By safeguarding Rainmaker, conservation organizations will protect an irreplaceable natural treasure, supporting critical biodiversity and promoting long-term ecological resilience.
Our Journey
The history of a mountain such as Rainmaker would best be told by one of its inhabitants—by its abundant plant and wildlife, its constantly rushing waters, and its wise old trees. Likely, they alone have witnessed the true wonders of its passage through time. But since the history of Rainmaker Mountain must be written by one of us who have passed through, we must begin with what we know to be the essence of this intriguing place. This land remains in its original state because of its innate ability to inspire. Indeed, Rainmaker is a mountain of inspiration with a history of inspired people—and though its natural bounty continues to flourish, its future remains uncertain.
Previously owned by a local rice farmer, Rainmaker was a land in danger of being clear-cut.
When the rice farmers’ crops suffered a drought and led him into debt, the necessity of selling his mountain became apparent. Having struggled to preserve it he did not wish to turn simply to the highest offer but rather to someone whom he could trust with a similar vision. Mauricio Gutierrez came onto the scene through a longstanding friendship with this farmer. He made clear his intention of preserving the land and with the help of a business partner began the process of purchasing the mountain.
Two days before signing the purchasing papers, Mauricio drowned in the heart of the mountain while saving a child who had fallen into one of its waterfalls.
Since purchasing Rainmaker, the family has stayed true to Mauricio’s dream by creating an eco-tourism haven.
Arriving in Costa Rica for the funeral of their beloved husband and father, Ann Gutierrez and her two children Alessandra and Mauricio Jr. became keenly aware of how deeply Mauricio’s desire to save this land had been. They quickly developed their own desire to purchase and preserve the mountain in his honor. Within two weeks they were able to secure enough money for a deposit. On August 13, 1993, thanks to the generous donation of Anita Roddick (founder of The Body Shop), the deposit was paid and the new future of Rainmaker began.
