First female muleteer of Chirripó
Today, we share the story of a woman who, at just 22 years old, has achieved a significant milestone in the history of Chirripó National Park. We are incredibly proud to highlight her journey and recognize her hard work and dedication. We introduce you to Karen Garita, a resident of San Gerardo de Rivas, who in 2021 became the first female muleteer of Chirripó National Park. The Role of Muleteers and Porters Muleteers and porters are the backbone that keeps the park running every day, as they transport essential supplies—food, materials, and luggage—for both tourists and park rangers. This demanding job, requiring great physical and mental endurance, is also a vital source of employment for more than 60 local families in the region. Karen’s Journey According to Karen, her decision to become a muleteer stemmed from several motivations. One of them was her desire for self-improvement, spiritual growth, and pursuing a job she was passionate about, while also seeking an additional source of income alongside agriculture, a family tradition. Karen shares that her love for horses began when she was just 13 years old, which led her to follow this path with great determination. A Day in the Life of a Porter To give you an idea of what this job entails, a porter’s day begins at midnight when they prepare the horses on local farms. By around 2:00 a.m., they gather and set off on their journey. They reach the Base Crestones shelter at approximately 6:00 a.m., unload the supplies, have breakfast, and then get ready to continue the day. Finally, they return home around 10:30 a.m. A Message for Women When we asked Karen to share a message for all women, she told us: “I don’t believe it’s a matter of gender, but rather of willpower and effort. So stay strong and fight to reach your goals with determination and courage.” “Being the first female muleteer fills me with immense pride and a deep desire to give my best. It is an honor to be part of this brave team that has worked tirelessly and with dedication for so many years.” A Tribute to Her Hard Work We all applaud the great challenge Karen has taken on. We are confident that she will achieve each of her dreams, reaching new heights in our country. We also extend our deepest gratitude to all the muleteers and porters whose tireless efforts keep Chirripó National Park running smoothly every day. Leave a message of encouragement for Karen, so she keeps pushing forward and never stops chasing her dreams!
