Vilcabamba, Ecuador -- Home of the "Most Centenarians in the World": Interesting & Unusual Travel Destinations #8
by www.SixWise.com
Often referred to as the "Valley of Longevity,"
Vilcabamba, Ecuador lives up to its name, at least as far
as tourists and locals are concerned. For over 50 years, tourists
have been traveling to the remote Andes village to experience
this real-life fountain of youth, said to be one of the homes
of the most centenarians (people who live to be 100 years
and older) in the world.
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Vilcabamba, Ecuador is said to be one of only five
"longevity centers" in the world.
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While many of the claims -- some assert that residents may
live to be over 120 years old -- are anecdotal, there was
a scientific study conducted decades ago that found close
to 15 percent of Vilcabamba residents lived past 60 years,
compared with only 4.5 percent in the rest of the country.
Locals, however, say it's common for residents to live to
be 100 years and up.
What's the secret to the residents' longevity? The temperate
climate (Vilcabamba is 65 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round),
clean air, a hard-working lifestyle, mineral-rich-water and
food, and a low-calorie, healthy diet have all been credited.
Relaxation and Nature
Vilcabamba is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is
almost as famous for its serene atmosphere as it is for its
centenarians. When visiting the village, travelers have a
choice of many cafés, small hotels, and restaurants
to frequent, many opened by foreigners who loved the area
so much they decided to stay.
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The river in Vilcabamba is rich in minerals that are
said to contribute to the native residents' long lives.
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Sometimes described as a "hippy" town, Vilcabamba's
longevity secrets have spawned a popular health-based tourism
trade, which means many hotels offer massage, facials and
other spa treatments, and health food stores are not hard
to come by.
The sub-tropical location is also often described as one
of the most beautiful botanical areas in the world, offering
many opportunities for photographers, painters, biologists
and bird watchers alike. Those who like to stay active can
enjoy the area's stunning natural backdrop by walking on mountain
trails, hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Now's the Time to Visit Vilcabamba
Modernization may be taking its toll on this once-isolated
locale. While the village boasted 10 to 12 centenarians in
2000, the number dropped to five in 2006.
The reason, according to Dr. Wilson Pilco who's worked in
the town's health clinic for more than two decades, is a decline
in healthy conditions caused by increasing modernization.
"When I first came, people lived an extremely quiet,
conservative way of life. They went to bed early and ate only
what they produced, all natural with no pesticides or fertilizers.
Now those habits and tranquility have changed," Pilco
said. "Now, junk food has replaced the grains and the
discotheques the tranquility."
So for those looking to catch a glimpse of the true tranquility
of Vilcabamba, the best time to travel may be now.
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Sources
StarTribune.com
December 21, 2006
Ecquadors.org