QUITIRRISI INDIGENOUS RESERVE
- Autor: Michelle Fernández
- Category: Rural Experiences
- 26/03/2026
Located 40 minutes from San Jose, there is an indigenous community that has been gradually trying not to lose its roots and traditions, as its proximity to the capital threatens to end the legacy of the Huetares, who were the main peoples near what we now call the capital of Costa Rica. However, one of its leaders, Juan Sánchez, has been making efforts for the last 20 years to bring back the customs and traditions of his people, with the main objective being the rescue of the Huetar culture in the Indigenous Territory.
For this reason, the Quitirrisi Indigenous Territory Tourism Project was created. Due to its proximity to San Jose, visits began with groups of students who wanted to learn about the worldview of this people. This led to the vision of creating a sacred temple and an education centre for its people, with talks and walks through the forest, and with the support of family members, they are reviving their customs and traditions.
They offer a tour where spirituality is present at every moment. Accompanied by a local guide who is a member of the community, you will walk along trails where you can appreciate cultural and sacred sites such as ceremonial altars and tombs until you reach the Huetar community. It is a moderately difficult hike as there are slopes to climb through the streets of the community. Once you arrive at the project, you will learn about medicinal plants, natural dyes, and handicrafts made from natural fibres after this beautiful experience.
Sharing with the people of the community, learning about their traditions and customs such as archery, using clay to create designs and crafts, painting… all this is part of experiencing the culture manifested in activities created and designed for visitors, with the aim of making their visit to the country a special moment.
The experience includes refreshments, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of indigenous culture. In total, you can enjoy three hours of authentic experiences near the capital, where you can learn about culture and tradition and escape the hustle and bustle of San José. This is a great option if you are short on time and cannot visit other remote areas of the country where indigenous communities can be found. Here you will find the history of a culture that has almost disappeared, and what little remains is preserved so that people do not forget the history of the Huetares.
This tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover the secrets of this community and its ancestral customs, learn about healing with medicinal plants, and see how they make natural dyes and dye fabrics. These are experiences that are definitely worth having.
