61. Results: Costa Rica indigenous People in costa rica Work to Regain Land NEW YORK (UMNS) – The challenge for indigenous people in costa rica is not just regaining control of http://gbgm-umc.org/browse_search/results/results.cfm?cat=Costa Rica&catid=55

62. Horizontes Nature Tours, Costa Rica - General Information costa rica s indigenous Cultures. Although only 1% of the country s population—about 35,000 people— is considered aboriginal, most costa ricans are a http://www.horizontes.com/general_info/indigenous.htm

Home Our Story Conservation Efforts Our Services ... Send a Postcard Celebrating 20 years as Costa Rica's leading ecotourism operator Family Travel Natural Wonders Naturally Family Friendly (UK) ... Multi-Sport Costa Rica's Indigenous Reserves Huetar-Bribri-Cabecar-Guaymi-Chorotega-Boruca-Guatuso-Terraba 1. Guatuso Indian Reserve (Malekus) 2. Matambu Indian Reserve 13. Boruca Indian Reserve 5. Nairi-Awari (Barbilla) 16. Salitre Indian Reserve 17. Cabagra Indian Reserve 7. Bajo Chirripo Indian Reserve 8. Guaymi / Osa Peninsula 19. Telire Indian Reserve 9. Guaymi / Conte Burica 20. Cabecar -Talamanca 10. Guaymi / Coto Brus 21. Bribri Talamanca 11. Guaymi / Abrojos Montezuma 22. Kekoldi Indian Reserves (Cocles) Costa Rica's Indigenous Cultures Early indigenous civilizations The Bribri/Cabecar have been able to preserve many aspects of their culture, especially their religion, despite influences from non-Indians. Their supreme god is called "Sibú,” creator of their universe. Malekus (Guatusos), who live near the Arenal Volcano, are actively trying to conserve their language, as are several other indigenous groups. About 300 people now speak Maleku. Members of the Maleku tribe explain their culture to tourists who visit Lake Coter Eco Lodge.

63. Costa Rica History Seen Through It's People When Columbus arrived on the coast of this Central American nation in 1502, there were probably no more than 20,000 indigenous people in costa rica. http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/costarica/costaricahistory.htm

Volunteer In Costa Rica Volunteer Abroad Volunteer In The USA How To Apply ... Request Information Costa Rica's History Early Society Embraced Peace When Columbus arrived on the coast of this Central American nation in 1502, there were probably no more than 20,000 indigenous people in Costa Rica. He found several autonomous tribes, all with distinct cultures and customs. The Indians gave Columbus gold and he returned to Europe with reports of a plentiful supply of the yellow metal. But the adventurers who arrived later to cash in confronted hostile local people, hot and swampy coastlines and rampant disease, conditions that for decades drove would-be colonists away. In 1562, Spain's administrative center in Guatemala sent Juan Vasquez de Coronado to Costa Rica as governor and Cartago was established as the capital the following year. With no Indian slaves to work the land, the settlers were forced to work the land themselves, scratching out a meagre subsistence by tilling small plots. The impoverished colony grew slowly and was virtually ignored by the Spanish rulers in Guatemala. By the late 18th century, the settlements were stabilized, and exports of wheat and tobacco were making economic conditions somewhat better. Independence Leads to Sweeping Political Changes Central America gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. The news reached Costa Rica a month after the event. The question of whether Costa Rica should join newly independent Mexico or join a new confederation of Central American states resulted in a bitter quarrel between the leaders of San Jose and their counterparts in Cartago and Heredia. A brief civil war in 1823 was won by San Jose and Costa Rica joined the confederation.

64. The Culture Of Costa Rica The most stable democracy in Central America, costa rica s voting system ensures honest, secure elections. The indigenous people gained their right to vote in http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/costarica/costaricaculture.htm

Volunteer In Costa Rica Volunteer Abroad Volunteer In The USA How To Apply ... Request Information Costa Rica's Culture Progressive Values and Attitudes Known as the "Switzerland of the Americas," Costa Rica has a strong democratic tradition and a long history of dispute resolution. Owing in part to their impressive 95 percent literacy rate and national education system, Costa Ricans are a self-assured and hospitable people. The most stable democracy in Central America, Costa Rica's voting system ensures honest, secure elections. The indigenous people gained their right to vote in 1994. Peace-Loving People Help Stabilize Region For the past 100 years, the country has known only two very short military regimes. Following a civil war in 1948, in two of the most innovative moves in recent history, Costa Rican president Pepe Figueres constitutionally abolished the army, and limited presidents to serve one term only. Nine presidential campaigns since 1949 has produced victories for the opposition candidate seven times all with an 80 percent voter participation rate! In a region plagued by civil wars, human rights abuses, and until recently dictatorships, Costa Rica stands out as an exception. Since 1949, when the army was abolished, the country has had a fairly stable democracy. The new Constitution of 1949 included a progressive labor code, upheld a system of social security, and contained a set of social guarantees( such as a minimum wage), that gave the average citizen rights that were ahead of their time.

65. Costa Rica - History & Culture relations among races. Regrettably, only 1 percent of costa s rica s 3 million people are of indigenous heritage. An overwhelming 98 http://www.geographia.com/costa-rica/history.htm

COSTA RICA T he first European explorer to encounter Costa Rica was the Great Navigator himself, Christopher Columbus. The day was September 18, 1502, and Columbus was making his fourth and final voyage to the New World. As he was setting anchor off shore, a crowd of local Carib Indians paddled out in canoes and greeted his crew warmly. Later, the golden bands that the region's inhabitants wore in their noses and ears would inspire the Spaniard Gil Gonzalez Davila to name the country Costa Rica , or Rich Coast. Archaeologists now know that civilization existed in Costa Rica for thousands of years before the arrival of Columbus, and evidence of human occupation in the region dates back 10,000 years. Among the cultural mysteries left behind by the area's pre-Columbian inhabitants are thousands of perfectly spherical granite bolas that have been found near the west coast. The sizes of these inimitable relics range from that of a baseball to that of a Volkswagen bus. Ruins of a large, ancient city complete with aqueducts were recently found east of San Jose, and some marvelously sophisticated gold and jade work was being wrought in the southwest as far back as 1,000 years ago. Some archeological sites in the central highlands and Nicoya peninsula have shown evidence of influence from the Mexican Olmec and Nahuatl civilizations. By the time the Columbus arrived, there were four major indigenous tribes living in Costa Rica. The east coast was the realm of the Caribs, while the Borucas, Chibchas, and Diquis resided in the southwest. Only a few hundred thousand strong to begin with, none of these peoples lasted long after the dawn of Spanish colonialism. Some fled, while many others perished from the deadly smallpox brought by the Spaniards. Having decimated the indigenous labor force, the Spanish followed a common policy and brought in African slaves to work the land. Seventy thousand of their descendants live in Costa Rica today, and the country is known for good relations among races. Regrettably, only 1 percent of Costa's Rica's 3 million people are of indigenous heritage. An overwhelming 98 percent of the country is white, and those of Spanish descent call themselves

66. HONDURAS: Indigenous People Seek Political Asylum In Costa Rica HONDURAS indigenous People Seek Political Asylum in costa rica. by Thelma Mejia TEGUCIGALPA, Jul 28 (IPS) Around 16 Lenca and http://www.oneworld.org/ips2/jul/honduras.html

IPS news reports appear daily in English, German, Finnish, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish. To subscribe , please contact us at: Africa Asia Caribbean Europe ... North America HONDURAS: Indigenous People Seek Political Asylum in Costa Rica by Thelma Mejia TEGUCIGALPA, Jul 28 (IPS) - Around 16 Lenca and Chorti indigenous people sought political asylum in the Costa Rican embassy here Monday, claiming persecution by the State and groups of landowners. The indigenous people took refuge in the diplomatic headquarters where Ambassador Manuel Carballo is now seeking a diplomatic solution to the request, said members of the Honduran Confederation of Indigenous Peoples (CONPAH). This is the first time indigenous people in Honduras have called for political asylum, a fact which deals a harsh blow to the Carlos Roberto Reina government. Eduardo Yanez, one of the CONPAH activists, said 16 indigenous people requesting asylum had been on the receiving end of political persecution from the State security forces and Guatemalan hitmen allegedly contracted by landowners in the west of the country in recent months. ''We are being persecuted and no one will safeguard our security, that's why our companions took the decision to seek political asylum. They are fearing for their lives and this doesn't seem to matter to anyone, least of all the government,'' said Yanez.

67. Natural Resources - Costa Rica Fund, Forestry Guide of National Parks in costa rica (Spanish) Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Monteverde costa rica. indigenous People indigenous People Earth http://www.law.du.edu/naturalresources/Individual Countries/Costa Rica.htm

Natural Resources - Costa Rica Legislation Environmental Environment Law (Spanish) (Spanish) (Spanish) Treaties ECOLEX Legal Databases Costarricense General Data Base (Spanish) Commercial Laws of Costa Rica (Spanish) National Legislation System database (Spanish) ECOLEX Gazette Indigenous People Constitutional Rights Indigenous Law (Spanish) Investment Investment Legal Framework (Spanish) National Commercial Treaties (Spanish) COMEX Ministry of External Commerce (Spanish - English) Commercial Code (Spanish) Tax Tax National Legal Framework (Spanish) Tax Codes (Spanish) $ Taxes in Costa Rica Other Resources Government Agencies Government on the WWW: Costa Rica - Municipal Information. (Spanish) Ministry of Foreign Trade (Spanish) National Institute of Biodiversity INBIOPark (Spanish) Ministry of Finance (Spanish) Environment EIA Central American Environmental Issues Biodiversity in Costa Rica General Information - Ministry of Environment EIA General Information Background Information CIA World FactBook Country Watch U.S. Dept. of State Background Notes

68. Costa Rica: The Spanish Conquest And Colonization Thus, colonization of costa rica occurred from the Pacific side of the country. of the Americas, principally Panama and Peru, with the indigenous people of the http://www.angelfire.com/bc/gonebirding/colony.html

Costa Rica The Spanish Conquest and Colonization: In spite of their insatiable lust for gold and precious stones, the Spanish conquistadors were never able to bring the eastern portion of Costa Rica under their dominion. At least a dozen expeditions to the Caribbean lowlands were made in the 100 years that followed Columbus' discovery. Like the Spanish conquest in other parts of the New World, these expeditions were usually characterized by their violent nature and disrespect for the native peoples. As a result, the natives resisted the Spaniards' efforts to subjugate them by either direct confrontation or by fleeing inland to more remote areas, often burning their own villages and crops behind them so that the foreign forces would not be able to make use of them. Deceit, jealousy, and competition among the Spaniards themselves, together with the difficult climatic conditions of the Atlantic region, were other factors that limited their success in ever establishing permanent settlements there during the first three centuries of the colonial period. Thus, colonization of Costa Rica occurred from the Pacific side of the country.

69. Limon, Costa Rica Reserve costa rica s indigenous population is relatively small and disperse. The Talamanca mountains provided the last refuge for the native people from the http://www.angelfire.com/bc/gonebirding/limon.html

Costa Rica LIMON PROVINCE General Information: Climate: , in the Talamanca Cordillera. Likewise, the provincial boundaries also climb to over 2,000 m. elevation on the northeastern flank of Turrialba Volcano. History: Spanish settlement of Costa Rica came not from the Atlantic but from the Pacific side of the country. Given the mountainous barrier between the Central Valley and the Caribbean lowlands, as well as the dense forests and high rainfall characteristic of the latter region, would-be colonists were faced with a real challenge. The periodic expeditions organized with, at least in part, the purpose of establishing permanent settlements in the Caribbean region inevitably met with failure. Their cruel treatment of the indigenous people did not help the Spaniards in their objective either, since the natives in the area wholeheartedly resisted colonization. Thus, throughout the three centuries of the colonial period, while the Central Valley and northern Pacific portions of Costa Rica were being progressively dominated by settlers from Spain, the Atlantic wilderness continued to be an untamed frontier. The one small exception was the Valley of Matina where a number of farms existed for the purpose of growing cacao the source of cocoa and chocolate, which are produced from the seeds. Although it was a long and difficult journey from the Central Valley to Matina, near the Caribbean coast, the merchants from Cartago who invested in the cacao farms considered it a worthy enterprise given the otherwise limited opportunities for commercial trade with other colonies.

70. Culture & Tribal People Of Costa Rica! excellent exhibition on the architectural history of costa rica is on crafted through different techniques by the native costa rican indigenous people. http://www.strayreality.com/dir_culture.htm

World OUR Costa Rica Information MENU Costa Rica Directory About Costa Rica San Jose' Magical City of Escazu ... Web Promotion CR Costa Rica Only! Costa Rica Free Classifieds of Costa Rica *Museums, the arts, cultural activities, local fun, the Tribal People of Costa Rica, Indian Reserves. To Learn More Visit These Sites! "Tropical Delight" "Exclusive" Costa Rica Directory Gold Museum - 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., tues. - Sun. Below Plaza de la Cultura, Ave. Central, Calle 5. Call 223-0528 The exhibit itself is not the only reason for visiting the museum, although it is definitely stands on its own, the building in which it is housed is also unique and interesting. Situated under the Plaza de la Cultura and next to the National Theater the museum extends down three stories underground. The long sweeping spiral staircase that connects the different levels is the architectural center piece. With plenty of room, aside from the main gold exhibit, the museum is often the setting for many different traveling art shows. Currently an excellent exhibition on the architectural history of Costa Rica is on display with the museum itself an important example. Museo de Jade - Pre-Columbian Jade Jewelry and More - Instituto Nacional de Seguros, Piso 11 - Avenida 7, Calles 9 y 9B

71. NABUUR.com - Villages - Home The territory of the Boruca people is about 31.000 hectares. The Borucas is one of the 8 tribes of indigenous people of costa rica with 1856 inhabitants. http://www.nabuur.com/modules/villages_home/article.php?villageid=36&storyid=12

72. Voluntary Work Information Service (VWIS) Organisations - Kan Tan Project, Costa There is a population of around 3.5 million in costa rica; with indigenous people representing approximately only 1 percent of this figure. http://www.workingabroad.com/organis/kantan.htm

Kan Tan Project - Costa Rica Ecological Development in Indigenous Territory Aim of the Volunteer Project The Kan Tan Project is a private ecodevelopment and cultural project working to create a centre to strengthen the indigenous spirit in a practical capacity. Volunteers will assist with the creation of a traditional Brunka houses (ranchos) within the Kan Tan Preserve. You will work and live with the Brunka people in Boruca village, gaining the opportunity to be a part of their community and learn about their culture. Costa Rica The Republic of Costa Rica lies on the Central American isthmus, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. There is a population of around 3.5 million in Costa Rica; with indigenous people representing approximately only 1 percent of this figure. There are 8 main indigenous groups, with 5 of these groups living in the south of Costa Rica (the Guaymies, Borucas (Brunkas), Teribes, Cabecares and Bribris). In 1977 the Costa Rican government created a system of indigenous reserves which gave the native populations the right to live in self governing communities. Kan Tan Preserve The Kan Tan Preserve is part of the Brunquena mountain range located near the village of Boruca, within the Boruca-Terraba indigenous reserve. Boruca is a small community which preserves on the one hand indigenous traditions and on the other, there is a strong Western influence which brings about mixed cultures and behaviours.

73. Costa Rica People The indigenous people only earned their right to vote in 1994. International standards would rank costa rica amongst those nations with high literacy rates. http://www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/people/

costa rica people It is almost impossible to describe a people without succumbing to generalities and omissions; nonetheless a perusal of certain statistics and common values can help begin the lifelong process of getting to know a people. The indigenous population exists in the present as eight separate communities. Six native languages have survived the ravages of time, and are now encouraged by government legislation that allows for bilingual education. The majority of the indigenous groups are located in the south of the country; the two largest groups being the Cabecares and the Bribris. A 1977 Indigenous Bill established the right to land reserves as well as creating programs to preserve and stimulate native culture. The government has actually followed through with these initiatives, but has simultaneously failed to help protect the land rights versus the incursions of mining and squatting interests. The indigenous people only earned their right to vote in 1994. International standards would rank Costa Rica amongst those nations with high literacy rates. Although the government's claim of a 93% literacy rate is considered to be inflated, the great majority of its people can read and write. Education up to the sixth grade is obligatory and the network of public schools is dispersed into the far corners of the land. The country is now home to a handful of well regarded Universities such as the National University and the University of Costa Rica.

74. Costa Rica (08/03) PEOPLE AND HISTORY Unlike many of their Central native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today Settlement of costa rica began in 1522 http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2019.htm

[Print Friendly Version] Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs August 2003 Background Note: Costa Rica PROFILE OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Costa Rica Geography Area: 51,032 sq. km. (19,652 sq. mi.); about twice the size of the state of Vermont. Cities: Capital San Jose (metropolitan area pop. 1.2 million). Other major cities Puntarenas (300,000), Alajuela (250,000), Limon (150,000), Cartago (150,000). Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the eastern and western coastal plains. Climate: Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas. People Nationality: Noun and adjective Costa Rican(s). Population (2001 est.): 3.94 million. Annual growth rate (2001 est.): 2.3%. Ethnic groups: European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1%. Religion: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical Protestant approx. 13.7%, none 3.2%, others 6.8%. Languages: Spanish, with Jamaican dialect of English spoken around Puerto Limon. Education: Years compulsory Attendance 99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9.

75. Costa Rica formed the Foundation of Women Parliamentarians of costa rica to commemorate indigenous people may participate freely in politics and government; however, in http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2000/wha/746.htm

[Print Friendly Version] Costa Rica Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 23, 2001 Costa Rica is a longstanding, stable, constitutional democracy with a unicameral Legislative Assembly directly elected in free multiparty elections every 4 years. Miguel Angel Rodriguez of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) won the presidency in the February 1998 elections, in which approximately 70 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. The judiciary is independent. The 1949 Constitution abolished the military forces. The Ministry of Public Securitywhich includes specialized units such as the antidrug policeand the Ministry of the Presidency share responsibility for law enforcement and national security. In 1996 the Government combined several police units within the Ministry of Public Security, including the Border Guard, the Rural Guard, and the Civil Guard, into a single "public force." Public security forces generally observe procedural safeguards established by law and the Constitution; however, members of these forces occasionally committed human rights abuses. The market economy is based primarily on light industry, tourism, and agriculture. Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth was estimated at 1.4 percent, compared with 8 percent in 1999. The government deficit is estimated to have narrowed to 2.1 percent of GDP, compared with 2.3 percent in 1999; however, the public sector deficit remained at 3.3 percent of GDP, the same as in 1999. The Constitution protects the right to private property; however, domestic and foreign property owners encounter considerable difficulty gaining adequate, timely compensation for lands expropriated for national parks and other purposes. The law grants considerable rights to squatters who invade uncultivated land, regardless of who may hold title to the property.

76. Let's Go - Costa Rica - Reserva IndÍgena Boruca Although the Boruca people have long since adopted modern dress and the This fiesta is one of the few indigenous festivals in costa rica, since the http://www.letsgo.com/CORI/10-SouthernCostaRica-78

@import "/styles/main.css"; Home Destinations Bookstore Resources ... Caribbean Lowlands This content is from Let's Go: Costa Rica. Costa Rica Costa Rica Southern Costa Rica Near Buenos Aires Twenty kilometers into the mountains south of Buenos Aires lies a welcoming and culturally rich community of indigenous people. Although the Boruca people have long since adopted modern dress and the Spanish language, some traditional customs persist. Women still use pre-Columbian back-strap looms to weave cotton textiles. Men still craft balsa wood carvings and masks, which are used every year in the famous Boruca festival, Fiesta de los Diablitos (Festival of the Little Devils) from December 30 through January 2. The celebration represents the indigenous struggle against the Spanish. Men wear carved devil masks and burlap costumes and fight a man dressed up as a bull, which symbolizes the Spanish. The representative fight/dance ends when the "bull" takes off his "face" and throws it on the ground, marking his defeat. This fiesta is one of the few indigenous festivals in Costa Rica, since the

77. TakingITGlobal - Discuss - Thread - Indigineous People In Costa Rica During my travels in costa rica, I have discovered that a large population of indigenous people are living throughout the beautiful country. http://www.takingitglobal.org/discuss/showthread.html?s=&threadid=6256

78. Costa Rica Travel Information: Adventures, Cultural Ecotourism, Extreme Expediti Countries Covered Belize costa rica Guatemala Honduras India Indonesia Nicaragua Panama. indigenous People Native Planet Documentaries. http://www.jpsviewfinder.com/travel/country/costarica/costarica.htm

Travel Photography Travel Information What the Guidebooks Don't Tell You! Native Planet Home Favorite Destinations Indonesia India Guatemala Panama Countries Covered Belize Costa Rica Guatemala Honduras ... Panama Countries Covered Soon Bolivia France Japan Peru ... Taiwan Ecotourism Native Planet: What is ... Mentawai Tours Rajasthan Tours Indigenous People ... Native Planet Documentaries Expeditions CASKE Siberut Irian Jaya Travel Photography ... J-Phiippe's Selection Equipment Recommendation Travel Photography Expeditions Book Recommendation Travel Photography Expeditions Travel Health Tropical Diseases Malaria Dangerous Sea Creatures Survival at Sea ... Look for a Hotel Travel Tools Currency Converter Translation Tool Measures Conversions Travel Warnings (US) ... World Clock Travel Links National Geographic Lonely Planet Sitemap Adventures in Costa Rica The wildlife and natural beauty of Costa Rica is unsurpassed. Paddle a jungle canal; witness thousands of nesting sea turtles, watch the nocturnal fireworks of volcanic eruptions while relaxing in hot springs; stroll through the miraculous Manual Antonio park; raft class V rivers; shower in waterfalls; search for birds and bright orchids in prime-growth rainforest. Our documentaries, photos, and travel tips give you all you need to discover Costa Rica by yourself. Photos of Costa Rica Stories from Costa Rica: Playing Hide and Seek with Sea Turtles Playa Grande, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: "Leatherbacks and Strip Development"

79. Costa Rica General Information blacks and 5,000 indigenous people live. The Northern Guanacaste province also has a sizeable indigenous population. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE costa rica is the http://www.crica.com/info/info_intro.html

An Introduction To Costa Rica SIZE: 51,060 square kms (19,714 square miles) POPULATION: 4 million, (source: World Bank). CAPITAL CITY: San Jose, estimated population : 1,200,000 LOCAL TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT minus 6 hours. LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken in the business community and at most tourist destinations. RELIGION: Majority Roman Catholic, then Evangelical; Methodist; Baptist; Episcopalian; Jewish and Bahai Faith. ETHNIC MAKEUP: The majority of the population, 98 per cent, is white or racially mixed, except in Limon province on the Caribbean coast, where an estimated 70,000 blacks and 5,000 Indigenous people live. The Northern Guanacaste province also has a sizeable Indigenous population. GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE: Costa Rica is the second smallest country in Central America after El Salvador. The country lies between Nicaragua and Panama, and has coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific. A low, thin line of hills between Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific is prolonged into northern Costa Rica, broadening and rising into high and rugged mountains in the center and south. The capital city, San Jose, lies in a central basin set in these highlands. Both coasts have lowland areas. The sparsely inhabited east coast has a narrow swamp strip and tropical forests as the terrain slopes inland. The Pacific coast has two peninsulas: the mountainous Nicoya peninsula in the north and the lowland Osa peninsula in the south. A rich lowland savannah patched by deciduous forests stretches along the Pacific coast between the two peninsulas.

80. Talamanca Discovery: Culture Many indigenous people continue to live in thatch roofed houses built entirely of ago Spanish speaking laborers arrived from the central valley of costa rica. http://greencoast.com/culture.htm

HISTORICAL / CULTURAL INTRODUCTION By 1979 a road connected the villages to Limon. Electricity brought lights and refrigeration to Puerto Viejo in 1986 and to Manzanillo in 1988. Now, you can drive to Puerto Viejo in a little over 3 hours - 4 to 4.5 hours by bus - to enjoy its cultures, wildlife, forests and the Caribbean sea. Private phones were installed in October of 1996 and this has been our route to cyberspace. The earliest peoples of Talamanca of whom we are aware were the Bribri and Cabecar Indians who lived in the interior, mostly along watercourses. Later, Afro-Caribbean people settled along the coast, founding the villages of Old Harbour (Puerto Viejo), Grape Point, Manchineel (Manzanillo), and Monkey Point. English was the principal language in those days, and despite a campaign to convert everything to Spanish, to the point of changing town names, English is still widely used. Coastal Talamanca is the most bi-lingual region of Costa Rica. For generations the Blacks and Indians lived in harmony, trading with each other, living successfully off the land. These people have accumulated an incredible amount of knowledge of the forest and sea. Many indigenous people continue to live in thatch roofed houses built entirely of forest products. Later, Afro-Carribeans introduced cash crops such as cacao, began extracting lumber, often hiring Indians to work in these enterprises. Perhaps 30 years ago Spanish speaking laborers arrived from the central valley of Costa Rica. Latin Costa Rican influence has grown increasingly, an influx of North Americans and Europeans has added to the cultural mix. Many find this atmosphere fascinating and stimulating.

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