Costa Rica has
eight indigenous groups, each with distinct customs and cultures. These groups include the Bribri, Cabecar, Maleku, Guaymí, Huetar, Boruca, Matambú, and Térraba. They are 2.4% of the population of the country.
Bribri — They are the original inhabitants of Talamanca and live in the mountains and coastal areas of Southern Costa Rica. Their population is approximately 11,500 on reserves, but it is believed that there are around 35,000 living in Costa Rica. They are an isolated tribe and have held onto their language and culture.
Cabécar — The largest and most isolated group. They live in the Chirripo Mountains without access to many things but have preserved their culture and spoken their language rather than Spanish.
Meleku — Their count is only in the hundreds, and they live on a reserve about an hour north of La Fortuna. Before colonization, their territory also included Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste. They are trying to preserve their language. However, to date, only about half speak it.
Guaymi — This tribe first arrived from Panama in the 1950s and live along the Panama border today. Their primary source of income is crops such as corn, rice, beans, and bananas.
Huetar — Known for handwoven baskets and hats, they live in the Central Valley in Ciudad Colon and Puriscal.
Boruca — This population of 2,700 lives in the Puntarenas area. Their reservations were the first established for indigenous people. They are known for colorful hand-carved masks and weaving.
Matambú — Also known as the Chorotega, they live in the Guanacaste region. They came to Costa Rica in 500 AD to escape slavery in Mexico. Known for their strength and ability to fight for their freedom, today, they are a peaceful people known for their pottery and ceramics.
Térraba — Today, there are only approximately 600 Térraba Indians. They are self-sustaining by growing enough food to feed their people. The language is dying out because only the elders speak it.