Golfito History

The port town of Golfito was founded at the end of the twenties by the United Brand Banana Company. Within a short time it grew into a prosperous trade center. In It's time. Golfito was the most important port at the south end of Costa Rica. 

It's importance has decreased dramatically in the years since in 1985, when the banana company left and gave all their real estate to the government. One year following thier departure, the government established the Golfito Reserve or Refugio National de Vida Silvestre - establishing a national park and wildlife refuge area.

In April 1990 a duty-free shopping zone was opened in Golfito. It attracts ticos and foreigners from all over the country. This new duty-free tourism and a newly developing Eco-tourism industry around Golfito is helping to revive the region and boost the struggling local economy.

More and more travelers are attracted to visit the nearby national parks, reserve areas and botanical gardens or to take boat trips inthe pristine Golfo Dulce (Sweet Bay) and the river Rio Coto.