Life in the Blue Zone: Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
by Liana Johnson
Who doesn’t hope to live a long, healthy, happy life? Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, home of Nosara, is fortunate to be one of only five Blue Zones in the world. A Blue Zone is an area where residents enjoy an extraordinarily long, healthy lifespan. Residents of these unique locales often live to be over 100 years of age. Maybe there’s more to the Pura Vida lifestyle than we thought!
Blue Zones of the World: Icaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in California, USA, and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica
Not only is the Nicoya Peninsula the only Blue Zone in Latin America, it is the largest in the world. In hopes of learning the secrets of these long lived elders, experts are actively researching what these areas have in common that support such incredibly long and healthy lives. While thousands of kilometers apart, these unique areas have specific characteristics of the lifestyles that contribute to their unique longevity.
BLUE ZONE TIP #1: SLOW DOWN
If you are lucky enough to spend some time in this area of Costa Rica, it is pretty easy to see that there is a slower pace of life compared to the increasingly fast paced world. Don’t get me wrong, hard work seems to be a constant throughout the culture. But there is a sense of “if it doesn’t get done today, relax because it will still be there mañana”. Time designated to rest is taken seriously - lunch breaks, afternoon siestas, and Sundays are meant to put the work aside and recharge your batteries.
BLUE ZONE TIP #2: FIND YOUR TRIBE
Connection to family and community is another important commonality among all Blue Zone cultures. Family comes first and multiple generations of families generally live with or near one another, spend time together, learn from and help each other. It is typical that children walk to school together, play outside together, and generally know and care for their neighbors. Multiple generations unplug from digital distractions and enjoy each others’ company.
BLUE ZONE TIP #3: CONNECT WITH MOTHER NATURE
The natural setting of Costa Rica in particular is phenomenal! Locals enjoy a profound connection to nature that is increasingly rare throughout the world. We are surrounded by beautiful scenery and aren’t scared to get dirty, feel the sand in our toes, and dive into the salty blue ocean or the sweet water of the nearby river. Many people work outside and are lucky enough to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine daily. Leisure time is often spent surfing, swimming, hiking, fishing, and horse-back riding.
BLUE ZONE TIP #4: EAT LOCAL
One of my personal favorite aspects of the culture here is the abundant amounts of fresh, local foods. Trees are teaming with ripe, exotic fruits and local farm stands sell seasonal produce on nearly every corner. Iced coconuts, “pipas”, are readily available and will quench any thirst. Typically, recipes using fresh, whole foods are passed down from one generation to the next and the food is prepared slowly with much intention and love. When it’s time to eat, there aren’t many distractions and time to enjoy the meal is taken seriously. Multiple generations share the same dinner table. Guanacaste restaurants mirror the local culture in their cuisine options and unhurried ambiance.
Like most things, quality of life should be valued more than mere quantity. Fortunately, a quality life typically leads to a longer life. Here on the Nicoya Peninsula, we have it all! You are welcome to join us. Slow down. Dive into the local culture. Enjoy the local produce and dishes. Take time to watch the sunsets. Let the Pure Vida lifestyle become a part of you. Whether you join us for a vacation or longer, keep a bit of our special lifestyle with you.
Written by:
Liana Johnson