Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Prior to the tourism boom in Costa Rica, the central Pacific coast - particularly the Quepos
port area - was historically one of the country's largest banana-producing regions.
However, in response to the 1940 banana blight that affected most of Central America, the
United Fruit Company (also known as Chiquita Banana) introduced African palms to the
area. Native to West Africa, these palms are primarily cultivated for their large, reddish
fruits, which are pressed to produce a variety of cooking oils.
Although the banana blight finally ended in the 1960s, the palm plantations were firmly
entrenched and starting to turn a profit. Since palm oil is easily transported in tanker
trucks, Quepos was able to close its shipping port in the 1970s, which freed up resources
and allowed the city to invest more heavily in the palm-oil industry. In 1995 the planta-
tions were sold to Palma Tica, which continues to operate them today. With the exception
of commercial fishing and tourism, the palm-oil plantations serve as the primary source of
employment in the Quepos area.
In more recent years, this stretch of the Pacific has grown increasingly popular with the
package-holiday crowd, as it's quite easy - particularly for North Americans - to squeeze
in a one-week retreat and be back to work on Monday. Unable to resist the draw of para-
dise, a good number of baby boomers nearing retirement have relocated to these warmer
climes.
This demographic shift has been facilitated by the Costa Rican government's decades-
old policy of offering tax incentives and legal residence to foreigners who buy property or
start businesses and enterprises in the country. Foreign investment has thus far blessed this
region with vitally needed economic stimuli, though the rising cost of living has priced a
significant percentage of local Ticos out of the market.
A sparkling new marina at Quepos has brought in a larger volume of tourists visiting
Costa Rica on yachts and cruise ships, and several exclusive high-end gated communities
continue to attract an even greater number of wealthy immigrants. Things are indeed chan-
ging quickly along this stretch of coastline, though it's difficult to imagine that the authen-
ticity of the coastal fishing villages, agricultural plantations and protected areas could ever
be lost.
Parks & Reserves
