The idea of living to 100 while staying vibrant and healthy can seem almost like a fantasy. Yet in a few remarkable regions across the globe, this is an everyday reality. These places are known as Blue Zones - areas where people consistently enjoy longer, healthier lives thanks to unique lifestyle habits and strong community ties.
Interest in these longevity hotspots has surged, particularly after the release of the Netflix docuseries “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. One standout location featured is nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, where pristine coastlines, lush jungles, and mountain villages provide the backdrop for extraordinary well-being. It’s a region now drawing the attention of wellness seekers, researchers, and travelers alike for both its health insights and natural beauty.
World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the deep connection between personal well-being and the health of our planet. There’s no better place to experience this harmony than Costa Rica, where lush landscapes, thriving ecosystems, and a culture rooted in sustainability come together to support both environmental stewardship and vibrant, healthy living.
And for those eager to explore it all in comfort and style, luxury Costa Rica tours offer an immersive way to experience the Blue Zone lifestyle, from guided hikes and nature encounters to cultural experiences that reflect the country's deep-rooted harmony between people and the planet.
A Blue Zone is a term coined by author and researcher Dan Buettner, who partnered with National Geographic to identify regions with the highest concentration of centenarians -people living to 100 years and beyond. These areas share common lifestyle traits that contribute to longevity, including:
There are five officially recognized Blue Zones around the world: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (California), and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
Located along the northwestern Pacific coast, the Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of Costa Rica’s most striking landscapes and some of its most remarkable citizens. In Nicoya, reaching the age of 90 or 100 isn’t rare. It’s almost expected.
So, what’s the secret?
It turns out the longevity of Nicoya’s residents is not based on expensive supplements or strict gym regimens. Instead, it’s rooted in a lifestyle deeply connected to the land and community. Residents eat locally grown food (including beans, corn, squash, and tropical fruits), live active lives through gardening and walking, maintain close-knit families, and start each day with a strong sense of purpose - what they call plan de vida.
Their access to natural resources, clean water from calcium-rich aquifers, and a low-stress lifestyle all contribute to their extended years. Combined, these factors form a template that researchers around the world study to better understand human health and longevity.
While human health is at the heart of the Blue Zone conversation, Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental health is equally impressive. This small Central American country is a global leader in sustainability, conservation, and ecological awareness.
It’s worth noting that:
In places like Nicoya and other rural regions, the environment isn’t just a backdrop - it’s a central part of life. Locals grow their own food, collect herbs for natural remedies, and live with an intimate understanding of the seasons, the land, and the wildlife around them.
Costa Rica’s vibrant biodiversity contributes more than just beauty. Studies increasingly show that spending time in nature enhances mental health, reduces stress, and even lowers blood pressure. It’s no wonder that locals in Nicoya live long lives—they are surrounded daily by natural beauty, fresh air, and rich ecosystems.
In the jungles, rainforests, and along the coasts, you might encounter:
Guided nature tours and eco-lodges across the Nicoya Peninsula offer both residents and visitors the chance to explore this living laboratory. Whether you’re hiking through Rincón de la Vieja National Park, bird-watching near Palo Verde, or surfing off Playa Guiones, nature becomes an immersive, therapeutic part of the experience.
It’s not just the residents who benefit from Costa Rica’s longevity lifestyle. Wellness seekers from around the world travel here to tap into its healing energy through:
Places like Villa Buena Onda, a luxury retreat located a few hours from Nicoya, offer customizable wellness experiences that blend relaxation, movement, and gourmet health-conscious dining all while being immersed in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
As more people around the globe struggle with stress, burnout, and chronic health issues, the Nicoya Peninsula offers a different path - one rooted in simplicity, connection, and ecological harmony. Costa Rica reminds us that human and environmental health are interconnected. Protecting the Earth supports our own well-being, and nurturing community and nature might just be the ultimate prescription for a longer, happier life.
The story of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone isn’t just about longevity - it’s about living well. It teaches us that slowing down, eating whole foods, moving naturally, valuing relationships, and staying close to nature can dramatically improve the quality and quantity of our lives.
Whether you're exploring the jungles with monkeys overhead, soaking in a natural hot spring, or simply breathing deeply during a beachside yoga session, Costa Rica offers a glimpse into what’s possible when people and the planet live in balance.
If you're seeking your own reset, whether for health, peace of mind, or spiritual rejuvenation, perhaps it's time to visit the Blue Zone yourself. And who knows? You might just come back with a few new habits… and a much longer plan de vida.
