Maleku Indigenous Reserve Tour
Description
The Maleku Indigenous Reserve is located in the Northern Region of Costa Rica. The reserve is home to three different villages, known as Palenques Margarita, Tonjibe y El Sol, all within the 2993 hectares (7395 acres) territory. The population is 1000 indigenous, and 80% speak the native dialect called Maleku Jaica. The purpose of this tour is to allow you to learn about the way of life of these indigenous groups in the present day and what they have done to keep their customs and traditions alive.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour begins in La Fortuna at 8:00 am. After a 1 hour drive through the northern plains, you will arrive at the Indian community Palenque Tonjibe and be warmly received by their people. After a short presentation, you will begin a hike through the village to observe many important aspects of this unique place, such as the way they bury their dead, the antique type of home structures, and their artwork and craftsmanship which currently provide a means of income, the use of cocoa in their farming, and the creation of their clothing. Later you will continue with a walk along a forest trail with 600 meter long (0.37 miles) in order to learn about medicinal plants that the ancestors used, and how we benefit from them today. Here you will also observe some antique huacas or indigenous tombs. Finally you will pass through a Palenque were you will be treated to a traditional Maleku meal.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You must contact Ecoterra Costa Rica at least 24 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Reviews(18)
One of the most special experiences we had in Costa Rica was spending time with the Maleku Tribe — and I truly believe it’s something everyone should experience at least once. Supporting and learning about local culture and traditions is so important, and this experience was incredibly meaningful for both my partner and I. We booked a tour and spent a beautiful few hours with Iki and her family, and honestly, I feel so grateful to have met her. She is such a beautiful person inside and out, so warm, genuine, and welcoming from the moment we arrived. Throughout the experience, she teaches you about the Maleku traditions and culture, plant medicine, and their way of life in such an authentic and heartfelt way. One of the most special parts was being welcomed into a spiritual ceremony, which was incredibly moving and something I will never forget. We also had the opportunity to do some crafting and art, which made the experience feel even more personal and immersive. What made the day truly unforgettable though was how genuine everything felt. We spent time talking, laughing, taking photos, and simply connecting as people. It never felt like a “tour” — it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home and culture with open arms. I left feeling inspired, grateful, and deeply appreciative of the experience. I already cannot wait to go back and visit again someday.
Our tour here was a highlight of our time in Costa Rica. Today we immersed ourselves in the culture of the Maleku, the smallest remaining tribe of Costa Rican indigenous people. On a private tour for just the two of us we learned about their religion, culture, language, archery, music, and cuisine. If you are interested in learning about the people who were here before the Spanish, this tour is worth a detour. Only 800 Maleku are left (down from 5000 at the time of first contact) and their language is in danger of disappearing. We learned about the Maleku creation story, about crafts and lifestyle, and how they make the best use of plants and animals. We had the chance to interact with three generations of one family. Albert with Ecoterra was an excellent guide who picked us up at our hotel and explained things along the way. He also served as interpreter for our Maleko guide who spoke only Maleko and Spanish.
We really enjoyed this visit to the Maleku reserve: we were taught about the history of the Maleku, learned how to use the bow and arrow (children loved it!), tried the traditional carving and were shown several traditional techniques for creating textiles and using plants. At the end we had a delicious meal. Highly reccomend.
I find the activities were as suitable for adults as for children. Thank you for this moment it was very interesting
Beautiful discovery of this minority tribe. Simple but very good meal. Sharing its culture,its origins. Discovery of their crafts.
Absolutely do not miss this tour. The Maleku are interesting, generous with information, genuine in their presentation. The tour is so much more real than most of the experiences we have had of this sort. We went in a “small group,” which I highly recommend - as it happened, the group was just the two of us. Elena was our knowledgeable and engaging guide, through EcoTerra, and we couldn’t have had a better introduction to the Maleku’s history and culture.
Everyone was kind and so informative. We learned a lot and loved the experience! We love visiting places like this. We hope the Maleku culture stays strong and continues to grow.
Informative of culture, beliefs and history from beginnings to present day of the Kaleku people. Good demonstrations. Meal excellent. Good selection of Kaleku art works. Reasonably priced.
We were 12 women, family & friends. After the hot springs, restaurants and Arenal. We decided to spend a day at the Maleku Village. We got a history lesson on their culture, community values and a chance to purchase their beautiful art pieces. Great time & informative. Negotiate the prices, they do bargain. … a lot of what they have you can buy cheaper in town but we didn’t mind paying extra to support the indigenous villagers.
The experience was not good. You have to be careful. I felt cheated. I honestly didn't like it. I would recommend people to visit other places in Costa Rica
