A Living Legacy of Costa Rican History
Discover the historic farmhouse once owned by former President Rafael Yglesias Castro, proudly preserved today by the Rodríguez Arias Family to keep the true soul of Costa Rican countryside alive.
History of Casona Los Rodríguez
"This is a Casona of more than 120 years that was owned by former President Rafael Yglesias Castro, then Mr. Fernando Retana became the owner and later sold it in 1963 to Mr. Federico (Kiko) Rodríguez Vargas, currently it is managed by the Rodríguez Arias Family."
Rafael Anselmo José Yglesias Castro
1894 – 1902
Rafael Anselmo José Yglesias Castro
He was a Costa Rican politician, businessman and merchant, president of Costa Rica from 1894 to 1902. A man of energetic personality, he ruled the country for 8 years, during which he completed many works, driven by his desire for illustration and progress.
On the economic level, it promoted an important monetary reform, in which it established the gold standard and allowed the creation of the colón as a national currency (1896), which came to lay a new basis on the economic life of the nation. He began the construction of the railroad to the Pacific, which took place until 1909. He promoted teaching and brought from abroad a large number of construction teachers and specialized workers.
Also, he promoted the construction and completion of the National Theater of Costa Rica, inaugurated in his first government (1897). At the international level, the Pacheco-Matus treaty (1896) was signed in their governments, which ended border disputes with Nicaragua; and the Loubet Award with Colombia. He was a candidate for the presidency of the Republic on two more occasions, after his second government: 1910 and 1913. The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica declared him "Benemérito de la Patria" on November 16, 1981.
The 5 Colones Banknote (D Series, 1968)
"It was first issued in 1968. On the obverse contains the portrait of former President Rafael Yglesias Castro (1894-1902), during whose Government the National Theater was built and, by the reverse, an engraving of the painting found in the lobby of that Theater, which is an "allegory of coffee and bananas" as the basis of commercial agriculture. With this, the idea of the importance of coffee within the economic base of the country and of the agricultural vocation of the Costa Rican society, a society of "simple farmers", was maintained."
120-Year Historical Timeline
Presidential Construction
Original construction of the rustic farmhouse in native Costa Rican woods. Originally owned by President Rafael Yglesias Castro.
The Colón & National Theater
Yglesias Castro enacts the monetary reform creating the Colón currency (1896) and inaugurates the National Theater (1897).
Country Stewardship
Mr. Fernando Retana acquires the property, preserving the native wooden architecture and traditional Costa Rican farming.
Start of the Rodríguez Legacy
Mr. Federico "Kiko" Rodríguez Vargas purchases the farmhouse and farm in 1963, establishing wood-fired cooking and sugarcane milling.
Allegory of Hardworking Farmers
The Central Bank issues the historic 5 Colones bill (D Series), honoring the agricultural vocation and country hospitality that thrives on the farm.
Living Cultural Experience
The Rodríguez Arias Family (Celin Rodríguez & Yamileth Arias) opens the doors to share wood-fired cooking, sugarcane milling, and traditions.
Our Cultural Pillars
Historic & Cultural Preservation
We maintain the original native wood architecture of over 120 years, keeping Costa Rica’s political and rural heritage alive.
Country Cuisine & Traditions
We rescue 100% wood-fired cooking in traditional utensils, interactive sugarcane milling, and traditional Tico hospitality.
Community & Sustainability
We actively support the Sona Fluca community, collaborating with local schools and northern farmers.
A Natural Haven Among Fields, Rivers & Sloths
Beyond its 120-year history, La Casona rests in Sona Fluca surrounded by classic Costa Rican farm crops. Here, guests enjoy native birdsong, colorful butterflies, and glimpses of our resident family of two-toed sloths in the farm's canopy. On clear days, the horizon offers stunning backdrops of Arenal Volcano, while the cool breeze from the nearby Fortuna River evokes the peaceful rhythm of rural Costa Rica.
The Rodríguez Arias Family
Led by Celin Rodríguez López and Yamileth Arias, we open the doors of the casona so every visitor feels like an honored guest in our home. We share artisanal sugarcane milling, hand-patted tortillas over wood fires, and the authentic joy of our countryside roots.