Central America Trip 2010: Day 3: Canopy Tour Part II

Following the canopy tour, we got back onto the tractor trailer until we neared the Maleku Village. Paul, myself and one of our tour guides got off there. Next on our agenda was a tour of a indigenous Costa Rican tribe, called Malekus. When we entered their village, we were greeted by one of their members. We greeted each other with the traditional welcoming phrase "Capi Capi", and a slight double tap on their shoulder using your right hand.

We were invited inside. They gave a small presentation, in their indigenous tongue. Their indigenous language is not traditional Spanish; it is their own language of their people. Our tour guide translated for us. The Maleku's shared their ancestral culture, language, traditions and culture with us.It was an amazing experience, words cannot fully describe it.

The tribe members that were present wore traditional dress, and the structures within the village were built to traditional style. Present day Maleku's dress like we do, and speak Maleku, and Spanish, while the younger generation is also starting to learn some English in school.

It was an amazing experience, and I am so glad we decided to include it as part of our tour. The first set of photos below are pictures of the Maleku Village within the Ecological Tropical Park.

These pictures were part of the photographers stock photos. The first one shows the traditional dress of Maleku females. Fire has a strong importance within their culture, whereas the smoke from the fire also helps maintain the roofing of their structures.

After their presentation, we were able to look through their crafts. I bought myself a bracelet, and we were given a sketched coconut shell as a gift.

We then took a group photo. The Maleku members were each dressed in traditional attire, and we each held one of their traditional crafts. The rain sticks, as held by the tribe member on the far left, were really cool! I wanted one so bad, but we were still on the first leg of our trip. It was a little large for carrying around. Yes, they had smaller ones, but they didn't sound as nice.

We departed the Maleku Village on horseback. I've always wanted to go horseback riding down here along the beach, but horses that I've seen have not been taken care of. I figured this may be my only chance, so we included horseback riding into the tour as well.

This was my first time back on a horse since 2000, when my car and a horse in the middle of the highway (at night) collided. Ten years later, in Costa Rica, I am back on a horse. I figured I could handle this as it was only a short 20 minute ride.

I had the camera the whole time, so these are the only pictures I have of me riding.