city: Arenal

Maleku Indigenous Reserve

Bienvenidos at the Maleku Indigenous Reserve. This ecological haven nestled in the Northern Region of Costa Rica consists of four different towns: Palenques, Margarita, Tonjibe and El Sol, with a small local population of 1000 habitants who speak the Maleku Jaica dialect. Embark on a cultural tour where you'll learn about the indigenous lifestyle, traditions and customs. Drive through the northern grassland and receive a warm welcome at Margarita Palenque. After a short and entertaining presentation, you'll go for a stroll through the traditional ranch to learn important details of the village such as the inhabitants' rituals, types of palenques, craftsmanship and agriculture. Discover how the Maleku cultivates cocoa and how they tailor their traditional clothing. Follow the small path that leads to the forest where you'll learn about medicinal plants and knowledge about trees passed on by their ancestors. You'll also get to practice traditional archery and ancient hunting methods used by those who came before. Experience a Maleku rite dramatized with its dances, songs and music, the soul of their culture. Finish off your experience with a local Costa Rican lunch consisting of a fish-based dish wrapped in banana leaves, steamed and accompanied by locally grown vegetables and a natural fruit juice.