The Nicoya Peninsula, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is one of the country’s regions richest in history and biodiversity. Its history dates back thousands of years, beginning with the Chorotega indigenous communities who arrived in the region from Mesoamerica. These early inhabitants established villages and developed an economy based on agriculture, fishing, and trade, taking advantage of the area’s resources. The Chorotega people, known for their skills in pottery and craftsmanship, maintained trade networks connecting the peninsula with other indigenous communities in what is now Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region and began the conquest of what is now Costa Rica. In 1522, Gil González Dávila was one of the first Spaniards to explore the peninsula and describe the indigenous communities in the area. The conquest brought a significant transformation to the social and economic structure of the region, as the colonizers introduced new agricultural and livestock practices and subjected the indigenous communities to forced labor. During the colonial era, Nicoya was administratively integrated into the Kingdom of Guatemala, part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

In 1821, after Central America gained independence from Spain, Nicoya found itself in an ambiguous situation. In 1824, regional leaders decided to annex the area to Costa Rica rather than Nicaragua, in an event known as the Annexation of the Nicoya Party. The decision to join Costa Rica was based on commercial, cultural, and affinity ties with nearby Guanacaste, as well as the political and economic stability Costa Rica offered compared to the turbulent environment in Nicaragua at that time.

Over the centuries, the Nicoya Peninsula experienced various economic and social changes. In the 19th century, livestock farming and agriculture remained important economic activities. However, during the 20th century, tourism began to gain prominence in the region. The peninsula became famous for its beaches and biodiversity, attracting national and international visitors. This boosted the development of tourism infrastructure and generated new sources of income for the local population.

Today, Nicoya is globally recognized as one of the five blue zones, regions where residents tend to live more than 100 years in good health. This phenomenon has generated growing interest in the region’s lifestyle and cultural practices, as well as its diet, characterized by fresh and local foods, and an outdoor life connected with nature.

In summary, the history of the Nicoya Peninsula is a blend of indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and modern development. The region’s cultural and natural wealth has made it a unique tourist destination and a global symbol of longevity and well-being.