Coope San Juán
- Autor: Michelle Fernández
- Category: Rural Experiences
- 04/12/2024
In the Northern Zone of Costa Rica, specifically in Aguas Zarcas de San Carlos, one hour from the famous destination of La Fortuna, you can visit and learn about a rural community tourism project led 95% by women of the community.
Home in 2018 generated income for 64 families in the community, with ten families hosting people in their houses, which is suitable for them to enjoy a comfortable stay.
Its primary economic activity is agriculture, and its star crop is the planting of cassava, a process of which they offer a tour that consists of taking people to the cassava plantation and showing the curious process or way to get it out of the ground, which is with strength and technique and makes it fun. Several recipes can be prepared with this delicious crop. Still, the favorite for the cooking classes they offer is the “Enyucados,” which is a very traditional food.
The yucca is cooked and left soft so that it can be manipulated and made into little balls with a filling of choice, either meat or cheese, perfect to accompany a cup of coffee.
Surviving in the forest is another activity you can enjoy with a local guide. This is a nature adventure where you can learn various survival techniques, from using forest proteins like insects to camouflage techniques.
The community does not have a hotel or rural lodge. Still, it offers homestays where people can have an authentic experience of living with other people, all the essence of a Costa Rican home with traditions: the nature around and the day-to-day life of the people of a small community.
Coope San Juan offers the opportunity to experience a bit of rurality close to very touristy places like La Fortuna. Thus, it is straightforward to combine relaxation, for example, with the hot springs in Arenal, and experience Authentic Costa Rica simultaneously.
