Kekoldi and Bribri Indigenous Reserve Experience, Puerto Viejo de Limón

Spend time with two very different local families for a unique insight into Costa Rica from an indigenous perspective. From iguana conservation to the history of chocolate, natural medicines and sustainability, this fascinating tour is a deep dive into Costa Rican culture.

Costa Rica’s 8 indigenous societies include the Bribri and Cabécar tribes, whose territories cover the hills and mountains of Talamanca and the Caribbean coast. Your visit will help support native communities and ensure their traditions and culture continue to flourish for future generations.

You’ll take a 1-hour guided walk to meet with a family at the small Kéköldi Indigenous Territory, just outside Puerto Viejo de Limón. The family have dedicated their lives to the conservation of the green iguana, and your guide will explain how they continue to breed and release the iguanas to ensure the survival of this once-endangered species.

You’ll also visit the Bribri Indigenous Reserve, where you’ll discover the properties and uses of medicinal plants, and learn about the importance of the cacao plant in the Bribri culture as well as in Costa Rican history. The Bribri people will demonstrate the traditional method of preparing drinking chocolate from the cacao bean. Later there’s time to stop at a waterfall and enjoy a restaurant lunch as you reflect on everything you’ve learnt.