Geography and climate
The village is inPopulation
In the village, there are roughly 700 inhabitants separated into 150 families. Half of these families live around the center of La Gamba, while the other half are spread out along the roads leading to the center of the village, in Rio Bonito and La Bolsa, which are about 30 minutes walking distance from the center. There is a microcredit organization located in the city, which help support two groups of women that produce handcrafted natural shampoos and local artisans.Agriculture
Given a decline in the wood and banana industries in the region since the 1970s, most of the workers that chose to stay in the village converted themselves into farmers. The climate of the area is perfect for rice, corn, cacao andWork
Nowadays, many inhabitants work in the biological station and the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge. Others find employment in the construction of small bridges along the villages main road, and in neighboring cities such as Rio Claro. There also is the “deposito libre”, which is an important source of employments.What to do
In downtown La Gamba, there is a soda (small restaurant), a convenience store and the only public phone in the village. This point also serves as the main point of reunion for those who wish to share time with others. The youth also meet into the small park built by a group of Canadians in 2006. Arcades are also an option in the convenience store. There is also a bar a little further from the center towards the Pan-American, and there is also a community center at the km 37 where they host karaoke nights, dances, arcades and a bar. The practice of evangelical events remains one of the main activities of the village’s nightlife.Sports
The main and most traditional sport of Costa Rica isAttractions
* El Río Bonito: This small quiet river situated along the road between La Gamba and Rio Bonito is perfect for the inhabitants who wish to cool down. Since the water comes from the mountains, it represents the principal source of drinking water. The level of the river depends on the weather. During the summer, the water level can be particularly low. For tourists it is preferable to swim with locals since they are familiar with the river and are aware of the quick changes in tides depending on the location. Also the river is known to have caimans. * The Catarata « El Chorro »: The entrance of the waterfall is accessible from the main road towards the km 37 and is the perfect place to calm down and enjoy the nature and fresh water coming from the mountains. Tourists pay 1000 colons ($2 US), but this is definitively worthwhile. This is almost heaven. * Piedras Blancas National Park: The park is home to one of the richest fauna and flora of Costa Rica. Despite low frequentation, the visit is worthwhile and even more attractive given its authenticity. This park is known for its enormous trees known as “Ceiba” and its biodiversity. A three-hour tour can be available and it can also be visited without. * Austrian field station: The station was born in 1993 from a partnership between the Austrian NGO “Rainforest of the Austrians” and the University of Vienna in order to study and protect the biodiversity of the Esquinas forest. * El Mirador (belvédère): The access is limited since the road crosses a private property; however with the right contacts in the village and preparation it is possible to climb it and be surprised by a splendid view of the Golfito region. * Horse riding: A family in the village owns a few horses and offers tours as horses are part of the village's landscape.The Asociación Pro-Bienestar (ASOPROBI)
This organization was created in July 1996 to replace the previous organization COOPEGAMBA in order to find alternatives to the development of the village. ASOPROBI works in harmony with its natural environment, which is in fact its major wealth. The final goal of the organization is the creation of employment in the village and the promotion of sustainable and local tourism. The village has a lot to offer and ASOPROBI wishes to promote it. All the participants are volunteers and change every few years, except for Jose Angel Montiel Franco, who works permanently organizing multiple activities and administrating the budget. The direction is formed of the president, vice-president, secretary, and the fiscal administrator. Between 2004 and 2009, Plan Nagua, a Canadian organism, and ASOPROBI have collaborated in order to send groups of interns that have contributed to the development of the community through different projects.Region (Golfito et Rio Claro)
Rio Claro is situated at about 20 minutes of bus from km 37. The inhabitants from La Gamba needs to go at least once a week to buy what is missing in the village. There are two banks, internet coffees, supermarkets, a clinic and drugstores that are essentials. For those who wish to get more services, there is Golfito that is about 45 min away from the km 37. The nearest hospital is also located in Golfito and there is a ferry that crosses a few times a day to Puerto Jimenez.References
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