Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Driving the 18km to Dúrika in a 4WD takes about one hour. Alternatively, the office in
Buenos Aires can arrange transportation to the reserve (one-way US$50) and watch over
your car while you're staying at the reserve.
Reserva Indígena Boruca
The picturesque valley of the Río Grande de Térraba cradles several mostly indigenous
villages that make up the reserve of Brunka (Boruca) peoples. At first glance it is difficult
to differentiate these towns from typical Tico villages, aside from a few artisans selling
their handiwork. In fact, these towns hardly cater to the tourist trade, which is one of the
main reasons why traditional Brunka life has been able to continue without much distrac-
tion.
Be sensitive when visiting these communities - dress modestly, avoid taking photo-
graphs of people without asking permission, and respect the fact that these living com-
munities are struggling to maintain traditional culture amid a changing world.
History
Historians believe that the present-day Brunka have evolved out of several different indi-
genous groups, including the Coto, Quepos, Turrucaca, Burucac and Abubaes, whose ter-
ritories stretched all the way to the Península de Osa in pre-Columbian times. Today,
however, the entire Brunka population is largely confined to the small villages of Rey Cur-
ré, which is bisected by the Carretera Interamericana, and Boruca, 8km north.
Festivals & Events
Fiesta de los Diablitos CULTURAL
A three-day Brunka event that symbolizes the struggle between the Spanish and the indi-
genous population. Sometimes called the Danza de los Diablitos (Dance of the Little
Devils), the festival culminates in a choreographed battle between the opposing sides. Vil-
lagers wearing wooden devil masks and burlap costumes play the role of the natives in
their fight against the Spanish conquerors. The Spaniards, represented by a man in a bull
costume, get whipped by branches and lose the battle. There's a lot of homemade corn-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search