Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Costa Rican President Oscar Arias arrived simultaneously by helicopter yesterday to attend the inauguration of Panaca, the first agricultural theme park in the country, located in San Mateo in Alajuela. Panaca, (Parque Nacional de la Cultura Agropecuaria) is a Colombian franchise that aims to preserve agricultural traditions by generating tourist revenue in areas where the land is the livelihood of the people.

Costa Rica News — Farm Animals are the Stars at New Agricultural Theme Park

While this is the first park of its type in Central America, two already exist in Colombia and a third in Mexico. Attendants of the inauguration were able to interact with farm animals, take a ride on ox-pulled carts and sample sugar cane juice, among other activities.

The presidents took a tour of the park accompanied by the Ministry of the Presidency Rodrigo Arias, creator of Panaca Jorge Valey and the general manager of the new park, William Rodriguez. San Jose Mayor Johnny Araya was also in attendance.

President Arias presented a small discourse at the event commending President Uribe on his efforts to end the violence in Colombia, and for his work in the recent return of hostages by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Uribe then took the stage to denounce the FARC, calling them terrorists and referring to photo evidence that they have tortured the purported 700 hostages that are still being held by the group. He blamed FARC for Colombia’s 35% poverty level, 9.4% unemployment and the 4 million refugees that were forced to seek asylum in other countries.

“The only worry I have is that these are hours that I enjoy very much, however, they are hours I take away from my fundamental duties, to be in the fields of Colombia, with soldiers and police defeating terrorism,” Uribe said in a speech the was paused several times for applause from the audience.

After the quick visit, both presidents departed in their helicopters, and the attendees were left to enjoy the new park.

The other locations of Panaca focus on visitor interaction and they are given the chance to take part in daily farm chores, go on horseback rides, and learn about the farming way of life. The area of Orotina, Costa Rica is well known for its coffee production, which will be a large part of the park’s educational experience. About $22 million was invested in the park, which will be home to thousands of animals, including over 100 horses representing just about ever breed that exists in the country.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on January 16th, 2008