Ditsö Cultural Experience

Experience a Traditional Costa Rican Indigenous Culture

Since time immemorial, the Cabécar Indians – Costa Rica’s largest indigenous group – have lived in harmony with the rainforest in the mountains near the Pacuare River. These indigenous people traditionally live in small family groups scattered across the jungle. Their remote location has helped them to maintain their customs, language and culture. At the Pacuare Lodge, we offer an opportunity to experience their way of life in relative comfort and without invading their privacy. We helped members of a clan that lives in the nearby Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve to build a typical Cabécar rancho (thatched house) a short hike from the lodge, where the son of a local shaman provides visitors with an introduction to his people’s culture and customs.

There are two options for visiting the Cabécar rancho. You can start with a moderate, 30-minute hike through the rainforest, which allows you to see some of the flora and fauna that these indigenous people have long relied on. Or you can take a more direct route, which entails a short walk from the Lodge. You will have the opportunity to learn about this ancient culture. This is an easy hike that takes between one and one-and-a-half hours.

• Duration: with jungle hike, 1.5 hours; without hike 1 hour

• Difficulty: easy

• Minimum age: 12 years old

What to wear:

shorts, tennis shoes, hiking boots

Includes:

Guide