Juanilama Community
- Autor: Michelle Fernández
- Category: Rural Experiences
- 08/05/2025
Juanilama is a community located 7 kilometers from Santa Rosa de Pocosol in San Carlos. Being so close to an area of great tourist affluence, such as La Fortuna, gives the option of combining conventional tourism adventures with the authentic experiences of a rural community, where you can get to know Costa Rica, full of tradition and a family atmosphere.
The interesting thing about the community is that within the same destination is the part of the trail in the forest and the part of sharing with the families that make up the Rural Community Tourism project in Juanilama, which come together with the sole purpose of providing people with an experience full of kindness, a family atmosphere and delicious traditional food. The offer includes the hike through the reserve, a tour of the organic farm, a soap workshop, handicrafts, cooking classes, a milking tour, and lodging in family homes where the essence of the traditions of the country is present in every adventure because everything is taught by the same people of the community, primarily women who are organized and accompany people creating a healthy and friendly atmosphere.
This fascinating place has a reserve which has a primary forest of approximately 25 hectares, which are protected by the people of the community that since the beginning of the project it was made clear that this would be the priority to maintain the scenic beauty of the place and to show the people who visit a piece of natural paradise. Within the place, there is a beautiful waterfall, the trails have ideal humidity characteristics, and it is a refuge of abundant trees and fauna. This 2 km and a duration of approximately 1 hour promises a unique and unforgettable experience for people who love hiking.
On the other hand, there is the production of 100% organic products. At the same time, they prepare their own fertilizers, which they observe and taste, in their case, pineapple, cocoa, coffee, achiote, Chicano potato and medicinal plants, among others. They participate in the cassava tour in which the whole process is explained and they have the opportunity to plant and harvest the cassava in the plantations, which makes it dynamic and fun. Once you have the cassava, you will have a class on how to prepare a healthy snack based on cassava… extremely interesting and you will be able to taste and keep the recipe to share when you return home. The handicraft and soap classes are full of excitement and learning because the product is created from scratch with very clear and engaging explanations, where the workshop becomes an enjoyable meeting with the women who provide the activity.
Sharing the cooking classes with your host family is one of the best parts of the stay in this place, everyone gathers to create dinner together, some prepare or chop ingredients, others follow the recipe with the instructions of the person who accompanies them from the community, or share the company creating a fun time to enjoy then all seated at the table a delicious traditional Costa Rican meal. At nightfall, enjoy the comfort of a room in a family home where you will have all the privacy and comfort, but with the family atmosphere that is needed.
No doubt, if you want an authentic and different experience surrounded by friendly people and a healthy environment, Juanilama is your ideal choice. It has nature, tradition, and a family atmosphere.
