Visit the Reserve of the Indigenous Maleku People

On this tour, couples will visit The Maleku Indian Reserve which is located in the northern region of Costa Rica. It includes three different towns known as Palenques Margarita, Tonjibe and El Sol, all within the 2993 hectare territory. There are about 1000 people living there and 80 percent speak the native dialect called Maleku Jaica. By meeting the indigenous people, couples will be able discover their way of life and find out how they kept their distinct customs and traditions alive.

The tour begins at 8:00am in La Fortuna. A one-hour drive through the northern plains takes the tour to the Indian community Palenque Tonjibe where the group will be warmly welcomed by the people who will provide an introduction to the place. Couples will then have the opportunity to live a cultural and enriching experience by hiking through the village to observe many important aspects of this special place including the way they bury their dead, their antique type of home structures, their art work and craftsmanship (which currently provides a means of income), the use of cocoa, and the way they create their clothing. Later couples will continue hiking along a trail through the rainforest to learn about medicinal plants that the ancestors used and how they are currently benefitting from them. Antique huacas or indigenous tombs will be seen on the way.

Finally, the couple will be invited to participate in a dance performance with dialogue in native Maleku language and customary dress. There will also be the chance to indulge in a traditional Maleku meal. Around 1:00 pm couples will have completed the visit to this interesting village and will return to La Fortuna.

Duration: 6 hours