The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. The term "Blue Zone" was first used in a 2005 National Geographic cover story entitled "The Secret of Long Life" written by a man named Dan Buettner. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. We know we should include exercise into all parts of our lives (not just an hour at the gym). Rooms have a mini fridge and theres a communal kitchen plus bikes to rent. Directions: Toss the cabbage with the orange juice, season with salt and pepper and let sit 30 minutes. Some of the roads in Nicoyas interior and south arent paved, so the deeper you go into the peninsula the more you may prefer to fly (for example, its a 20-minute flight from San Jos to the tiny Tambor airport in the south). Check out all of our favorite travel companies. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. 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). The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. 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. Lane cites the impact of COVID-19 on minorities like Blacks and Hispanics throughout Chicago. 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.) For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Its difficult to maintain family bonds and friendships when school and work take us far from home, into strange communities. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. It includes black beans, cooked plantains, fresh papaya, yams, squash, homemade corn tortillas, and fish (if near the coast). Nantipa means blue in the language of the Chorotega people, some of the first known people to live in the Nicoya region. There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If you want to really embrace the Nicoya Peninsula blue zone vibe, head to any small village in the area. All rights reserved. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. What are Blue Zones? Costa Rica as a whole is a happy place. People from Nicoya enjoy an ample dose of Vitamin D. They spend most of their time outside tending to the land and enjoy a healthy relationship with surrounding nature. Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Theyre focused on sick care, and so the actual healthcare is often neglected, says Chaves. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Go to a soda, thats the name of a small, local caf, and look for casado this popular dish is rice and beans served with vegetables and either fish or meat. Maintaining close ties with family and friends helps reduce stress. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. It's also an area identified as a "Blue Zone . Montezuma: Best Hotels in Costa Rica. These cookies do not store any personal information. Also on offer are boat trips to the volcanic Tortuga Islands, where snorkelers might spot angelfish and porcupine fish, and theres a chance of seeing dolphins, manta and spotted eagle rays, and turtles on the way. 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. They also practice good physical and mental health. "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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lane reported isolation, alienation, and high rates of depression in Chicagos poorest neighborhoods as some of the reasons behind the high rates of COVID cases. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Blue zones are regions where some of the oldest and healthiest people live. Within Nosaras lush forest and a three-minute walk to Guiones Beach, this small hotel has a daily yoga class plus private yoga instruction, surf lessons, a large pool, hammocks, and a juice and coffee bar. - save 10% Plus other perks . A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. Several of Nicoyas beaches like those in the Ostional National Wildlife Reserve are nesting grounds for Kemps Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles. The Nicoya Peninsula has five cantons where middle-age morality is lowest and centenarians are the most abundant. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. 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. "Year after year, our surveys indicate that its the Costa Ricans themselves that set our destination apart, and it's certainly always a marvelous experience to spend time with the older generation. It is not unusual for many generations to live on one property or in very close proximity to each other. Rare species like pumas, ocelots, and margay cats make their home here too. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 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. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). 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. Hi! We hope you love the Blue Zone Costa Rica stays we recommend. Nicoya is located on the Guanacaste peninsula in Costa Rica, and is considered one of the 7 blue zones found worldwide. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! In the south between the Paquera ferry and the village of Tambor, youll have an excellent chance of seeing wildlife within the privately-owned Cur Wildlife Reserve. 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. Montezuma is great for long beach walks and jungle hikes. 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. 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. Sign up for theBLUE ZONES free weekly email where webring youexclusive interviews, cutting edge longevity news, and fresh tips for living longer, better. 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. It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Soltara Healing Center is located on the calm and pristine Gulf of Nicoya in the mountainous jungle of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. It requires descending 17 yards down a ladder to see cave formations that resemble fried eggs, popcorn, roses, and shark teeth. Eco-tourism is a natural must in this out-of-this-world scenario, where everything that happens is in a quiet, lovely pace. Blue Zones Nicoya naci en 2014, una empresa 100% costarricense, que durante los ltimos 6 aos ha sido destacada por la investigacin de alimentos locales de la Zona Azul de Nicoya-Guanacaste. The Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica, is one of them, . Staples of the traditional Nicoya diet include homemade corn tortillas, black beans, white rice, a variety of squash, yams, papaya, bananas, and pejibayes. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. Win-win! These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. The forest here is more tropical than further north and is home to deer, pacas, monkeys, armadillos, laughing gulls, pelicans, frigates, and brown boobies. Where are the world's Blue Zones located? Gone are the days of making your own food and growing organic produce. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. These centenarians help teach us the value of those important little things," said Mauricio Ventura, Minister of Tourism, with pride. 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 . Stir in two chopped plum tomatoes, half of a finely chopped onion and one . Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). 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. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! 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. Of course, there is still a desire for success (especially in the cities) but in general, the priorities are shifted. 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. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. And now, it's a well-known fact: Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, dubbed as a "high-longevity island," is one of the world's rare blue zones - one of only five original regions, joined by Icaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Lima Linda (California, USA), and Sardinia (Italy). Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. Now, visiting Nicoya doesnt mean youll automatically live to 100, but a trip there is likely to put you on the path to pure life thanks to its natural environment and abundance of healthy activities. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. English is widely spoken and the town has lots of tourist infrastructure with a wide variety of restaurant and accommodation choices. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. Were Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er). By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 seen in blue zones. 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. This is a BETA experience. Get your fill of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, and passionfruit and vegetables and legumes like squash, cassava, plantain, yam, and beans. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. This information is complemented by studies carried out by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero Bixby, which show that the mortality of inhabitants of the Nicoya Peninsula aged 90 is 10% lower than for Costa Ricans of the same age elsewhere in the country. 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. Wildlife is abundant. According to Buettner's studies, the Nicoya Peninsula has the world's lowest rates of middle-age mortality and the second highest convergence of male centenarians. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Hi, my name is Mike Gillespie & I'm fundraising to help support the Blue Zone communities in Nicoya Costa Rica. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. Nicoya, Costa Rica - And then there's Nicoya, where Ricardo and his family live, a notable exception to the rule that people in developing countries have shorter life spans than those in developed ones. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. The concept of Blue Zones came from a series of demographic and statistical projects led by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, but they were made famous worldwide by the research work of journalist Dan Buettner, along with a team from National Geographic and the publication of his book, The Blue Zones. Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging. 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. Specifically, the rural landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, where people have some of the longest lifespans in the world. 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. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. Poor communities are notorious for living in food deserts. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Rice and black beans, gallo pinto, served with eggs and tropical fruit. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. March 2nd, 2023. January 18, 2022 .