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The island’s income was struggling due to its agonizing fishing industry which had been overpowered by large companies with modern vessels and equipment. This was until an exemplary group of four women decided to take matters into their own hands. These four women who used to make a living by fishing, gathered one afternoon under the shade of a tree to discuss their future and that of the island.
They dreamed of building their own hotel and offering tourists the magnificent experience of the island’s biodiversity and scenery. Without any experience, money or formal education, these women valiantly set out to fulfill their dream and relive the dying economy of the Chira Island.
Through thick and thin, these women were able to build a lodge and create a tourism offer with the sweat of their brow and strength of their own hands. These women literally picked up hammers and wooden boards to build the lodge they named La Amistad.
Today, La Amistad offers lodging, tours and meals entirely managed by its four founding mothers. Visitors are picked up in Puntarenas by two of these women while the other two remain at the lodge preparing the rooms and cooking traditional Costa Rican meals for their visitors.
La Amistad is a wonderful example of how anyone can fulfill their dreams no matter how many odds are against you. La Amistad has brought life back to the Island of Chira and is even able to hire local help. A magnificent place with exotic flora and fauna as well as a commendable group of women, the Island of Chira is a must for any tourist to Costa Rica.
