron and Patrick, longtime friends who each felt called to Costa Rica's way of life. Aaron moved during the pandemic. Patrick followed soon after with his family. We've both lived in more than one region and understand the reasons people might want to live in a town.
It wasn't always easy. We hit the same walls you're probably worrying about: residency paperwork, finding a place to live, learning Spanish, figuring out how to actually belong somewhere new. We built Your Pura Vida to pass on what we learned and to walk other people through it honestly.
Our passion is helping people not just move here, but actually find their place.
Research tells you where to go. It doesn't tell you what happens six months in, when the paperwork stalls or the town you picked on paper doesn't fit the life you pictured. We've watched that happen to people who did everything right and still struggled, and we've watched people relocate with confidence because someone who'd already done it was in their corner. That's the difference. Not more information. The right people, at the right moment, who've been there.
Meet the Founders
Meet Aaron
Meet Patrick
Our Mission
Our mission is to help people move to Costa Rica in a way that changes their lives and respects the country they're joining. Moving abroad isn't just a change of address. It's a change of culture, community, and how you live day to day.
We're not another “expat tour” or a one-size-fits-all relocation package. First we help you work out whether Costa Rica is actually right for you. If it is, we walk you through a move that's thoughtful, ethical, and built to last. That's not a fit for everyone, and we'd rather tell you that upfront than after you've paid for something you didn't need.
Meet the Team
Two internationals who made this move ourselves, and locals who've guided our families through it from the other side.
Young family, retiree, adventurer, digital nomad, or something in between: we're here to help you build a real life here, the way we did.
Aaron Bailey
Co-Founder
Patrick Jager
Co-Founder
Andrea Lasso de la Vega
Education Specialist
Why Choose Your Pura Vida?
We live here.
Real, on-the-ground experience in multiple regions of Costa Rica.
We're honest.
No sugarcoating, no one-size-fits-all pitch.
We're responsible.
Relocation that supports communities and the environment.
We're immigrants, too.
We help you not make the same mistakes we (and so many others) did.
We know what sticks.
Research tells you where to go. We tell you what happens after you get there.
Loved by people who made the move
Real stories from members who scouted, planned, and relocated to Costa Rica with Your Pura Vida.
“They've been like friends, just a text away for anything we need.”
Lauretta N.
Long Island, NY
Having Aaron and Patrick to guide me through the process of moving to Costa Rica was invaluable! They were such a strong support with access, information, and wisdom that enabled me to navigate the transition pretty seamlessly. Of course, there have been a few twists, but that's an important part of the adventure! Pura Vida!
Susan A.
San Ramon, Costa Rica
Working with Andrea was one of the most important parts of our decision to move to Costa Rica. Her knowledge and expertise were clear in every conversation. She knew the schools, the programs, and the details that you simply can’t find online. But what stood out most was her warmth and the way she guided us through the process. She always asked the right questions, the ones that helped us think clearly and feel confident about the direction we were choosing. She never pressured us. She helped us find our own clarity.
Aud & John P.
We decided it was time to focus on our lives while we still have the good health to enjoy our days. After watching over 100 YouTube videos, including Your Pura Vida, we chose Costa Rica. We turned to Patrick and Aaron and their relocation service and it has been the second best decision we ever made. The best being to move to Costa Rica. We've been here 2 months with no regrets. Having Aaron and Patrick to guide us and answer our many questions has been invaluable. You can depend on them!
Rebecca M.
Naranjo
“An incredibly personalized experience.”
Jon and Caitlin C.
San Francisco, CA
I found Your Pura Vida on YouTube and signed up for the education services for our 5-year-old son. Andrea is an education expert and does an incredibly thorough job finding the perfect fit for your child. Highly recommend Your Pura Vida's services!
Joelle A.
Our approach to moving abroad
We believe in purposeful immigration. Too often, international newcomers (the ones who call themselves “expats”) push housing prices up, settle into expat bubbles, lean on their own language and customs, and never really join local life.
We work with people who want to do it differently: people committed to being part of Costa Rican society, spending money at local businesses, hiring locally, and leaving their community better than they found it. Moving abroad isn't just about finding a new home. It's about becoming a real participant in a new country.
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