Notes from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Fifteen years ago, a group of 32 Bribrí women from Watsi, Talamanca, formed one of the first indigenous tourism and agriculture associations in Costa Rica. Working together to improve their standard of living, the Watsi women’s group, Amuprowa, welcomes tourists, students and church groups from all parts of the world. 

On Oct. 25-26, Amuprowa will inaugurate its own purpose-built eco-lodge where groups of up to six can stay in the heart of this rural hamlet. The rustic lodge, built with only local materials and in traditional Bribrí style, offers spacious rooms, a large veranda, rain-forest garden, mosquito nets, running water, toilet and shower. The group offers a wide variety of activities, including cooking and handicraft classes, rain-forest tours, cultural immersion and chocolate-making and medicinal plant tours.

Amuprowa invites tour agencies, hotels, student and church groups and independent travelers to join the inauguration ceremony Oct. 25-26 starting at 10 a.m. Traditional food and drink will be provided, and tours and accommodations will be offered for half price.

To get there, take the road to Bribrí and follow the dirt track at the end of town through Volio to Watsi; park at the soccer field. Buses from Bribrí to Shiroles via Watsi will stop at the soccer field; ask the bus driver.

For more information, call 8512-1718 (English), 8702-2505 or 8688-5063, or email richardtinkler@yahoo.com.

–Alaine Berg

atecmail@gmail.com