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HISTORY of PURISCAL - by Doņa Luz Rojas
Puriscal is located some 45 km (30 miles) west-south-west of the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose.
This village is a district center of an agriculture based economy. Most all shops and services are available locally, however, San Jose is a 50 minute express bus ride away.
Many local residents commute to San Jose for jobs, preferring to raise their families in the peaceful mountains. Elevations in this area range from 800 to 1,200 meters (2,600 to 3,900 ft), which keeps us in a spring-like climate, away from the torrid heat and humidity of the low lands, and away from any pollution in San Jose.
The Puriscal region was part of the indigenous zone known as Pacaqua, it was habited by the tribe called the Huetar and their main chief ( cacique ) was Coquiva. This whole sector of Costa Rica was ruled by the cacique Garabito, so the cacique Coquiva was under this central command as well.
Since those times, Puriscal has been an important cross-roads for the migration of those tribes from the northeast to the southwest of the country. After that Juan de Cavallon passed through these lands on his journey to the Central valley where he founded the "Garcimunoz outpost in what is now Santa Ana. During the Colonialization of the country (from 1601), the famous "Camino de Mulas" functioned to transport goods to and from Panama.
It is believed that the colonization of the area presently known as Puriscal began in 1815, by families from the greater Central Valley ( areas now known as Alajualita, Tibas & Desamparados ). In those days the Puriscal area was known as "Cola de Pavo" ( tail of the turkey ) thanks to the Retana brothers Jesus & Jorge who were some of the areas first residents / traders.
The actual name "Puriscal" came from the word purisco which refers to the short period that the frijole (bean) plant is in it's flowering stage. Puriscal was, in those days, famous for it's grand harvests of frijoles.
Throughout the years Puriscal has gained fame and respect for it's fertile soils and valient people...today is no different.
GEOGRAPHY of PURISCAL
Puriscal is located between two mountain ranges...the Turrubares range, fondly referred to here as the Potenciana mountains, and the Candelaria mountains of Acosta. A mountainous area running west from the capital to the Pacific coast along the great Central Valley. and south along the Candelaria valley.
With elevations in the north averaging 3200-3700ft. ( the best climate in the world..."perpetual spring") to approx. 1000ft. in the southwest area near Parrita, where it's much more tropical.
Along the north ridge running east to west, you will pass the historic communities of Barbacoas, Piedades, Grifo Alto & Poro. Along the road heading from Santiago south towards Quepos, one passes the farming communities of La Legua, Santa Marta, Jilgeral, La Palma, Salitrales, San Ramon, Santa Rosa, Guarumal, La Gloria etc. The journey will bring you from 3600ft. to just under 600ft. and an important climatic change as well.
Being a mountainous area...Puriscal ( and Turrubares ) have areas where steep hillsides shoot from the valley floor to the clouds, as well as gentle meadows areas. Hydrology is strong, with springs and streams for both pure water and irrigation. Some of the major rivers in the Pacific area are born in the water shed areas of the Potenciana mountains.
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