Casa de las Mujeres

Overview

Description

Yorkín is a small indigenous village in the Bribrí indigenous territory in the Talamanca region. The spectacular Yorkín River is used to reach the village.

This is one of the best places in Costa Rica for interacting with the Bribrí indigenous culture, visiting waterfalls, organic plantations, and exploring rivers and tropical forests. When you arrive you will learn about Bribri culture from inspiring talks while you enjoy immersion in a natural paradise. The waterfalls and bathing areas in the Yorkín River make this a unique adventure.

Rooms

The maximum capacity of the lodge is 30 persons and another 13 can camp. This is Bribri-style lodging, with palm thatch roofs.

Casa Umat has two rooms with private bathrooms and double beds.

Casa Bekuo has two rooms with double beds and a shared bathroom, and a common area with nine single beds and a shared bath.

Casa Verde has 13 single beds. All the beds have mosquito-netting and night tables.

Casa Chirwak-u has an area for camping tents.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 15

Percentage of local employees: 100%

In 1985, the women of Yorkín formed a group and established the indigenous association Stibrawpa, to diversify their means of production, mainly farming. Their objective was to develop new activities to create new sources of income while preserving their Bribrí culture. They began producing handicrafts.

Today they are growing rice, cassava, taro, and beans for home consumption and they also sell bananas and organic cacao. Tourism provides important additional income that allows them to send their children to school. Each family has a parcel of tropical forest and they enjoy sharing it with visitors. A total of 15 families are benefitting from this project.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: San José (SJO).

Nearest local/national airport: Limón (LIO).

If you are traveling by car, take the San José - Puerto Viejo route. Turn right at the Hone Creek crossroad and continue to Bribri village. In Bribri, turn to the left at the Colegio Técnico Agropecuario de Talamanca and continue 10 km (6 miles) to Bambú.

If you are traveling by bus from San José, take the bus to Sixaola from the Los Caribeños terminal at Calle Central, Avenida 11 (Transportes Mepe, Tel. +506/257-8129). Get off in Bribrí and take the bus for Bambú.

In Bambú, a local guide will be waiting for you.

For private transport, request prices from ACTUAR.

Additional Information

General information on Stribrawpa's conservation projects available on the Eco-Index.

Additional Web sites

• http//www.actuarcostarica.com/app/cms/www/index.php?locale=en-US&id_menu=154&pk_product=3 (available in English, French, German and Spanish). General information about the business and activities for visitors, available on the ACTUAR Web site.

Date This Information Was Provided

July 2009.

Photos courtesy of Casa de las Mujeres, Costa Rica, for SustainableTrip.org.