Ever wonder about the origins of the people living here in Costa Rica?

Do you want to learn more of the folklore and traditions?

Do you want a crafted souvenir that's NOT "MADE IN CHINA"?

Well you can! A visit to the village of the indigenous Boruca is a very do-able day trip. You can see weaving and dyeing demonstrations as well as mask carving. There are 2 routes. Both require a 4 WD vehicle, go south from Costa Ballena (Dominical/Uvita) on the Costanera to Palmar Norte. Turn left on Hwy. 2, head north about 25 minutes /25 km., passing 4 bridges (the fourth is a long bridge over Rio Puerto Nuevo). A few minutes later,  just keep a eye out for the first turning on the left after you cross that large, long bridge).  

In the dry season, turn left here, this will take about 20 minutes and has beautiful ridge views.

At the T junction, turn on the lower left and go 50 meters to the museum and park there. Marina, who does the demonstrations, (in Spanish only), is in the rancho between the museum and the Civic Center. You can purchase woven and carved goods.  In May 2021 the museum was being remodeled, the stone sphere is now inside not visible from the street. 

During the wet season, do not turn off at the first sign, but continue north about 15 -20 minutes/23km more, having passed the right turn to San Vito, turn left at 'Territorio Indigena Terraba'. After 10 minutes on this road, there is a Y junction, with Flaco’s Bar on the right. Take the left fork, then bear right at the white church. Continue on this road about 20 minutes passing villages, you will come to a T junction with a very small blue grocery store on the right. Turn left and follow this road 5 min. until you come to the museum with the stone sphere in front to the left, then Marina’s rancho. 

See the photos below, times have changed in the village, the road in the town center is now paved, and the environmental branch of the government will not longer let them cut palm leaves for the roofs of the houses.  Marinas is now shiny metal, but still has the thatched roof over her gift shop.  The second row of photos show the stone sphere at the museum , the sign at the parking area on the right, and Marina's house with new roof.

It’s best to reserve at least the day before if you are wanting mask carving and/or weaving and dyeing demonstration and lunch. The demonstrations each are 18,000 colones per group of 1-4, groups of  5+ 30,000 colones and lunch is available for 6,000 colones  per person. 

The demonstrations are in Spanish but they are mostly visual and are around one hour each.  A English speaking guide is available by advance notice of a few days $100 going with you in your car or $150 if they use there car also.

 Please see the tab "'TOURS"

Call Susie (English or Spanish) +011(506)8381-4369.