The Talamanca Mountains are host to the Cabecar Indians, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica. The Cabecar, who retain many of their traditional customs and beliefs, live in small family units scattered throughout this isolated region that includes the Pacuare zone.
The Zutkia, or shaman, plays a multifaceted role in Cabecar culture as priest, magician, metaphysician or healer. A cultural exchange with a shaman is the perfect way to experience the culture and mysticism of the Cabecar tradition. From the Pacuare Lodge it is possible to visit a shaman and isolated family groups to learn something of their folklore and way of life, as well as enjoying the alluring tropical rainforest. The tour lasts the whole day and is quite physically demanding.
After a delicious breakfast we’ll depart the lodge for an uphill climb through lush rainforest, crystal clear streams and stunning wildlife. The hike takes approximately one and a half hours and is accompanied by a naturalist guide. Once at the Shaman’s hut you will have the unique opportunity to listen to him share his intimate knowledge of the healing properties of the jungle's rich plant medicines, and of the traditions and customs that have survived for centuries and which provide the foundation for the Cabecar’s relationship with nature. This is an opportunity for personal enlightenment, as well as a chance to marvel at the ways in which the secrets of plants, trees, insects, and animals can be captured to heal illnesses and transcend our universe. The Zutkia speaks Spanish and Cabecar, his native tongue; therefore, our expert guide will assist throughout, so that you can fully join in this cultural and educational exchange. After partaking of a farewell health beverage prepared by the shaman, we will visit briefly with a nearby Cabecar family before hiking back down to the lodge.
We urge our guests to request permission from our guide before taking photographs of any Cabecar people. The Cabecar are very zealous of their customs and way of life and do not like to be photographed, and we strongly respect this wish.
That in Costa Rica there are eight indigenous groups living in twenty-four reserves. Each of these communities is distinguished by a unique cultural background and native tongue. The Cabecar Indians, in the vicinity of the Pacuare Lodge, number around 346 and belong to the Nairi Awari Reserve.
