Guanacaste · Land of longevity

Live longer, live better

The world-famous blue zone was born on the Nicoya Peninsula, but its roots are Guanacastecan: corn, mineral-rich water, outdoor work, family and faith. Magna Montenegro brings that way of life to Bagaces.

7×

higher chance of reaching 100 for a 60-year-old Nicoyan man vs. a Japanese man

+2.2

years of life expectancy at 60 vs. Japan

−35%

cardiovascular mortality among older Nicoyan men

≈43

centenarians in the blue zone (UCR, 2022)

One province, one culture of long life

The scientifically defined blue zone covers five Guanacaste cantons: Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Carrillo, Hojancha and Nandayure. The habits behind it are shared across the province, from the savanna lowlands to Bagaces and Liberia.

Scientific blue zoneGuanacaste · same culture

Nicoya

Santa Cruz

Carrillo

Hojancha

Nandayure

Bagaces · Magna

Liberia

Cañas

Tilarán

Abangares

La Cruz

Centenarian faces of Guanacaste

110

Francisca “Panchita” Castillo

110 years · Mansión de Nicoya

She met her seventh generation. Every day she drank her hot corn drink; “it's just a matter of rocking them with love,” she said.

106

José Guevara Pizarro

106 years · Guanacaste

Portrayed by La Voz de Guanacaste: a life of farm work, routine and simplicity.

102

María Dimas Sequeira

102 years · Polvazal, Nicoya

16 children, travelled by horse and boat to sell grain; started farm chores at 3 a.m.

103

Dora Amparo Bustos Duarte

103 years · San Blas de Sardinal, Carrillo

Part of UCR studies: centenarians show better health than their children and grandchildren.

Guanacaste's secrets to a longer life

Calcium-rich water

“Hard” water flowing from the hills: stronger bones and muscles.

Corn, beans, little salt

Corn tortillas, beans and natural fruit drinks.

Big breakfast, light dinner

The largest meal in the morning, lighter as the day goes on.

Daily work and movement

Farm, horse, bicycle: simple physical activity every day.

Family and community

Several generations together and neighbors who care.

Faith and no vices

Purpose, joy and a calm, simple life.

How Magna builds in longevity

◆Magna 和 Community: retirement & longevity with a medical center
◆Magna Sora: wellness park, trails and lakes
◆Gardens and cuisine based on corn and local produce
◆Walkable cobblestone streets and neighborhood life

Data from the public sources cited. The longevity advantage has been documented mainly in generations born before 1930; science keeps studying it. Not a health promise.

Sources