Island Facts
Islita Chira (Chira Island) is approximately 30 miles in circumference with a population of slightly over 3000 people. It has been
invalidated for literally centuries and contains a very colorful chapter in Costa Rica's past although most Ticos know nothing about the island itself.
For the most part, the island has been the "red haired stepchild" in the bay of Nicoya accessible by a few ferries a day from Puntarenas and Costa Pajaros. Surrounding smaller islands such as Venado and San Lucas are better known primarily because they are
closer to the most traveled ferries from Puntarenas to the Nicoya Penninsula.
| The inhabitants of Chira have been ignored by the mainland for decades and have just recently
received major upgrades in utilities (new phone and electric lines, internet service and new microwave towers) as well as upgrade to the school system (3 elementary schools, one secondary) as well as new medical clinic for the island. The road system is excellent although it is still and probably always will be) dirt and gravel. Obviously the lack of traffic contributes to the great shape of the roads as well as the primary mode of transportation being both bicycle and horse. There probably 100 cars on the island itslef. |
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Flowers and color are plentiful and the flora and fauna are magnificent. There are deer on the island which do not exist too many other places in the country as well as the requisit parrots, birds and much, much more. There are still large expanses of the countryside which have not been explored.
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Scattered around the island are ten separated beaches... all a little different. Some have sand, some rock, and some have mangrove and some have tree directly to the beach. They surround the island and the tides ebb and flow throughout the day. At some areas the manta rays jump and at others fish are constantly jumping throughout the day. It is a constantly changing panorama.
There are canals though the island as well, and there is even an abandoned fortress on the island from days past... all for exploration. |
There are two larger restaurants on the island and numerous smaller sodas and pulperias (mini marts) for supplies. There is also a smaller hardware store for supplies and most larger items are shipped from the mainland. There are no banks or larger stores of any kind. There is also a fish co-op and a center wich cares for motors and boats of the fishermen of the island.
Everywhere will be seen nets which are constantly being mended.
Nowhere on the island will you see a traffic jam, pollution, stress or anger (although we are sure it does exist... just hardly even seen), crime, discos, casinos, resorts, and all of the things that contribute to the angst of everyday life. You will be struck by the pace of life and the absence of problems that we have grown so accustomed to. |
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