The relocation of labour to the Central Plateau promoted a Guanacastecan group to consolidate a tourism product based on local customs and traditions. Under this premise, the "Chorotega Route" was created in order to supply a market that seeks to complement their visit to the beach with natural or cultural activities.
Its solicitors are micro tourism operators formed by artisans, women's associations, local guides, shopkeepers and farmers of San Vicente, San Lazaro, Mata Redonda Nicoya Guaitil, Santa Barbara, Bolsón-Ortega, Matapalo, Playa Grande and Tamarindo.
They form part of this first phase that seeks to meet the challenges in a joint and integrated manner that will create a greater chance of success in this endeavour by offering a more diverse and attractive product.
Route Chorotega will integrate the main points that are still maintaining cultural customs and natural elements, such as Chorotegan ceramics and the Colonial temple of San Blas built in 1850. At a natural level the protected areas such as Palo Verde, Barra Honda, Las Baulas and Diria can be highlighted.
The project was to contribute to reversing the counterproductive pattern of tourism and real estate development that has been unleashed on the coast. In addition local people from various institutions and NGOs where involved.
"This is a rural tourism community effort through which we want to make the best of our culture, history and natural surroundings that this vast territory offers and which has impressed not only past conquerors and settlers, but oven today appeals to sophisticated travelers like Mel Gibson, Bill Gates, Michael Jordan and the Prince of Saudi Arabia, "said Clara Padilla entrepreneur linked to this initiative.
However, she considers as priority the participation of institutions which contribute to the training of small entrepreneurs to improve their offer, as well as access to credit to continue to promote such initiatives.
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