AmaTierra shares news of Costa Rica. Join our health and wellness newsletter to learn about more retreats, workshops and to receive special offers!!

In a true demonstration of participatory democracy, the Costa Rican people have a rare opportunity to decide just how much U.S. corporate influence they will accept for the future of their country. CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, known here as TLC-Tratado de Libre Comercio-, has been so controversial that the government itself could not agree to ratify it, so they put it to a popular vote, marking the first time any country has ever put a commercial treaty to a vote of the people.

Costa Rica is unique in Latin America for its development of a large and educated middle class, and Costa Rican workers are the highest paid in Central America. CAFTA, if approved, could negatively impact both of these realities. Public services such as health care, insurance, water, and telecommunications will also be affected as private US corporations and multinationals will be allowed into the country for the first time. Additionally, many experts point to the effects of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) in Mexico--1.5 million farmers out of work, still-increasing poverty, and the undeniable rise in social inequality despite economic growth--to offer some predictions as to what could happen in Costa Rica with the approval of CAFTA.

Drama has played a part in the vote here, with Costa Rica's 2nd vice president stepping down after an email was leaked in which he recommended manipulation of the public to ensure a YES vote, even going as far as telling mayors that their counties would be refused funding for three years if they did not deliver a YES vote. Many citizens who were on the fence have decided after this scandal to change their yes vote to no.

The vote is being held October 7th. We are anxious to see what this progressive and thoughtful country will decide.

Make your Holiday Plans Now....Space is filling up!

Spend Thanksgiving with us, or bring in the New Year, Costa Rican style.

We still have space from Dec. 31st through January 7th, and the weather is perfect.

You might even surprise yourself and Learn to Dance Salsa! It's Fun!

 An exciting week photographing the vivid imagery of Central America, using AmaTierra as your home base. Visit and photograph Carara National Park, a haven for wildlife-frogs, monkeys, the scarlet macaw. Also visit the beaches, a coffee farm and Costa Rica's friendly people.

Don't miss this chance to hone your photography skills in one of the most beautiful places on earth. All levels, film and digital shooters welcome.

Cynthia Delaney, a veteran nature & travel photographer, leads workshops all over the world. Her award-winning work has appeared in many U.S. publications. Cynthia lives in the majestic Ruby Mountains near Elko, Nevada.   Read more...

The AmaTierra community remembers our cook, who we called "la Reina de las Ensaladas" the Queen of Salads. She passed on Sept.18th of cancer. She will be greatly missed.

Dona Mari

Maria de los Angeles
Aguero Monge

1946-2007

Your confidence in us helps us grow!

Jill & Bob and the staff at AmaTierra
AmaTierra Hotel & Retreat
www.amatierra.com
1-866-659-3805 toll free

Hombre grande (quassia amara)
An antimicrobial tropical herb, very
popular in the tropics for treating intestinal parasites.

It doubles as a
strong insect deterrent for the garden. Note the unique bundled 5 leaf combination.