Did you know Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s few “Blue Zones” where people regularly live beyond 100, full of joy and vitality?

What Is a Blue Zone?

Blue Zones are rare regions across the globe where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. From Okinawa in Japan to Sardinia in Italy and right here in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, researchers have found the secrets to longevity woven into daily habits.

The Secrets of Longevity in Nicoya

1. A Simple, Plant-Based Diet

Corn tortillas, black beans, squash and tropical fruits form the base of the Nicoyan table. Fresh, natural and packed with nutrients.

2. An Active Daily Life

Forget gyms. In Nicoya, movement is natural: farming, walking uphill roads, tending gardens. It is not “exercise”, it is a way of life.

3. Strong Social and Family Bonds

Here, family and community come first. Elders live surrounded by loved ones, respected as wisdom keepers. A support system that nurtures emotional health.

4. Daily Connection with Nature

Morning sun, ocean breeze, fertile land. Nature is not a luxury here, it is the background of every moment, reducing stress and bringing balance.

5. A “Less Is More” Mindset

Life in Nicoya is beautifully simple. There is less dependence on technology, processed food or consumerism. There is more time for connection, meaning and joy.

What Travelers Can Learn

For travelers seeking more than a vacation, the Blue Zone offers inspiration:

• Wellness retreats rooted in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

• Slow travel itineraries that encourage staying longer and connecting deeper.

• Farm-to-table dining experiences to rediscover food as nourishment, not just indulgence.

• Cultural immersion with cooking classes, local crafts, and community living.