History: During the pre-Columbian era, the District of San Mateo was part of the Coyoche overlord territory. It was extended from the Aguacate Hills to the Pacific coast, which was inhabited by the kingdom of the indigenous Huetar Indians. 

In 1821, the Sacra family gold mine was opened and was the first gold mine established in Costa Rica. This event started a large-scale mining operation throughout this region - activity that became, in just a short time, the main export resource of the new independent state.  The gold rush was between the years of 1821 and 1843 when the mines of San Rafael, Oreamuno, Los Castro, La Minita, San Miguel, Quebrada Honda and Machuca began to operate.

In 1843, with the construction of new stone road from San Jose to Puntarenas (on the Pacific coast), men known as Boyeros (and their oxen hauling goods such as gold, grain and other merchandise) found San Mateo as perfect location for some food and rest.  San Mateo was a commercial center, with its districts Orotina, Desmonte and San Pablo (known today as Turrubares).

Today: A sleepy agricultural town, San Mateo is on the verge of an awakening.  Each year, tens of thousands of tourists heading to and from the Pacific beaches pass directly through the center of town - rarely ever stopping.  Highly dependent on agriculture, work is seasonal, scarce and low paying.  San Mateo is a poor town, rich with history and culture, but historically overlooked by the booming tourism industry.  That is rapidly changing.  In January of 2008, the President of Colombia was in San Mateo for the grand opening of 'Panaca' - an ecological theme park based on animal husbandry (the domestication of animals like the horse, the cow, etc.). 

Foreign investment doesn't end with the Colombians - North Americans and Europeans are buying land throughout the area.  Today, two boutique hotels can be found just outside the center of town.  Several large farms have been purchased for subdividing into lots, for estate homes and for long-term investment.  Like many small towns which have experienced sudden population increases and real estate booms, San Mateo residents are ill-prepared for the fallout. This is specifically why Kopali Communities is dedicated to working with local government and residents as these changes occur.