Travel Guide Boruca

The indigenous reserve of Boruca is much more accessible to tourists who can easily get lodging from locals, by asking at the pulpería de Boruca or simply by going to meet the Indians. This is the only way to stay several days in this magnificent valley where the earth is red and the vegetation is luxuriant... There are many reasons to forget yourself for a while in the region: to walk around, to meet the Borucas from the south of the country, to learn the local handicraft (weaving and sculpture). The Borucas, even if they live in the same houses as any other Tico, have kept a culture of their own. Watching them dye cloth with snail urine (collected on the beach) is an entertaining experience. But it is around December 31 that the stay can become really lively. The Borucas celebrate their victory over the conquistadors. The Fiesta de los Diabolitos ("festival of the little devils") lasts three days: the Indians wear devil masks (carved by local craftsmen) and fight against a man dressed as a bull who represents the Spanish force. The simulacrum takes place on a hill to the sound of drums and flutes and is followed by a night tour of the village houses. It is an extraordinary experience to discover this traditional festival. A similar festival is held in the village of Curré (late January and early February).