For more information read our privacy policy. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. The proper mindset about longevity is not about aspiring to live to a very old age, but to enjoy the best quality of life possible during the last ten years we live, says Alvaro Cedeno-Molinari, a former Costa Rican diplomat and ambassador who works intensely promoting bioliteracy, regeneration, and well-being as holistic healthy mindsets. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. These areas are: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece. These regions are considered Blue Zones. It would be hard to imagine two more different places than free-wheeling Costa Rica and legally rigid Singapore, yet both are among the happiest places on earth. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches and hotels in Costa Rica, along with lush tropical forests perfect for hiking or horseback riding. That's why this part of Costa Rica is designated a Blue Zone, the term used for just five areas of the world where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. For example, we know that Nicoya is the driest part of Costa Rica, that it used to be part of Nicaragua, and that more Indians intermarried with the Spanish who began settling here in 1510. These commitments also included mechanisms to develop best practices in health promotion in the "five blue cantons" of the Peninsula, strengthening support networks, and incentivizing the recuperation of life lessons and traditions. "The sense of community, shared purpose and celebration and appreciation for life in all its forms allows for a way of thriving that can even be seen today to have a connection to vitality and mitochondrial health." The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. In the future, when we do emerge from the current pandemic, many cities and companies will revisit well-being as a main topic for their citizens and employees. Imagine yourself in a future not-so-distant, where more conscious lifestyle decisions you make at an individual level, are supported by a branch of medicine that attempts to change the course of diseases and regenerates failing parts of our bodies. While a Blue Zone indicates a hotspot of healthy longevity, it also presents a challenge of how to extend these benefits throughout the population outside of these redoubts. Nicoyans attribute much of their longevity to social values of faith and family. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. They have groups of friend with whom they share healthy habits.". Many believe it will be through the cutting-edge innovations of regenerative medicine that the privileges of the Blue Zones can be democratized, so that anyone, anywhere, and at any time has access to the technology that allows us to replenish, replace and rejuvenate our physical bodies., What weve witnessed during 2020 are healthcare systems around the world that are reactive, bureaucratic, inefficient, and saturated. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. Meanwhile, last year the average individual from the United States ate 222.2 pounds of meat and poultry. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua, Playas del Coco which is more commonly called Cocois a beach town, popular with both expats and Costa Ricans. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? When on vacation in Costa Rica, its also easy to pick up Blue Zone habits like getting regular outdoor exercise and a good nights sleep (though be sure to go to bed early if you want to do your sun salutations at actual sunrise). Also, the environment just exudes joy. Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). This Central American nation isn't that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. The Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula stands out for the beauty of its landscapes, its tourist attractions, and its conservation areas, but above all, for the stories told by the long-lived inhabitants of the region, who have exceeded the life expectancy in Costa Rica and continue to be lucid and active, and who enjoy long, healthy lives. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? Every morning, at dawn, before the men of Nicoya ride their horses through the mountains of the Costa Rican peninsula, they eat a healthy breakfast. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Nicoya. This has paid off, with Costa Rica frequently scoring high in world happiness and environmental rankings. For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. While the Blue Zones project Lane discusses isnt a cure for COVID-19, the principals lived by the people in those zones could increase the chance of livelihood for people of other cultures. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. All Rights Reserved. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. Sardinia, Italy. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. These cookies do not store any personal information. Healthy and supportive relationships with friends and family are another one of their keys to longevity. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). They wake up. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. Nicoya is a small, rural beach community located on the Guanacaste peninsula on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Black bean starter To a small pot over medium-low heat, add one can of rinsed black beans. Conzcanos. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. For those that don't know, there are a few communities around the globe where people live long and healthy lives, up to and past 100, dubbed "blue zones." Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. You can hike along trails, go horseback riding, kayak through the mangroves, and swim off the beach. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. Nicoyas west and south coasts are the most popular for visitors and offer a wide range of accommodations and access to the peninsulas wilderness and activities. While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Having worked with the pioneers in mind-body research and psychoneuroimmunology. Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. The 9 Secrets Boosting a Long Life in Nicoya, Costa Rica: They have a strong sense of purpose No matter how old they are, Nicoyans have a strong sense of purpose, a reason to live longer. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. The occasion was also used to release the most recent study on longevity by the Institute of Social Studies in Population (Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Poblacin, IDESPO) at the National University of Costa Rica. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. Barrio La California, There are many factors that go into the long life of Nicoyans, and some of them will be impossible for you to replicate (unless you plan to move to an area of the world where the sun is always shining, the nature is amazing, and then you also need to bring all of your family with you). Not only do they live longer, their metabolism is better, the levels of cognitive impairment are lower, and they function at a higher level. They begin each meal with a prayer. By encouraging Nicoyans belief community and sense of purpose through work, family, or nature, cities could help their poorest thrive. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. However, altering your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get in a given day, and embracing relationships with family and friends are good places to start. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. It's a question that inhabitants of Guanacaste are happy to be asking themselves, since it's a true pride for the province's population to be home to one of the five such zones that exist worldwide. None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Nicoya, Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. However, both towns have a more touristy vibe to them. Though Chicago is not one of those cities that uses the template outlined in the Blue Zones Project, the city could adapt to the Blue Zones principals. It is a template outlining the lifestyles of people who live in places like Nicoya, Costa Rica. The World Meeting of Blue Zones laid the groundwork, in a spirit of s se puede (yes we can), envisioning a blue Costa Rica, following the example of healthy habits set by more than 900 inhabitants aged 90 or older, and the centenarians of Nicoya Peninsula. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Wildlife is abundant. Is the Nicoya Peninsula good for a Wellness getaway? After living there for four years I have my own theories as to what makes people so happy, and in turn have a longer life span. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. They include good physical and mental health, upholding a traditional diet, a deep faith and spirituality, support and respect to family networks that go across generations, where grandchildren spend time with their grandparents and share in their knowledge, physical activity and constant mobility, and a purpose in life associated with spirituality. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. Although the Blue Zone Project isnt all about diet, and its certainly about more than food for the people of Nicoya it is a big difference from the typical American diet (no matter what type of community). A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. Its one of our favorite places in Costa Rica and most likely where we would move if we ever moved to the beach. Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. First and foremost, the competition to get ahead isnt the same here as it is in some other western countries. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. These geographical areas are considered special, because most people live at least 90 and often over 100 years of age. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. The distinguished list included pioneering researchers on this subject: Michel Poulain of Belgium, Dr. Gianni Mario Pes and Paolo Francalacci from Sardinia, Italy, Christina Chrysochoou from Icaria, Greece, Makoto Suzuki from Okinawa, Japan, Gina Siapco from Loma Linda, USA, and Diego Bernardini from Argentina. Let's start with our home - the Nicoya Peninsula.This tropical region in the north west of Costa Rica, has the world's lowest rate of middle-aged mortality, and the second highest amount of men over 100 years of age. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. The peninsula is one of the worlds five Blue Zones where many people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Genetics and Costa Ricas natural environment certainly play a large part, but lifestyle is a major factor in why Blue Zone residents live so long. This is a BETA experience. Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. Alternatively, Blue. "Looking beyond Costa Ricas Blue Zone in Nicoya, elements that make our population stand out and that describe our focus on well-being can be found in every corner of our territory. Costa Rica is home to one of the five original blue zones regions, the Nicoya peninsula, with a high number of centenarians in excellent health. Nicoyan centenarians have been the focus of many articles. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. obesity, or heart disease. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. In the interior, the town of Nicoya is one of Costa Ricas oldest and also has one of the countrys oldest churches the Parroquia San Blas, first built in 1544. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". Possessing the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world, it is also labeled as one of the 5 "blue zones", a term coined by National Geographic author Dan Buettner, describing places where a high percentage of the population lives active .