Who we are
ASCATUR is the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Development of La Cruz. We are the chamber that gathers the people who live from rural tourism in the canton.
La Cruz began as a rest stop for muleteers driving cattle from Nicaragua. A wooden cross named the town. Today more than half of the canton’s land and sea sits in protected areas, inside the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The El Jobo center is the chamber’s ecotourism project: a farm that Inder helped turn into a kitchen, fair, trails, and departure point. It benefits 70 families; 60 are headed by women.
ASCATUR’s president is Marina Peña. Tours are run by operators and families of the canton. This site carries the mini catalog and photographs of the center; prices and spaces are confirmed on WhatsApp.
Vision
To be a source of jobs and opportunity, keeping cultural and environmental identity, and remaining inclusive of every vulnerable sector in the canton of La Cruz.
Mission
To represent commerce and tourism, strengthening economic development with social, cultural, and environmental responsibility, so the people of La Cruz live better.
A glimpse of the community
Video of the ASCATUR tourism center in El Jobo, with the families of the project.
El Jobo fair
Cruceña women sell painted hats, jewelry, wood, and cloth under the roof of the tourism center. The catalog and press speak of 24 artisans in that circle.
The same center serves Cruceña food. The corn route ends here, with the cooks of Coquito and El Jobo. Ask on WhatsApp: there is no cart and no web shop.
Asociación Cámara de Desarrollo del Comercio y Turismo de La Cruz. Marina Peña.