Costa Rica: A Spiritual Seeker’s Paradise

“THE VEIL” is very thin in Costa Rica – meaning the connection between the physical world and the spiritual / etheric / astral plains is blurred and permeable. It is especially thin around our area, the southern end of Costa Ballena and the wilds of Osa Peninsula.

This article explores why Costa Rica attracts those seeking deeper connection—with themselves and with unseen worlds beyond. Many believe the country sits close to The Veil—the thin border between the physical and the mystical.

Across this threshold dwell angels, demons, spirits, souls, ghosts, gods, aliens, and ancient legends. Some speak of interdimensional beings, thought-forms, and mind viruses. You get the idea.

Costa Rica’s energy, landscape, and mystery make it a natural magnet for spiritual explorers and seekers of the unknown.

NATURE, LANDSCAPES & BIODIVRSITY

The Variety of Life

Costa Rica holds over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, making it a top destination for spiritual renewal through nature.

Visitors often feel more aware and present in its rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife. Encounters with whales, dolphins, or a silent Blue Morpho butterfly can spark deep emotional shifts.

Those who leave their phones behind often report stronger effects. Nature speaks louder when distractions fade.

Imagine NOT being able to fall into a high-vibe when you are surrounded by the chill-est of animals, like our easy-going sloths. c/o jean-paul-montanaro.

Raw Energy of Creation

Primeval energy is everywhere in Costa Rica – and this type of energy marks the places where The Veil is the thinnest. I am talking about our OCEANS and VOLCANOES.

Oceans

Oceans often appear as the first element of creation in myth and archetype. Some traditions suggest they existed before light and darkness. Many cultures view oceans as the birthplace of life.

Symbolically, oceans represent the unconscious mind—vast, mysterious, and waiting to be explored. Dreams often reflect this, as Carl Jung’s work shows.

Standing on a small boat in open water stirs awe, wonder, and unease. And let’s be honest—we still have no idea what lurks beneath those dark, endless waves.

Volcanoes

Volcanoes shaped Costa Rica. They pushed land from the ocean, forming a country just 4 million years old—geologically speaking, still young.

Underwater volcanoes helped the land rise from the sea. Today, they continue to build and reshape Costa Rica, adding to its dynamic landscape and raw natural energy.

It is easy to find your center when you are surrounded by primeval energy, peace, and beauty - like these vistas of the Arenal volcano. c/o Dominic SImecek. — It is easy to find your center when you are surrounded by primeval energy, peace, and beauty – like these vistas of the Arenal volcano. c/o Dominic Simecek.

Costa Rica’s Role in Creation

Oceans represent the primordial void—the blank canvas that shaped space, movement, and time. Many cultures see the sea as eternal, holding the secret of creation.

From this watery abyss, volcanoes rose. They built the land, the consciousness that emerged from the unconscious depths. In Costa Rica, this process is still unfolding. The same underwater volcanoes that formed the country continue to shape it today.

Ancient traditions viewed volcanoes as gateways to the underworld—portals to hidden realms. That sense of awe and unease still lingers. These features don’t just define the landscape—they stir something deep within us.

Costa Rica's Turrialba volcano. Volcanoes such as Turrialba created Costa Rica a short 4 million years ago - and continue to grow the country to this day. c/o Luis Alberto Arias with every eruption of lava, tephra & ash. — Costa Rica’s Turrialba volcano. Volcanoes such as Turrialba created Costa Rica a short 4 million years ago – and continue to grow the country to this day with every eruption of lava, tephra and ash. c/o Luis Alberto Arias.

THE PURA VIDA LIFESTYLE

Pura Vida, meaning Pure Life, is more than a greeting. It’s Costa Rica’s philosophy—a mindset rooted in gratitude, mindfulness, and joyful simplicity.

Locals use it to say hello, goodbye, thank you, you’re welcome, and even sorry. It reflects a slower, intentional way of living, where small annoyances are met with a smile.

You’ll hear it at restaurants, from cashiers, police officers, and just about everyone in between. Pura Vida isn’t just spoken—it’s lived.

Ben & Heather have grown into the PURA VIDA spirit - the sign above their heads in reproduced thousands of times all around the country. And take note of Heather's shirt...PURA VIDE is everywhere in COSTA RICA. — Ben & Heather have grown into the PURA VIDA spirit – the sign above their heads in reproduced thousands of times all around the country. And take note of Heather’s shirt…PURA VIDE is everywhere in COSTA RICA.

The Pura Vida spirit helps shape Costa Rica’s reputation as a bridge between worlds—physical and subtle, seen and unseen.

Seekers know that positive intention, forgiveness, and radical acceptance open doors to other dimensions. When an entire country lives by these values, the effect multiplies.

The shared mindset of millions creates a powerful, unified energy field. Visitors often feel it instantly. This is the real secret of Pura Vida—a vibration anyone can tap into.

Follow the link to read an interesting BBC article about Pura Vida.

THE MYSTERIOUS STONE SPHERES & ANCIENT INHABITANTS

Our previous articles were dedicated to the Boruca People and the mysterious creations of their predecessors – the near-perfect Stone Spheres. The spheres were made starting from around 600 AD. They are found around our local area, known as Diquis Delta, as well as on Caño Island, and vary in size from just a few centimeters to over 2 metres in diameter. Over 300 of them have been found in Costa Rica.

One of the mysterious spheres - placed in a Palmar Sur park, where over a dozen of the Spheres can be found scattered around the grounds. — One of the mysterious spheres – placed in a Palmar Sur park, where over a dozen of the Spheres can be found scattered around the grounds.

Some believe the Diquís spheres lined paths to chiefs’ homes, marked celestial maps, or served as navigation tools. Others suggest they were alien artifacts or remnants of Atlantis.

Local legends claim the Diquís used a magical potion to soften stone for carving. But their civilization vanished soon after the Spanish conquest, leaving behind only questions.

We may never know the full truth. The spheres remain one of Costa Rica’s greatest archaeological enigmas

One of the smaller spheres in Palmar Sur.

Locals, visitors, and energy healers often visit the stone spheres of Palmar Sur. Over a dozen lie scattered across two neighboring parks, and many report feeling powerful, healing energy radiating from them.

The Diquís people, who came before the Boruca, crafted these spheres with near-perfect precision. Their effort and skill add to the mystery.

It’s no surprise these ancient artifacts are said to thin The Veil—linking the physical world with deeper, unseen realms. The spheres remain one of Costa Rica’s most spiritual landmarks.

LA NEGRITA & THE BASILICA OF CARTAGO

Each year, nearly half of Costa Rica’s population travels to Cartago for La Romería, a pilgrimage to honor the Virgen de los Ángeles, the nation’s patron saint.

The faithful gather at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, creating a wave of spiritual energy that fills the country. As pilgrims return to their towns and villages, they carry that energy home.

This annual event doesn’t just unite Costa Rica—it recharges its soul.

The Basilica stands on the site where La Negrita kept re-appearing. c/o Bernard Gagnon, wikicommons.

Each year on August 2, Costa Ricans honor La Negrita, a small statue of the Virgin Mary just 7.6 cm tall. The figure is believed to represent an indigenous or mixed-race Madonna.

According to tradition, Juana Pereira, a native woman, found the statue in 1635. When she tried to take it home, it miraculously reappeared at the original spot—twice.

Locals saw this as a sign. They built a shrine, followed by chapels, a church, and eventually the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago, now one of Costa Rica’s most sacred sites.

YOGA & MEDITATION

Yoga and meditation attract countless visitors to Costa Rica. Many expats settle here because their spiritual practice deepens in this environment.

The country’s weather, mountains, volcanoes, oceans, forests, and wildlife create a powerful connection to the spiritual source. These natural elements offer more than beauty—they provide real, tangible energy that elevates inner work.

Spiritual practitioners in Costa Rica contribute to the national vibe. Their presence helps elevate collective consciousness, subtly thinning The Veil between worlds.

The country is dotted with retreat centers—each offering unique paths to inner growth. In Cartago, the Vipassana center Dhamma Ariya hosts silent retreats lasting 10 to 30 days. Participants follow a schedule of dawn-to-dusk meditation, noble silence, and a humble vegan diet.

These practices don’t just transform individuals—they amplify Costa Rica’s spiritual energy.

A Tibetan Yoga retreat in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. c/o Dereck Camacho, wikicommons.

MEDICINAL PLANTS

A New Fad

Interest in medicinal and psychedelic plants has surged in recent years. These botanical wonders—often called teacher plants—contain compounds that unlock deep, personal, and otherworldly experiences.

Popular examples include Ayahuasca, San Pedro, Peyote, Magic Mushrooms, and Ibogaine. These sacred medicines are known to heal trauma, end addiction, and spark total life transformation.

Many users report visiting parallel dimensions and encountering intelligent, autonomous beings. The journey is often profound, mysterious, and life-changing.

A batch of Ayahuasca being prepared in a traditional way. Two plants need to be mixed - the Ayahuasca vine and the Chakruna leaves. c/o Terpsichore, wikicommons. — A batch of Ayahuasca being prepared in a traditional way. Two plants need to be mixed – the Ayahuasca vine and the Chakruna leaves. c/o Terpsichore, wikicommons.

The Scene in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s retreat centers welcome people from all walks of life. Visitors come to heal, transform, and support others on their journeys.

This shared intention creates a powerful energetic field. As thousands engage in deep spiritual work, the Veil grows thinner. Many report astral experiences in the country’s mountains, jungles, and sacred landscapes.

Costa Rica doesn’t just host retreats—it amplifies them.

The number of Ayahuasca and Medicinal Plant retreats has grown tremendously over the past decade. c/o Google Maps.

A Word of Warning

It is worth to heed some advice when it comes to medicinal plants in Costa Rica. Many of these substances may be illegal, illegal but not criminalized, or sitting in a grey area depending on particulars around the use and distribution – so it is worth to keep that in mind. Also some of these chemicals may clash with medications and can exacerbate medical conditions – this is NOT for everyone. People should do their own research and seek professional medical advice before deciding if this is the right practice for them.

Ayahuasca being prepared by plant medicine center attendees, supervised by a helper of the curandero.

It is Not a Walk in the Park!

Also, as all psychonauts should know, experiencing plant medicine is not always fun – proper preparation is required including weeks of fasting, abstinent behavior, meditation and reflection. Failure to pay proper respects to the plants may result in gravely serious and unpleasant consequences. Lastly, it is important to verify the quality of the chosen center – including things such as accommodation, food, security, reputation & reviews, and the qualifications of curanderos / facilitators.

Plant medicine centers may offer a real middle-of-nowhere experience. While people have different reasons for attending, no one walks out the same person they were when they walked in.

WHAT ELSE???

Camps & retreats offering a wide variety of options – such as deep breathwork, nature immersion, cold exposure, Cacao ceremonies, sound & energy healing, full moon & eclipse celebrations, dance & music expression, religious devotion, men and women-only retreats, wellness & fitness excursions, detox & healthy lifestyle vacations – are present in many forms all around Costa Rica.

INTEGRATION MATTERS!

Spiritual breakthroughs often happen in peaceful, controlled environments—retreats, ceremonies, or nature-rich sanctuaries. But the real challenge begins after the experience ends.

Can the practitioner carry their newfound peace into the real world—with traffic jams, deadlines, screaming kids, political debates, and rude strangers?

Integration is the key. Without it, transformation remains temporary. With it, the lessons become living wisdom, woven into daily life.

This is the true measure of healing—not what happens in ceremony, but what happens after.

Will you carry your spiritual revelations and breakthroughs into the REAL WORLD - or will you slip back into old habits? That is the TRUE TEST. — Will you carry your spiritual revelations and breakthroughs into the REAL WORLD – or will you slip back into old habits? That is the TRUE TEST.

Costa Rica offers the perfect setting for deep, lasting personal change. Its energy and landscapes help people reconnect with purpose and clarity.

The Veil feels thin here. Many practitioners report tapping into an infinite field of information, where answers flow from beyond the physical realm.

But transformation isn’t passive. Real work is required—inner discipline, reflection, and surrender. Costa Rica provides the canvas, but you must pick up the brush.

WHERE TO FIND THE THINNEST VEIL IN COSTA RICA?

As stated, MANY spiritually-minded people report that ‘The Veil’ is very thin in Costa Rica. Below are a few locations noted for their thin Veil:

Natural Areas:

Osa Peninsula and the Diquis Delta, with the strange stone spheres and their mysterious energy.
Monteverde Cloud Forest, with stories of strange lights, whispers, visions and spirits.
Active & erupting volcanoes such as Irazú, Poás, Arenal or Rincón de la Vieja – these volcanoes have built, and are building, Costa Rica. They connect our earthly realms to the spiritual planes as well as the underworld. Treat with utmost respect!
The Ocean, the void, the unrealized possibility – what was before there was anything else as God’s Spirit presided over the dark waters. A connection to our unconscious and to the Source – and home to the Whales, who many consider to be spiritual messengers, bringing deep subconscious message up to the surface.

Man-Made Location:

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is consecrated to the Virgin of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a small representation of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus. An annual August 2 pilgrimage brings between 40-50% of Costa Rica’s populations to the Basilica, united in their faith. The energy is palatable.

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” – Genesis 1.

A land steeped in mystery, calling out to seekers who can tell, in their bones, that this is a special place. And one of the most powerful & energetic locations in Costa Rica is right here – our southern Costa Ballena, where the Veil thins and worlds meet. This is where you find the mysterious stone spheres, the wild jungles, profound oceans, and legends of the people gone by. We invite you to browse the local properties available in our area, knowing that RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE is your trusted partner in the South Pacific corner of Costa Rica.