Hidden in the Andean slopes of Ecuador lies the small village of Vilcabamba, nicknamed the “Valley of Longevity.” Originally a haven where Incan rulers retreated for rest and rejuvenation, it’s also been called the “Playground of the Incas.” Some people, bewildered by the mystery behind the long lives of its residents, have even called it “Shangri La.”
Are these aliases accurate? It’s hard to say. Scientists from all over the world have studied the people of Vilcabamba Ecuador for decades, since their longevity first gained international attention in the 1970’s. Many of “The Old Ones,” as the town’s elders are called, declared themselves to be over 100 years old, with some even claiming to have reached the age of 120.
Years of research have been inconclusive as to the reason for the long lives of the people of Vilcabamba. In fact, some fallacies have even been revealed, which indicate that the people might not even be as old as they claim to be (and with no birth certificates or other written records, the truth is difficult to ascertain).
However, one fact is most certainly true. While the people of Vilcabamba may not live LONGER than others around the world, they are most certainly living BETTER. Instances of diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses are drastically lower, if not non-existent. While there’s much speculation about the reasons for the health of the residents of Vilcabamba, these are the most commonly cited.
Will McElwain
1. They enjoy a pleasantly mild climate year-round.
Vilcabamba Ecuador lies just south of the Equator. But, at an elevation averaging around 5,000 feet, its temperature is quite mild. Lows rarely dip below 65 degrees, and highs only reach a maximum of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is a wet season from October to May and a dry season, which runs from June to September. However, rivers that run into the valley from the surrounding mountains keep it green during those months as well.
The air in Vilcabamba is clean and pure. There’s one cell phone tower, so electromagnetic pollution is kept to a minimum. There are also no airplanes that fly over the peaceful valley, eliminating any chemtrail residue from the area.
Johan Christian
2. The water is clean and packed with minerals.
Of all the factors contributing to the well-being of the residents of Vilcabamba, few have been studied as much as its water supply, which scientists have declared to be the purest and healthiest in the world. Here’s a little hydrology lesson that explains why.
Vilcabamba is surrounded by the Podocarpus National Park, which is made up of untouched rainforests and claims to have microorganisms that predate the Ice Age. Among the park’s highest peaks lies a tundra with 14 lakes which hold water that melted from uncontaminated glacier ice. This “glacial milk,” as it’s called, contains metallic colloidal minerals.
During the rainy season, these lakes overflow and flood the tundra. The waters are filtered by the lush, untouched grasses and vegetation that make up the tundra. They then flow into pools and hundreds of waterfalls that cascade down from the mountains, giving the water a beneficially high negative ion count.
Once it reaches the valley, the water is collected and consumed by the residents of Vilcabamba. No preservatives or other chemicals are added. It doesn’t get any more natural than that.
Feona
3. They eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and not much else.
We mentioned the rivers that flow into Vilcabamba, providing water even for the dry season. The year-round availability of pure water allows the town’s growing season to span pretty much the entire year. When leaving the tundra, the water also carries with it humus, an organic matter than serves as nutrients for the plants that are grown in the village. As a result, the area’s produce has some of the highest antioxidant content in the world.
Keep in mind that Vilcabamba was almost completely unknown to the world until a few decades ago. In fact, until the 1960’s, there wasn’t even a road that led into the valley. As a result, the area has been protected from “civilization” and a lot of its vices. Chemical additives have never been a part of the area’s farming. And, until recently, no packaged or prepared foods could be found on its grocery store shelves.
Residents of Vilcabamba have traditionally enjoyed a diet of fresh produce, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. They eat little fat and almost no animal products.
Carlos Adampol Galindo
4. They lead active, hard-working lifestyles.
The people of Vilcabamba don’t exercise. They don’t have to. Almost all of the area’s residents are farmers. And the often rugged terrain requires them to hike up the slopes to pick fruits and till the soil on sloping hillsides.
They lead simple lives and have very little stress. The elderly are treated with great respect, and it’s considered an honor to have reached old age.
When you lay it all out there, it’s a simple formula really. Keep things natural and simple. Put good in, get good out. Work hard. Play hard. And respect your elders. These are the things that have drawn decades of expats to Vilcabamba. But unfortunately many have brought their old habits with them.
Stores now stock many packaged and processed foods. Drug and alcohol abuse are at an all time high among natives, and obesity has found its way onto the town’s short list of medical concerns. The locals welcome foreigners and even some of their advancements, but many hope more of them will start to help keep this little-known paradise closer to the way they found it.
In the turquoise Caribbean waters of Panama, Bocas del Toro is a hotspot among travelers all over the world. World-class surfing, diving, snorkeling, jungle hiking, incredible wildlife, and stunning beaches make it the most popular vacation destination in all of Panama.
Rita Willaer
Many expats have chosen to call Bocas del Toro home, opening gourmet grocery stores, international restaurants, and beachfront lodges. A huge appeal of these islands is the fact that many businesses are built on docks overlooking the gorgeous Caribbean sea.
Each island has its own unique vibe and landscape, offering visitors and transplants a great deal of diversity. So which island is best for you? Read on to find out.
Isla Colon
The main island in Bocas del Toro is where most businesses, restaurants, and lodging have been developed. The airport with connecting flights to Panama City is here as well as the boat dock that takes passengers to the mainland in Panama.
Bocas Town
The only “town” in Bocas del Toro is on Isla Colon called Bocas Town. This is the main port where water taxis depart to other islands and the mainland. All of the grocery stores in Bocas del Toro are located in Bocas Town along with the bank and ATMs, post office, and most bars and restaurants. While this is the most bustling area of Bocas it maintains the vibe of a charming small Caribbean town.
In the day dive shops arrange tours on the main strip, travelers wander the streets, expats shop in the markets, and tourists dine at restaurants built on docks. At night Bocas Town can get pretty crazy with a party every night of the week and plenty of happy hours.
For this reason, Bocas del Toro has earned itself the reputation of being a party town. While many of the twenty-something backpackers who come to Bocas are here for the party, Isla Colon has so much more to offer.
Those seeking peace and quiet will do better on some of the smaller islands or outside of town. However for convenience and walkability Bocas Town is the most ideal place in Bocas del Toro to post up. Many locals live in and around Bocas Town.
Bluff Beach
Along the coast a few miles from town is Bluff Beach with huge waves for advanced surfers and miles of golden sand. There are a few homes, lodges, and restaurants up here, but generally it’s quite remote.
This is a great spot for those looking for peace and quiet or excellent surfing. It’s particularly suited to those who have cars, ATVs, or motorbikes as it’s a great place to get away from the main town without taking a water taxi to get around.
Starfish Beach
On the other side of the island is one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama: Starfish Beach in Boca del Drago. The golden sand is wilderness-backed and the perfect calm turquoise water is covered in starfish. The beach can get touristy but if you stay on the outskirts you may have a patch entirely to yourself. There are a few houses and lodges in this area, but it’s more geared towards tourists than expats.
Isla Carenero
Chris Goldberg
A short one dollar taxi ride from Bocas Town is Isla Carenero. With no cars and land overcome by mangrove forest, it’s a different world. Homes, vacation rentals, and hotels sit on the beach in front of the ocean or on a dock over the sea. Most come with their own private dock with hammocks. Many locals also live on this island.
There are several restaurants and bars on the island, the most famous being Bibi’s on the Beach for fresh seafood. No ATMs or grocery stores are on the island, but Bocas Town is a few minutes away and water taxis run until the wee hours.
Some of the best surfing in all of Bocas del Toro can be found on Isla Carenero. Carenero Point has the longest left break in all of the islands and when conditions are good the tubes are perfect. Stand up paddleboarding is also popular on this island; the protection from other islands give it glassy water in addition to big surf breaks. Local spots like Bibi’s and Gran Kahuna Hostel rent boards.
The island is sleepy and relaxed with the exception of popular nightclub and hostel Aqua Lounge which hosts parties on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Those looking to steer clear should be sure to stay at least a couple of blocks down where the ocean drowns out any of the noise.
Isla Solarte
A. Vision
This remote island across from Isla Carenero on the way to Isla Bastimentos is one of the best places to see marine and wildlife in Bocas del Toro. There are plenty of dive sites and mangroves to explore with dolphins, eels, lionfish, and beautiful coral. The island itself is very sparse but there are a few homes and eco lodges.
Isla Bastimentos
Magalie Labbe
Isla Bastimentos is the island for those who truly want a jungle immersion experience. The national park covers most of the island with lots of trails for spotting all kinds of wildlife including the ubiquitous poison dart frog. Boat rides can take tours through the Marine Wildlife Park to the stunning Salt Creek spotting caimans, sloths, monkeys, and more.
The only town, Old Bank, is a small strip of a few restaurants and a couple hundred indigenous Caribbean inhabitants. Lodging and restaurants are sparsely spread around the island including eco lodges, hotels, and budget backpacker hostels. Places close down early, during the rainy season many roads turn to mud, and water taxis to town stop running before dark so it’s important to plan ahead.
The island is also famous for its surfing. Wizard Beach and Red Frog beach are some of the most popular surf spots in all of Bocas.
Which Bocas Del Toro Island Will Be Your Favorite?
Bocas del Toro is filled with many more wonderful places to explore including Swan’s Key, Dolphin’s Key, and Caye Zapatillos. If you decide to spend some time in or even relocate to Bocas del Toro you can enjoy all that the many islands have to offer, regardless of where you base yourself.