Faces of Costa Rica

A Way of Life

Alejandro is content with his life as the foreman on the 170 acre Carolina cattle farm in Bijagua, Costa Rica. A renaissance man, he is the ranch's farrier, veterinarian, horse trainer and resident cowboy. The farm also doubles as a tourist destination.

"I am just as happy being with cows and horses as I am with people. I love being on horseback and have made a career out of it," he said, after standing up on his horse's back to pull several oranges from a tree.

Alejandro earns 500 colones, equal to approximately one dollar per hour. "I receive one of the best salaries in the area. I am treated with respect, and I like what I do," he said.

On average, he works about 12 hours each day, but says he enjoys it and it does not feel like work. The horses and cows are his friends.

"Someone told me that with my knowledge, I could make a lot of money in the United States or Canada," said Alejandro, "But I am happy here. I like what I do and have everything that I need."