Santa Juana Community-Based Rural Tourism Program

A Unique Adventure Experience: Rural Hospitality

Santa Juanas biodiversity was under threat from a variety of human-related factors, including illegal logging and poaching, unsustainable methods of farming and fishing, the spread of the agricultural frontier, and pollution.

With little access to infrastructure and markets, local communities often engage in the activities listed above as a matter of survival. However, these activities have devastating effects on ecosystems; the decline in local populations of wild animals is increasing and dramatic. With no other options, even communities that are aware of the importance of their surroundings ecosystems may not have other options for food or earning income. For this reason, ecotourism is an important tool for providing the basic human needs without destroying the local environment.

Once a dormant community, Santa Juana is now a vibrant little town.  The community was disappearing, young people were migrating looking for economic opportunities and the school barely had any students.   That is no longer the case. 

The creation of the Santa Juana Rural Tourism Program is now changing everything.   We are amazed at the incredible response so far to the new Santa Juana Lodge, represented by Greentqiue Hotels and operated by members of the local community of Santa Juana. So far we have hosted travel agents and customers from around the world at the lodge and Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour. Their comments through forums, including Trip Advisor, convey the enjoyment and authenticity of rural hospitality, truly connecting with and about the rural culture of Costa Rica. Known as a popular vacation destination, Costa Rica offers its visitors both natural beauty and cultural experiences, and now the lodge of Santa Juana can participate and generate more awareness to support our conservation programs and employment opportunities.

The rural mountain vacation is a window back in time, off the beaten path for the true adventurist…including specialized groups.  It’s an enlightening travel experience that also benefits Greentique Hotels Carbon Offset initiatives, offering Tree Adoption Certificates to all our guests. So for travelers interested in nature in a serene and authentic farm village setting, without the external distractions of mass tourism, we offer the ideal balance of comfort in harmony with nature, and the good nature of your hosts. It means enhancing the guest immersion into the people and rural culture discovering reasons for the “Pura Vida” positive attitude of Ticos. Guest reviews highlight the traditional meals, prepared with local ingredients and family recipes, served in the rancho El Mirador, overlooking the panoramic Pacific coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park…describing it all as, ” heaven on earth”!

We look forward to sharing more of our programs of exceptional Costa Rica experiences while respecting the very nature we are committed to help protect and enhancing with the community while still respecting the way of life of Santa Juana, Costa Rica.

Scarlett Macaw’s (Lapas) Permits Almost Ready!!

What was originally supposed to take 3 to 4 weeks for the pending Scarlet Macaw Release Program approval has finally passed through the red tape of MINAE, our Ministry of Natural Resources. This will enable the volunteer Committee de las Lapas de Santa Juana to participate in a Ninety-Day Release Program for the first 10 young Scarlet Macaws (Lapas). This is the first phase of the re-introduction of this endangered species back into the region where they once flourished. We managed to donate a small parcel for the project and construction materials and labor for specially designed “release” cage. Also an experienced Veterinarian will work for a discounted fee for her monthly visits. What was not anticipated is the news from the University of Costa Rica that they can’t provide the particular blood tests required to receive the Macaws. Unfortunately the community is not prepared to now pay for blood tests available in Miami for $1200!

The first action last week was with Jet Set Vacations, inviting their client’s to make a donation of $5 per passenger to their Santa Juana visit. We also wanted to share this report with you, the donors of Global Giving, to see if there was interest to support this conservation project with the community of Santa Juana for the re-introduction of the first 10 Scarlet Macaws.

We know your support will help make a difference for an important community project in sustainable tourism.

Gracias,

Jim Damalas

Santa Juana, Costa Rica