About the Region
Soltis Center is located in San Juan de Peñas Blancas which was founded in 1982 as a peasant settlement. Currently with a population of more than 379 permanent inhabitants, distributed among 164 households, mainly made up of families of origin and peasant traditions dedicated to subsistence agriculture and the provision of mixed labor services. In addition, it has been growing and developing more comprehensively, having since 1987 a primary or elementary school and since 2006 with a secondary or high school, giving access to diversified education and training together in both education centers around 70 high school students and 18 elementary students, from both San Juan and neighboring communities, such as Barrio Lourdes, San Rafael, San Isidro, INVU, La Cruz, among others. The Community has its own aqueduct, which even supplies part of other neighboring communities such as San Isidro de Peñas Blancas and Barrio Lourdes and the community of San Juan.
Peñas Blancas River Watershed
Soltis Center is located at the heart of the Peñas Blancas River Watershed and 56% of the surrounding land is covered with rainforest. The remaining land consists of pastures and agricultural crops.
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Children's Eternal Rainforest
Soltis Center connects to the back of the Children's Eternal Rainforest and Monteverde Conservation Area spanning 50,000 hectares (110,000 acres) of forest land.
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Tropical Zones
The surrounding forest has four major tropical life zones and includes more than 3,000 species of plants and more than 400 species of birds (roughly half of Cost Rica's number of bird species)
Local Flora & FaunaAbout Costa Rica
Basic Info
Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, though English is common in tourist areas. The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Expect a tropical climate with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
Biodiversity
Costa Rica is home to about 6% of the world's biodiversity. You can explore rainforests, cloud forests, and a variety of national parks, such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado.
Sustainability
Costa Rica is a global leader in eco-friendly practices and sustainability. Nearly 99% of Costa Rica's electricity comes from renewable sources like hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal energy.
Adventure Activities
Costa Rica is a haven for adventure seekers. You can enjoy activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, surfing, and hiking around the Arenal Volcano.
Culture & Heritage
Costa Rican culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial influence, and various immigrant cultures. The phrase "Pura Vida," meaning "pure life," reflects the country's laid-back and positive attitude. The culture is rich in music, dance, festivals, and traditional cuisine, with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and democratic values.