Costa Rica Hello Again: Rancho Maleku Tafa Uríjif

–My Costa Rican Adventure

 

Day 4 in my series Costa Rica Hello Again found us on the way to visit Rancho Maleku Tafa Uríjif in Palenque el Sol near the town of Guatuso (San Rafael de Guatuso) in Alajuela Province. This area is home to the smallest of the 8 indigenous groups comprised of approximately 650 people. They are fighting to preserve their culture, beliefs and traditions– the more we learn about and support them helps their journey. When you go to a souvenir shop to buy their handmade creations that’s great, what’s even better is going to where they live, meet the people and spend time with them. Learn something about the culture and spend your money in the lands they are allowed to occupy. That way, they get the entire proceeds of the transaction.

And you put a smile on their face, followed by a heartfelt “thank you.”

There is quite a bit of info on the Maleku in social media and documentaries, one of which I will list at the end. They’re really on a crusade to educate and inform the public.

Not too long after we left the fabulous Bio Thermales Hot Springs on the way to Rancho Maleku Tafa Uríjif with our incredible guide and friend Frank Herrera, I was in for a treat–my beloved Cortessa Trees shed their blossoms creating a gold blanket on the ground! Frank knew that was something I wanted to experience but missed on previous trips. So we pull up once again to Yolanda’s property (mentioned her and her kindness in Costa Rica Hello Again: Dinoland) and I see the magic!

 

 

 

 

Rancho Maleku Tafa Uríjif

 

 

For as long as we have been going to Costa Rica, I have been wanting to go where the indigenous lived and the moment was finally at hand! Upon arriving, we were greeted by our host Hiqui (pronounced “eee-key”) in this pretty open space where their artesian marketplace was to our left. We had time to look about the receiving hall for a bit before the tour began. I had already started scoping out the items that could possibly end up going home with me. Much to my chagrin, I had little space (gotta fix that next time!) but I did see quite a few small handcrafted beauties that could make the cut.

 

 

Soon it was time to go to the structure where the Maleku traditionally lived but the Costa Rican government won’t allow them to build these structures to live in and they have to reside in regular houses. Rancho Capi Capi, roughly translates to the Costa Rican saying “Pura Vida” in the Maleku Jaika language. It also means “hello.  Pura Vida means “pure life.”

This structure was the central area for a family. Within the heart and center of the what sounds like “ooo-way” (not sure if that referred to the actual name of the structure or a reference to the material it’s made from).

 

 

 

Mannnnn I am telling you, it was hot as HADES outside but cool cool cool inside. I had forgotten exactly how hot it was until we went back outside! This simple environmentally created structure was enough to keep us in comfort–no fan or air conditioner needed! There was a breeze and when invited to remove our shoes, I couldn’t BELIEVE how cool and good the floor felt!

In the center of this structure is a fire that burns 24/7 . It is the heart of the home and is made of stone, brick, or metal. It is used for cooking, ritual and heating. Even with that last purpose it did not add any heat to the area during the daylight as the sun blazed outside.

Lots to learn from the indigenous who honor the land and live in harmony with her. We live in a world full of greed and run by those who only seek money and power, control and manipulation. But folks are waking up, creating products that are environmentally sound and Awareness is rising. 

Once settled inside Hiqui began to explain aspects of their culture showing us items used and introducing us to how some of their art is created by carving on small gourds they harvest from the land.

After working on our art, the main event: a ceremonial dance in which we were later invited to participate in! I don’t have that footage but you can see it in a recap of the day on Hiqui’s Instagram. I have provided that link at the end of this post along with additional links to the places I talk about in this series.

Into the Forest

 

Then it was time to go out into the forest. Hiqui showed us plants and gave us samples to try. One was enough for me, I declined to try the little wrapped up leaf that she didn’t explain the use of. Folks found out though lol!

After learning about some of the plants it was off to the shooting range. They have bows and arrows plus the board in which to shoot at. That was pretty cool, I had never used a bow and arrow before. It reminded me that I wanted to take an archery class in college but it was only offered one semester in a school year and that was always during the time I had dance classes which was my major.

We had so much fun and it was too funny at the shooting range. I had totally bombed out on my first try with the arrow dropping like a dud, but my dude gave me a correction which made a huge difference. I didn’t hit the bullseye but at least I was right near the board this time hahaha!

Then it was time for lunch and shopping! Below is a recap of our day and some of what we learned about the Maleku culture..:

 

 

 

 

You can see a recap of our tour on this link on Hiqui’s Instagram account and you can also follow her!

While not the place we went to, this video gives you an idea on the imbalance and how tourists’ dollars don’t reach the Maleku. That is why it is soooooo important to support the indigenous cultures in the places you visit.

More of Hiqui’s links:

Facebook

YouTube

NEXT: The Mistico Hanging Bridges

 

 

Links

 

Bio Thermales Hot Springs   +506-8862-0926 (English & Spanish)

Frank Herrera Frank Tours CR Aguas Zarcas  Whatsapp: +506-8377-6663 (he is fluent in English!)

Q’rico Restaurant

Matiz Restaurante & Café

The Iguana Cafe

Rancho de Ceci

La Fortuna Gastro Club

 

While You’re Still Here…

 

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