In 2013 two young entrepreneurs from the South Pacific of Costa Rica, passionate about Costa Rican culture and traditions decided to start the Cultural Tourism project to complement and diversify the ecotourism activities offered in the Bahia Ballena area, taking advantage of the biodiversity of the area and the unexplored richness of rural community and cultural tourism, offering experiences focused on the rescue of the history and culture of the southern area. Offering visitors the opportunity to have a direct cultural exchange with community members and environmental projects, through 5 community partners and about 20 host families. Our mission is to create links with community partners and small local producers, focused on sustainability and rescue of the values and culture of the neighboring communities and develop unique ecotourism experiences to diversify the activities of the Bahia Ballena area.
Supporting causes
- Preservation of local culture
- Ocean protection
- Environmental education
- Wildlife protection
- Development of entrepreneurial ideas
- Youth empowerment
Community Partners
Don Guelo y Doña Yety
“Don Guelo and Doña Yety” their names of affection for Miguel and Lidié, arrived in the Bahia Ballena area when there were no roads, electricity or potable water. Don Miguel maintains the traditional agricultural system of yesteryear and Doña Lidieth takes advantage of all the fresh products of the farm to prepare in the healthiest and freshest way the best dishes and homemade recipes. Eighty percent of her farm has been reforested and as part of their communal collaboration the nursery of the reforestation project Semilla de Ballena, of the Geoporter organization is located on their property. In addition to the tour, enjoying a cup of coffee with them and listening to their story, challenges and adventures is an invaluable experience.
Don Ademar and Doña Mauren
Always enterprising and innovative, together with their children they are an example of the family union characteristic of Costa Ricans. Their concern for staying healthy and maintaining a good quality of life led them to start an organic production project 23 years ago. At the beginning it was a family project and over the years they turned it into their sustainable business. They currently have the only 100% organic products store in the community. Don Ademar and Doña Mauren have been living in Uvita for 10 years and as part of their family traditions they have decided to install a sugar mill on their property which is now part of the attractions of the tour. Both are active members of ASOTURISTICA, an association that seeks to support and diversify tourism activities in the area.
David Santillán
David worked as a dental technician in the capital of Costa Rica and when he arrived in Uvita he fell in love with the waves and the pure life of the coast. In this way he learned from the locals how to take advantage of the different resources of nature and the beach. That is how he became an expert in the use of coconut. Part of his project is to maintain active reforestation in the area to prevent erosion. David is also a founding member of the ASOCOCOCO association, which has agreements with the Marino Ballena National Park for the use of coconuts on the beach.
Don Gallo and Doña Haydee
Farmers and peasants by birth, Antonio (Gallo) and Doña Haydeé have maintained a quiet life on the lands of San Isidro del General.
They produce small-scale coffee and other organic products such as cocoa and bananas. Antonio is a lover of ranchera music, folk dancing and horses. Doña Haydeé loves to collect plants, and converse while sharing one of her delicious dishes. Both have taught their family of 7 children respect for the land and nature.