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Maleku Indigenous Reserve Tour

4.419 reviewsDay trips

  • 6 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 2 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

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.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Traditional Maleku lunch
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi

What's not

  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 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.

    4 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.4

  • 515
  • 41
  • 31
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  • 12

Ratings come from 19 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Just drive in to the parking area and ask the receptionist about ecoterra Costa Rica Tours
Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 30 travellers
Operated by
Ecoterra Expeditions
  • 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

How it compares in La Fortuna

  • Its from-price is 32% below the median of the 110 day trips we list in La Fortuna.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 40 of 110.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About La Fortuna

La Fortuna is Costa Rica's adventure hub at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, with rainforest, hot springs, waterfalls and a mountain lake.

The near-perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano rises above the town, and Arenal Volcano National Park has trails through old lava flows and rainforest with views of the summit. Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country, spreads to the west, with kayaking, fishing and windsurfing on its breezy waters and green hills all around.

Top-ranked sights in La Fortuna: La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Butterfly Conservatory.

See all 932 experiences in La Fortuna

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