About El Tesoro Farm & Tours
Our Family Legacy: A Connection to Monteverde’s History
The story of El Tesoro is intertwined with our family’s deep-rooted history in Costa Rica
dating back to the arrival of the Quaker clan around 1951.
In parallel to the Quakers, the Heigold family began their journey during World War II, a time of global upheaval, driven by a shared commitment to peace and a pursuit of a tranquil place to call home. The following narrative offers a glimpse into the history and perspective of George Edward Heigold Sta
the visionary behind the acquisition of the 65-acre Bella Vista farm on the year 1986 which
lays the foundation for El Tesoro’s journey.
I vividly recall my father, Robert Heigold Stuart, recounting the arrival of the Quaker group in
Puntarenas, their vehicles laden with hopes for a life free from the echoes of war.
Their shared sentiment against conflict led them to Monteverde, Santa Elena, where they carved
out a peaceful existence by establishing dairy farms and crafting fine dairy products.
My father, alongside his brother Stewart Heigold Stuart, initially resided in Puntarenas,
where they pursued a livelihood fishing for Van Camp Seafood; “Treasure of the sea,’’ tuna.
However, the allure of Monteverde beckoned, and soon they chose to permanently settle
with their families in Costa Rica. The journey to Monteverde was arduous, often involving an
eight-hour drive through challenging terrain, but the enchanting beauty of the region made it
well worth the effort.
In a twist of fate, my father’s friendship with the renowned twin brothers Manuel and
Francisco Ortega, owners of Hira Rosa Dairy Farm, played a pivotal role in shaping our
family’s destiny. During a trip to Santa Elena with the Ortegas, my father fell head over heels
for the entirety of Monteverde, Santa Elena. The Ortegas, recognizing his passion, assisted
him in acquiring a farm known as Rio Negro in the year 1961. The journey to Rio Negro and
Hira Rosa in those days was an adventure in itself, requiring hours on mules and horses,
navigating through muddy paths that showcased the rugged charm of the region.
As we embark on this venture, El Tesoro, our connection to Monteverde’s history remains a
steadfast source of inspiration led by George Robert Heigold the creator of this new project.
The pioneering spirit of our family, forged through friendships, rugged landscapes, and an
unwavering commitment to harmony, continues to guide our every step. We invite you to
share in this legacy, exploring the very essence of Monteverde’s past and present through
our experiences at El Tesoro.