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Communities preserving their culture |
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Rural communities are living cultures as diverse as the landscapes of Costa Rica. From the hot plains of Guanacaste to the lush beaches of the Caribbean, to in the high, cloud covered mountains of Macizo de la Muerte, you can find marked cultural differences, but always something in common: a warm and simple way of life, with lots of hospitality toward visitors. In San Antonio de Escazú, in the Central Valley, green mountains, sugar mills and oxcarts are part of the daily scene, but are threatened by urban expansion. Thanks to rural community tourism, and to the efforts of CODECE and El Encanto de la Piedra Blanca, cultural traditions and love tor the mountains are being strengthened.
 Now Don Torino proudly shows the traditional way of making tapa de dulce, the native brown sugar, and Don Pedro, the mask maker, has visitors dancing to the sound of a cimarrona (local brass band) while he shows how his huge paper mache puppets dance at traditional celebrations. At the same time, CODECE has promoted zoning laws to protect the mountains of Escazú, so that they can be used for outdoor recreation, and remain concrete-free. On the Caribbean side of the country, the indigenous community of Yorkin shares traditions that they have inherited from their ancestors. They show visitors how cacao is processed, from the fruit growing on the tree to the cup of hot chocolate. They show how palm leaves are woven to make thatch to cover their houses. They also share their native Bribri language and worldview.
In the Northern Zone, you can enjoy campesino life with Jazón and Vacaciones with Familias Campesinas. This way of traveling brings the visitor in touch with life in the countryside, where farming tasks combine with the beauty of the surroundings and a cultural legacy that has been kept alive. Community-based rural tourism doesn't package culture in postcard pictures or touristy shows. It offers the possibility of shared experience and direct contact with your hosts. The richness of this unique encounter will depend on your openness. Don't be surprised if your hosts ask you to share something about your culture and where you are from.
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Ecotourism and Nature 
