12/07/2026
119 YEARS OF PURA VIDA!
Costa Rica is famous for volcanoes, beaches, wildlife and the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, but today the biggest attraction may be one extraordinary Guanacaste gentleman.
Don José Flores Flores reportedly celebrated his 119th birthday on July 11. Born in Cañas in 1907, he is recognized as Costa Rica’s oldest living citizen, while his family works to have his remarkable age officially validated internationally.
And what is Don José’s secret?
He spent his life working in agriculture, remained active, stayed close to family and community, and ate simple traditional foods such as rice, beans, tortillas, cheese, milk and vegetables. He eats little meat, enjoys boxing and movies, plays dominoes, and apparently still wins often.
He also normally goes to bed around 7:00 p.m.
So perhaps the real Costa Rican longevity plan is:
Eat your rice and beans.
Keep moving.
Stay close to family.
Have a purpose.
Play dominoes.
And go to bed before Facebook has time to start an argument. 😄
Don José has reportedly survived COVID twice, lived through enormous changes in Costa Rica, raised a family of 16 children, and voted again at age 118.
His age has not yet been independently confirmed as the world record, but his life is already something worth celebrating.
The Nicoya Peninsula is known around the world as one of the famous Blue Zone regions associated with longevity, strong communities, natural movement and a simpler rhythm of life. Don José’s story is another beautiful reminder that Costa Rica offers more than scenery. It offers lessons about how life can be lived.
Come experience Costa Rica slowly. Enjoy the fresh food, walk through the gardens, talk with local people, drink the coffee, breathe deeply and remember that pura vida is not simply something Costa Ricans say. It is a way of looking at life.
And no, we cannot guarantee that visiting Costa Rica will help you reach 119.
But after a few peaceful days here, you may decide that staying longer is worth a try. 🇨🇷🌿
