Nicoya, commonly regarded as the Costa Rica Blue Zone, is one of the country’s most significant areas. It is widely known for longevity and wellness, and the inhabitants of Guanacaste lead a completely different life than the one we are familiar with. This place has versatile features and unique treasures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
If you are looking for an adventure in Costa Rica, learning about the Blue Zone concept is a must. Here, we have included everything you need to know about Guanacaste and the Blue Zone experience in Costa Rica. Once you read about it, you will know whether this place is worth visiting!
What Are Blue Zones?
To begin with, the concept of Blue Zones began with demographic and statistical studies by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain. However, journalist Dan Buettner and a team from National Geographic made these zones famous worldwide through their research and Buettner’s book, The Blue Zones.
The Blue Zones refer to places where the lifestyle is completely different from what we have seen before. Specifically, it is a lifestyle that promotes wellness, longevity, and healthy life. People in these zones do not use cars frequently, prefer plants to meat, and prioritize family. More precisely, the inhabitants of Blue Zones are known for sharing healthy habits and living long lives.
To be considered a blue zone, a place typically needs to have a significant number of centenarians (people who live over 100 years) in proportion to the general population. This can vary depending on the area’s total population, but the goal is to have a much higher percentage of elderly people compared to the global average.
A study conducted in 2013 by Dr. Luis Rosero-Bixby, a demographer from the University of Costa Rica, found that Nicoya had a proportion of centenarians approximately 3 to 4 times higher than the global average. According to more recent data, it is estimated that there are around 50 to 100 centenarians in the Nicoya Peninsula.
The Costa Rica Blue Zone is located on the Nicoya peninsula, which is known for its stunning landscapes, tourist spots, and conservation areas. Most notably, it is renowned for the tales shared by its elderly residents, who surpass Costa Rica’s life expectancy and remain sharp, active, and in good health, enjoying long, fulfilling lives. Although studies have focused on Nicoya due to the concentration of centenarians, many also live in rural areas throughout Guanacaste. These areas of Guanacaste Province provide an unparalleled experience for travelers who want to see a place’s authentic features!
Experiencing The Lifestyle of The Blue Zones
If you want to really see what life in the Costa Rica Blue Zone stands for, you should explore the areas where you can have unforgettable experiences. The Guanacaste Province is an ideal region for unique activities and splendid tours that will bring you rich knowledge about the inhabitants of the Blue Zones.
Here, we have highlighted some things you should know about these zones and which places are worth visiting to make the most out of your Blue Zone experience in Costa Rica!
Main Tourist Destinations of The Blue Zone Map
To see the authentic lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Blue Zones, you should consider visiting the main areas where it is vividly depicted. We have included a few amazing suggestions found in Nicoya, Costa Rica.
- Barra Honda
Barra Honda is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its extensive network of limestone caves, Barra Honda National Park offers unique spelunking experiences that reveal stunning underground formations. Above ground, the park’s lush forests and panoramic views provide excellent hiking opportunities and wildlife spotting. Whether exploring the depths of the caves or enjoying the scenic trails, Barra Honda promises an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path.
- Nosara
Playa Nosara is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility, this pristine beach is renowned for its world-class surfing, serene yoga retreats, and vibrant wildlife. The lush surroundings of Playa Nosara offer a haven for nature lovers.
- Montezuma
Despite being part of Puntarenas province due to the territorial organization in Costa Rica, Montezuma is a small bohemian town within the Nicoya Peninsula you will surely fall in love with! It is home to many yoga retreats and places for healthy and delightful food. While it does not have long coastlines and large beaches suitable for surfing, the area has plenty of natural treasures that cannot be seen elsewhere. Finally, you should not miss out on the Montezuma Waterfalls and the several majestic rivers in the surroundings!
Things to Do in The Blue Zone Areas
When exploring the small towns of the Costa Rica Blue Zone, you should sign up for some activities that will let you remember your adventure uniquely. We have included several suggestions you may like.
- Surf
Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Guanacaste. If you are a surfing enthusiast, you should not miss out on the chance to take advantage of the majestic beaches of Costa Rica. There are also plenty of surf camps and schools, meaning you can try something new during your trip.
- Wildlife Watching
The Blue Zones are also popular for their diverse and rare wildlife. If you want to see unique creatures, consider signing up for distinguished tours such as bird or whale watching. In any case, ensure you always have a local guide with you because the surroundings can be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with them.
- Yoga
Improve your core strength, enhance your balance, and master the pop-up technique through regular yoga sessions. The towns of Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Montezuma are highly popular for their yoga retreats. That said, visiting some of them can be useful if you want to focus your trip on wellness and well-being!
Making the most of your Costa Rica trip requires getting to know the marvelous Blue Zones of the country. These places have much to offer and will bring you a remarkable experience! Allow yourself to enjoy the beauty of the Costa Rica Blue Zone that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world!
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