My Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Retreat. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone for long life | Enchanting We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! I cant blame you. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Pablo Jenkins, a regenerative investor and futurist explains that it is a great time to take on that wisdom from the local ancestors and combine it with new regenerative ways of living. How Much Does it Cost to Live in Costa Rica? (2023) - A Little Adrift 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). - save 10% Plus other perks . They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. 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. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. "This meeting commits us to preserve this Blue Zone, but most importantly, it should have a multiplier effect and serve as an example for the other cantons of the country" said Ana Monge, Commissioner of the Presidential Social Council of the Government of Costa Rica. Why is Costa Rica one of the Happiest, Healthiest - Blue Zones Nicoya The Blue Zone of Costa Rica | Costa Rica Christies Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. Or, get your zen on at La Senda, the wellness center on a 74-acre forested property near Tamarindo. This is why the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) launched the Wellness Pura Vida country strategy, which seeks to position Costa Rica as a wellness destination with a difference, which offers unique, transforming experiences. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. "The five cantons of the peninsula continue to appear with greater longevity and we've confirmed this everywhere we've investigated. There are five regions around the world called the Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. The quality of Nicoyas water might be one of the reasons residents live long enough to become centenarians and almost-centenarians. Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. Its about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide, with the northern section a part of Guanacaste province and the southern section in Puntarenas province. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Near the fishing village of Tambor (reached by a 20-minute flight from San Jos or a drive down from the Paquera ferry) is Costa Ricas first all-inclusive. Casado - the Blue Zone lunch | The Garum Factory Costa Rica - Why is it Considered a Blue Zone? - TraveLLuxCurator The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. 11 talking about this. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? There are five areas of the world that meet the qualifications of Blue Zone as defined by Buettner. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. 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." They wake up. We are always happy to help you out! When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. 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. A hike from the town of Montezuma will bring you past several cooling-off pools on your way to the three cascades of this waterfall, perhaps the most visited one on the peninsula. Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. If you would like to be near things but get a bit more of a feel for traditional Nicoya life while also enjoying a bit of the touristy perks (surfing, fun restaurants etc.) Who knows, maybe it will change your life! 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Cala Luna won most innovative wellness hotel from the Global Beauty & Wellness Awards thanks to daily complimentary wellness activities like hatha yoga, bikes to borrow, farm-to-table cuisine (from La Sendas farm) with organic and biodynamic wines, and the innovative treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center spa. Buettner had spent several years before penning the article leading expeditions including tracing Darwin's route in the Galapagos and Marco Polo's trip along the Silk Road. My fourth investigation into exactly what our Blue Zone folks eat has left this dietitian, well, intrigued. 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. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. We're going to focus on the last one, mostly because it hits close to home. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Because of this, they enjoy extremely low rates of heart disease. Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. Wildlife is abundant. 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. This calcium leads to stronger bones and the ability to stay physically active at a later age. It is home to some of the most active, hard-working, and friendliest people on earth. Another option is to take the 75-minute ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya from Puntarenas to Paquera. Heres how to plan a trip to the Blue Zone in Costa Rica. Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. If you want to get underground, Barra Honda National Park has a system of 42 caves and you can explore Terciopelo Cave on a tour. Costa Rica is generally a healthy country because its government decided that education, healthcare, and protecting the environment are more important than funding its armed forces and it abolished its army in 1948. It consists of 100 recipes with ingredients used by those who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica and the other four Blue Zones. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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 . The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. 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. Living Hotel partners with the Spacio spa, a five-minute walk away, which has several treatments geared to surfers. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. How many blue zones are in Costa Rica? - 2023 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. 15 Reasons Expats Love Living In The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica (its better for your digestion to eat a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner). 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. I will be visiting Costa Rica next week to meet with Jorge who founded a local organization that helps the small Blue Zone villages. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. We do not need to wait for our cities of residence to adopt the principles for healthier living outlined in the Blue Zones Project. 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. Blue Zone Costa Rica: Living Longer, Living Better By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Do you have any questions about the Costa Rica Blue Zone? We know that the diet here is different than that of the rest of the country, and that the character of the people here is unique in the world. Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. It helps them remain positive. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. For those who might need some meal ideas, Dan Buettner, wrote the Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook. Learn more about typical diet with our Guide to Costa Rican Food. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The five known Blue Zones identified in Buettner's book include:. Costa Rica Retreat Center in the Blue Zone - Soltara Fish is a lean protein and provides oils which help with overall brain function. Modern Nicoyans roots to the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. This is a BETA experience. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . They are joined by 42 other centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula, located in the 5 blue cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure and Carrillo (according to data from Jorge Vindas, a field researcher for the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association). Many Nicoyans choose to walk from one destination to another instead of driving. It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. 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. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? All rights reserved. I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. Along with starting every morning with a healthy breakfast, Nicoyans also eat nutritious food throughout the day. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. Hi! The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. For more information read our privacy policy. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. El propsito de la compaa es promover y crear conciencia sobre el consumo de productos de alta calidad, con valor nutricional y . 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. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. Take a trip to one of these Blue Zones to learn the secret of living This provides the nutrition they need to work hard during the day. There will be a lot to learn and a lot to do to get back to a healthier normal. Blue Zones Nicoya desarrolla alimentos, bebidas y suplementos inspirados en los centenarios de la. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. Costa Rica is known for its pura vida lifestyle and attitude. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. Lets explore the Blue Zone in Nicoya, Costa Rica and what the Nicoyan lifestyle can teach us about humanity and what we could do better in the future. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. Market Brief: Nosara, Costa Rica Stomp Capital Costa Rica Experts 2023. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Swimming holes dot the peninsula too, including beneath the Montezuma waterfall. A research team is currently researching the . We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. The Nicoya Peninsula is in many ways isolated from the rest of Costa Rica due to geography. Blue Zones: How the Oldest People in the World Make Their Money Last 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. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. Personally, I find that a combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and social contact all help lower my stress; which is crucial in a long life span. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Customer Experience Critical To Consumer Preference: IAAPA CEO Comments On Key Trends, When It Comes To Advertising, Multicultural Representation Is Not Enough. But we must also consider the impact of our individual health and lifestyle choices on future generations. The town of Nicoya is considered the oldest in Costa Rica, it is popularly known as "the colonial city". Despite that, the area has many of the same ideals that the rest of Costa Ricans have. Nicoya isn't full of marathon runners . I also suggest watching his TED Talk. It's also one of the happiest places in Central America: Costa Ricans report a high level of life satisfaction and the country has the highest literacy rate in Latin America. One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. 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. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90. They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Its name is due to the tribe that reigned prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1520, it is said to come from the Nahuatlas words Nica, Necoclau or Necocyanh, which means surrounded by water. Read more below about the lessons that Nicoya, Costa Rica can teach you about longevity. Try opting to walk places instead of driving. As of now, there are 5 blue zones: Icaria, Greece. Cities throughout the world can use this template to encourage people to live healthier lives. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. Nicoya. As indicated by the World Health Organization, "active or positive aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age". We have a full guide to the ferry here. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Try cutting out some meat and replacing it with fresh vegetables and fruit. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. Why Nicoya is Considered One of the Anti-Aging Zones in the World Few really know what aging is and how it can be controlled, here experts from Costa Rica and around the world talk about it and define the Nicoya Peninsula as one of those with the most long-lived people.