Visit to the Boruca Indigenous Region
Living Legacy: Boruca Indigenous Community
Connect with Costa Rica’s ancestral roots, discover their rich traditions and their famous, colorful mask art.
What will you experience?
Ascend the impressive mountains of the Talamanca Range to visit the protected territory of the Boruca (Brunka) indigenous people. Famous throughout the country for their indomitable spirit and for resisting the Spanish conquest, today they preserve their identity, language, and traditions through their spectacular art.
You will be welcomed by community leaders. You will witness firsthand the incredible hand-carving and painting of balsa wood masks (like those used in their “Game of the Little Devils” festival) and the complex process of weaving cotton dyed with natural pigments (leaves, bark, and mollusks). It is a profound, respectful, and deeply enriching cultural exchange.
Duration:
Half day to Full day.
Difficulty:
Easy (The cultural activity itself requires mountain road driving to reach).
Transportation:
Own vehicle (preferably high clearance/4x4) or coordinated private transportation.
Language:
Spanish and native Brunka language or Bilingual guides (Spanish/English).
What's Included?
- ✔️ Community welcome by local artisans.
✔️ Interactive demonstration of ancestral weaving and mask carving.
✔️ Traditional Boruca lunch prepared by families.
$85 per person
Children pay less, consult with our team.
What to bring?
- 🎒 Cash in colones or dollars (It’s the best place to buy handicrafts directly from the hands of their creators and support their economy without intermediaries!).
🎒 Fresh, comfortable clothing.
🎒 Host tip: Open your mind and heart. Asking respectful questions about their history and art techniques is very well received by the community.
Itinerary:
- 09:00 AM: Arrival at the Boruca community after ascending the mountain; traditional welcome.
09:45 AM: Demonstration of the spinning process, natural dyeing of vibrant colors, and textile weaving.
11:00 AM: Cultural talk at the workshop about mask carving and the legend of the “Game of the Little Devils.”
12:30 PM: Traditional lunch shared in the community (such as rice tamales or local picadillos).
01:30 PM: Free time to admire, purchase art, and take photos before returning to Uvita.
Support community-based rural tourism and take home a piece of history.
✔️ Free cancellation: Up to 48 hours before the activity starts.
⚠️ 50% penalty: Cancellations between 24 and 48 hours before the tour.
❌ 100% penalty: Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice or no-show require full payment.