Golfito was considered to be the most important port in the far southern region of the Pacific Coast. Its maritime importance has declined over the years due to the closing down of the region most important source of income: the United Fruit Company. Golfito was the center of a major banana growing regions where the United Fruit Company had its headquarters. The processing plant was closed in 1985 due to a decline in demand on behalf of foreign countries, an increase in Costa Rican export taxes, constant employees protest and banana disease.
The town of Golfito then witnessed the growth of its tourist value and has since become an attractive town for tourists passing by the area and staying there for a couple of days. Although the beaches in Golfito are not that attractive, a few good beaches for surfing and swimming are nearby.
The town is surrounded by steep hills and a thick rainforest which attract birdwatchers and nature lovers. Golfito businesses and bars are mainly located at the town southern part. The tropical seaport is quite pleasant and even attracted Warner Brothers executives to choose this region as a location for the filming of Chico Mendes, the true story of a Brazilian rainforest preservationist. An old steam locomotive from the movie set still sits at the Golfito town park.
The Costa Rican government also built a duty free facility in Golfito?s northern region in order to help the region and attract local tourists to the area. Although articles bought at the duty free stores are still taxed, the amount is substantially lower than throughout the rest of Costa Rica. A number of ticos drive to Golfito during weekends to buy articles such as TV, washers, dryers and such. A minimum 24 hour stay is required to benefit from the low prices thus increasing hotel occupation.
Recent Comments