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Our Story
Paquera is a place defined by nature, community, and a strong sense of belonging. With a shared commitment to protecting its biodiversity and cultural identity, this website was created to support Paquera as a sustainable tourism destination—one that benefits both visitors and the people who call this region home.
The initiative behind this webpage was founded by the Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ), through its Committee of Sustainable Tourism. ADEJ is the sole founding organization of this webpage and leads its vision, coordination, and long-term direction, ensuring that tourism promotion remains rooted in community values, responsibility, and inclusion.
This webpage was created as a platform to share accurate and meaningful information about Paquera, highlighting its natural beauty, local culture, and the people and initiatives that shape the destination, while encouraging tourism that respects both the environment and the community and specifically the youth.
Who founded Visit Paquera?
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Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ)
We are a community-based initiative that believes tourism should be a positive force. Our work focuses on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, environmental awareness, support for local businesses, and the celebration of Paquereño culture. As locals, we know Paquera best and aim to help visitors experience the region in an authentic and respectful way.
FOUNDER
Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ) was officially established on December 11, 2021, and recognized by Costa Rica’s National Directorate of Community Development (DINADECO). Founded through a community-driven process, ADEJ works to empower the youth of Paquera through education, leadership, and active participation in local development. ADEJ is the founder of this webpage.
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Our mission is to empower the youth of Paquera by promoting their holistic development, encouraging active participation in the community, and strengthening their skills to help build a prosperous and sustainable future.
Our vision is to become a leading organization in the social, economic, educational, environmental, athletic, cultural, and recreational development of young people in Paquera. We strive to be recognized for our positive impact on youth, our contribution to community progress, and our strong commitment to core values and principles.
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​This project has been enriched by the collaboration of local tourism initiatives that participate as partners and contributors. These organizations share experience, ideas, inspiration, and hands-on involvement in community efforts.
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Meet our partners and contributors:
TURISMO CURU
Turismo Curú is a tourism operator located in the southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, offering marine and nature-based experiences with an emphasis on responsible tourism, safety, and respect for the natural environment. Its activities highlight both marine and coastal attractions while promoting awareness of the region’s ecological value.
The company began operations in 1998 with small-group marine tours to destinations such as Isla Tortuga and Isla Negritos National Park. Over time, its fleet and services expanded to meet growing demand while maintaining personalized attention and high safety standards. This evolution led to the formal creation of Turismo Curú S.A. and a diversified range of tourism services.
Today, Turismo Curú participates in a variety of tourism and special projects, working with national and international partners. Its long-term approach reflects a commitment to the sustainable use of marine resources and tourism practices that support environmental conservation and responsible visitor experiences.
ISLA CHIQUITA GLAMPING
Located a small island in the Gulf of Nicoya, Isla Chiquita Glamping is one of Costa Rica’s most inspiring examples of eco-luxury. The project was born from a family’s vision to share the beauty of the islands while protecting their fragile ecosystems through responsible tourism practices.
Beyond offering guests an unforgettable nature experience—combining adventure, comfort, and authentic local cuisine—Isla Chiquita is also involved in community development. Through collaborations with the Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ) and other local initiatives, and actively supports education, youth leadership, and conservation projects that strengthen the future of Paquera as a sustainable tourist destination. Isla Chiquita has played a big role in the creation of VisitPaquera as a sustainable tourist destination.
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BAHIA RICA ADVENTURES
Founded in 2007 by a Norwegian couple, Bahía Rica Adventures has become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Paquera. What began as a small adventure lodge by the sea has grown into a community-oriented operation that blends authentic nature experiences with local empowerment.
Through fishing charters, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and boat tours, Bahía Rica invites visitors to discover the Gulf of Nicoya’s natural wonders while promoting conservation and respect for the environment. The lodge has created meaningful employment opportunities in the coastal communities of Punta Cuchillo and Isla Cedros, helping strengthen the local economy through responsible tourism.
As one of the partners of VisitPaquera.com, Bahía Rica plays an active and committed role in shaping Paquera’s sustainable tourism identity. Bahía Rica is not only a collaborator in building the VisitPaquera web page, but also an active member and driving force within the Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ), participating in committees and community projects that foster youth education, marine conservation, and leadership development. Together, these efforts help ensure that tourism in Paquera benefits both people and the planet — inviting visitors to truly ‘be a part of nature, not apart from it.’