Sarapiquí Stories
Coopesarapiquí started with coffee production and processing more than 40 years ago. In recent years, it expanded to grocery stores, a hardware store and a plantation tour/restaurant near San Miguel de Sarapiquí. The co-op’s most recent addition is a small business, NaturTico, run by 20+ female members.
After the tragic 2009 Cinchona earthquake, it has been difficult to find jobs. Much of the area was damaged and cut off from the rest of the country. With the reconstruction of Route 126, many people are looking for a fresh start. Among them, a unique group of women envisioned a small, sustainable business making natural handmade products that celebrate the diversity and natural beauty of the area.
Their business, NaturTico, produces herbal shampoo and natural soap made with local ingredients, some of which come from the women’s gardens and nearby fields. Through their creative spirit and natural leadership, they have been able to achieve membership status in Coopesarapiquí and are already entertaining buyers from Costa Rica, Europe and the U.S.
San Miguel celebrates its “Blue Christmas” on Sat., Dec. 8. It’s the perfect time to discover this hidden gem located at the base of the northern skirts of Volcán Poás.
-Tina Wiltsee
Wiltseet@yahoo.com
You may be interested

DIMEX required for vaccination, Costa Rica says
Alejandro Zúñiga - March 3, 2021Costa Rica began administering coronavirus vaccines in December 2020, and the country hopes to inoculate its entire adult population. We've…

Campaign to help families, businesses in Guanacaste
The Tico Times - March 3, 2021Costa Rican authorities this week relaunched a campaign to support businesses and provide meals to tourism employees who lost their…

24 travelers have been caught with falsified Covid tests: report
The Tico Times - March 3, 2021Twenty-four travelers have been penalized after presenting falsified coronavirus test results when trying to leave Costa Rica through Juan Santamaría International…