Description

The village of Palenque Tonjibe says capi capi and welcomes you to an amazing week of nature, cultural immersion, art, and adventure with new friends in a colorful indigenous reservation.

Maleku Culture
The Maleku are one of Costa Rica's eight remaining indigenous groups and have lived in the northern regions of Costa Rica for centuries. They speak Maleku, a Chibchan dialect that is distinct from the neighboring Mayan, and have managed to maintain their distinct cultural identity through waves of Western influence. But increasing development and globalization in Costa Rica have left them clinging to a rich tradition and culture that is slowly being absorbed by mainstream Tico society. There are only about 600 Maleku people left living in three communities in Northern Costa Rica on a reservation that is a fraction of the size of their former lands. Immerse yourself in their little-known way of life during this unique program. You'll participate in Maleku ceremonies, learn about the medicinal uses of plants from the rainforest, create your own colorful, traditional artwork, and even pick up a few Maleku words and phrases. Your group will live in a traditional Maleku house that is within walking distance of the village.

Teaching, Painting, and Digging
Spend your time here getting to know the Maleku people and working on several rewarding service projects. You may paint houses and community buildings, contribute to reforestation efforts, lend a hand on educational projects, or help out in the local school's vegetable garden. Maleku community members will join you on the service projects, giving you a chance to learn about the culture first hand.

Exploring the Jungle
With your Maleku friends as your guides, you'll explore Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the Rio Celeste. Spend a day hiking and trekking through this pristine park, following the course of the river and stopping along the way to soak in natural hot springs that are warmed by volcanic steam. The trek will continue through primary forest and past pools of boiling water until you reach a turquoise lagoon beneath a 90-foot waterfall. Go for a swim in these celestial blue waters and marvel at their tranquil beauty.

Discover the land of the Maleku, a sacred territory that you will see through the eyes of the people who have called it their home for centuries.

Make the Connection
For the ultimate indigenous experience, combine the Maleku program with the Kuna Culture and Caribbean Paradise program in Panama. Or follow the Inca trail in Peru on the Sacred Valley Service or Amazon Explorer programs. If you wish to stay in Costa Rica, join the Heart of the Jungle program and traverse the jungles of the beautiful Osa Peninsula while participating in service initiatives.

Highlights

IMMERSE yourself in the Maleku culture and learn about a way of life very different from your own.

LEARN about the Maleku people's traditional use of medicinal plants, practice your Spanish, and pick up a few Maleku words.

PAINT jicaras and masks with traditional Maleku designs

SWIM in the amazing turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste.

MAKE FRIENDS with local school children as you teach them English through educational activities organized alongside your Rustic Pathways staff members.

HELP paint houses, create gardens, and construct buildings with friendly Maleku people who are eager to learn about your life.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,395 + International airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

14 years old and up

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983