ROOTS COSTA RICA
Your Costa Rican Indigenous Travel Guide
Welcome: Explore Indigenous Reserves with Roots Costa Rica
Countless tourists flock to Costa Rica to bask in the glory of its stunning beaches, majestic volcanoes, and breathtaking waterfalls. Yet, only a handful truly delve into the authentic essence of this vibrant country. But fear not! Amidst the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots lies an opportunity to unlock the genuine soul of Costa Rica. Embark on a journey through the country's 23 Indigenous Territories, where the pulse of true Costa Rican culture beats strongest. Here, amidst lush landscapes and vibrant communities, lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. With Costa Rica proudly hosting 8 indigenous groups, each with their own unique contributions to the cultural mosaic, these reserves offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions and customs that define the nation.
For intrepid travelers seeking more than just postcard-perfect vistas, venturing into these indigenous reserves is a transformative experience. Engage with local communities, partake in age-old rituals, and unearth the secrets of the land's deep-rooted heritage. It's a chance to break away from the beaten path, to forge meaningful connections, and to uncover the heart and soul of Costa Rica.
That's where Roots Costa Rica comes in. As a non-profit organization dedicated to shedding light on these hidden gems, we invite you to step outside your comfort zone and embark on a journey of discovery. Join us as we unravel the true roots of Costa Rica, one adventure at a time.
.jpg)
Mission
Roots Costa Rica is on a mission to promote sustainable tourism while empowering indigenous communities in Costa Rica. Our organization aims to harness the beauty and cultural richness of Costa Rica's 23 Indigenous Territories to create economic opportunities for native groups. We are committed to fostering genuine cultural exchanges, preserving traditions, and combating racism against indigenous communities. Through immersive experiences and community engagement, we strive to showcase the authentic essence of Costa Rica while uplifting the indigenous economy and promoting social inclusion.
Vision
Our vision is a Costa Rica where the vibrant cultures and traditions of indigenous communities are celebrated and economically empowered. We envision a future where tourists from around the world not only admire the natural beauty of Costa Rica but also engage deeply with its indigenous heritage, contributing to the well-being and prosperity of local communities. Through education, advocacy, and sustainable tourism practices, Roots Costa Rica seeks to create a more equitable society where indigenous voices are heard, respected, and valued. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others to embrace cultural diversity and support indigenous-led initiatives for a more inclusive and harmonious world.
.png)
Costa Rica's 8 National Native Groups
Costa Rica's Indigenous Reserves Map
Our Founder
Adriana Llobet
I'm a 17-year-old girl from Costa Rica who enjoys playing competitive golf, working out, hanging out with my friends, and volunteering in my community. I have a passion for economics and finance. That's why I founded Roots Costa Rica with the mission to promote sustainable tourism, empower indigenous communities, and combat racism in Costa Rica.
Why I founded Roots Costa Rica
I'm in my senior year of high school, and I wished to do some volunteering in the rural areas of my country to help people before I turned 18. My high school has a program that assists an indigenous school in the Blujuriñak community, so I thought it was a good idea to get involved in it and donate groceries and school supplies. The Blujuriñak experience made me realize that some native Costa Ricans live in truly precarious conditions and need serious help. I loved helping them, but I felt like it wasn't enough, I had to do more for the natives.
I've always had a passion for economics, finance, and entrepreneurship, so I decided to use that passion to help the indigenous communities in need in my country. I brainstormed ideas to achieve this and came up with the concept of a nonprofit organization that promotes tourism in Costa Rica's indigenous territories. Since I am such a business geek, I coined a catchy name, Roots Costa Rica, and designed a marketing strategy to help grow the organization.
I used my senior year spring break to do a road trip with my parents and brother across all of the nation's indigenous territories to ask their people if they were open to tourism and if they wanted to be featured on my yet-to-be-created website. Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming, and to my surprise, every single community was open to tourism and wished to be promoted but lacked technological knowledge to do it themselves. Roots Costa Rica partnered with these indigenous territories and got to work.
With this project, I was not only donating some stuff but also promoting their tourism, securing them jobs in the long term. For me, it was a life-changing experience because I broke the bubble I lived in and got to see other ways of life. I discovered different cultures and met wonderful people. Roots Costa Rica made me realize that it is my life calling to help people through the business industry and that it can be achieved with hard work.
-Adriana Llobet, 2024
Thank you!
Big thanks to those who donated to Roots Costa Rica, to those who provided information, and to all readers. Let's work together to reduce racism against indigenous people and better their living conditions!