Living in the Talamanca Mountains in southern Costa Rica, the Boruca are known for their vibrant, intricately carved and painted masks, weaving, and other hand-made objects. The Boruca village is a sustainable farming community; however, most of its economy runs on artisan crafts and ecotourism. Families grow rice, beans, coffee, cacao, fruits, corn, and other vegetables and raise livestock, but mostly only enough to feed their families. While preserving their cultural heritage and lifestyle, the Boruca have welcomed the outside world. Visitors to the Boruca Indigenous Reserve are invited to observe their cultural traditions, visit native homes, and participate in mask-making workshops.
Combine conservation work with meaningful cultural immersion! Explore the Pacific Coast, cloud forest, rainforest and central valley of Costa Rica. Work side by side with local biologists to monitor local sea turtle populations and participate in mangrove reforestation. Then, head into the cloud forest, one of the highest points in the Costa Rican landscape, and visit a small town where you’ll enjoy the lush cloud forest and engage in community activities.