Nicoya Guanacaste
The word Nicoya, derives from a Nahuatl word meaning "country with water on both sides." It is the oldest city in Costa Rica, and is still considered the colonial city of Guanacaste Province. 123 meters above sea level, Nicoya has experienced a remarkable development in recent years.
Nicoya has all of facilities and services, is one of the major tourist areas of Costa Rica. It serves as a supply center and transportation hub to Guanacaste's beaches and national parks.
The city was built in a colonial style, in the Cordillera Volcánica de Guanacaste. Agriculture and livestock form the backbone of the city's economy.
In early 2006, a group of researchers led by Dan Buettner adventure writer, and supported by National Geographic Magazine, the National Institute for Aging and Allianz Healthcare, Nicoya was designated as Blue Zone. This designation is granted to global regions that are characterized by the longest life expectancies. Among the ideal Nicoyan lifestyle characteristics cited by the research were the water’s high calcium content, intense daily physical activity, year-long fruit consumption, and close inter-generational relationships.
Life and Colors from Nicoya Guanacaste
Travel books reference, chapter: Nicoya Guanacaste
