The small rural community of Juanilama is located in the Northern Plains of Costa Rica. The close-knit community of Juanilama has traditionally made their living from the land through agriculture and dairy farming. With nearby La Leona reserve, the people serve as gatekeepers and protectors of this green gem of rainforest harboring wildlife, medicinal plants, and majestic waterfalls.

The Key Need

With Costa Rica’s rise in tourism came a shift in support for traditional industries like farming. The government turned its back on those who has supported the country and its people for generations in favor of foreign investors with visions of all inclusive hotels and brand new marinas that would accommodate visiting cruise ships. This movement forced many farmers to abandon their life’s work along with their lifestyle and culture, while others remained steadfast despite little hope of passing something sustainable on to future generations.

Making an Impact

Committed to preserving cultural traditions and conserving the land that they prize, the people of Juanilama refused to be left behind. In response they established a self-run rural tourism initiative. While the program brings in some supplemental income for the community, any visitor will quickly see that it’s not so much about the money, but rather facilitating a truly authentic experience for their guests and sharing their love for their beloved Costa Rica. Perhaps most importantly their efforts offer hope and inspiration for the generations to follow, paving a way for tradition to be valued and preserved in an economically sustainable way. 

The community offers a two day stay in the various homes of community members and features a hands-on approach to learning where you’ll be encouraged to experience everything with as many senses as you can like touching gigantic, thick leaves that are known as the “poor man’s umbrella”, smelling the bark of the cinnamon tree, and tasting herbs.

The women of the community come together to teach several cooking classes, demonstrating how to make tortillas, cook plantains, and assemble a delicious sugary coconut dessert. Other activities including learning how to milk a cow and make fresh cheese, hiking through La Leona Reserve to observe wildlife, and swimming in an amazing waterfall. Perhaps most important to this experience is the exchange of stories; an opportunity to learn about the lives, families, hobbies, and beliefs held by members in the community.