(Deportes y Juegos Ancestrales de los Pueblos Indigenas de Costa Rica)

Is this you?

  • have a sense of adventure
  • want to help make a difference to an indigenous kid in the remotest part of Costa Rica
  • and would like to support a very good cause then . . .

. . . come join us in April 2027 over on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. From April 16 to 18, 2027, a historic reunion will unfold in the remote, Caribbean heart of Talamanca. Athletes from all eight indigenous peoples of Costa Rica - the Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, Chorotega, Boruca, Ngäbe-Buglé, Huetar, and Térraba - will gather at Gavilán Canta for the 4th Ancestral Games. This gathering is far more than a sports competition; it is a powerful affirmation of cultural identity and a rare opportunity for these often-isolated communities to bridge the gaps of history and geography.

third indigenous games costa rica Join us at the 4th Ancestral Games
beach currents Join us deep in ancestral territory

A Mirror for the Soul

For those visiting from outside the territories - the Sicuas (a term meaning outsider or non-indigenous person) - the Games offer a profound lesson in connection. By witnessing this beautiful way of life, which balances family, tradition, and reflection, visitors often find a mirror that helps them understand their own place in the natural order. This is not a "museum piece" event; here, you will find sophisticated, tech-savvy youth who balance ancestral knowledge of the primary forest with a smartphone in one hand and perhaps a giant "pilon" in the other.

This is the 4th Ancestral Games held in Costa Rica, previous games were held in 2018 (a video from those games), 2019 and 2024.

This is about a proud indigenous identity:

  • The catalyst for this national movement is Gamaliel Molina Díaz (Gama), who has worked tirelessly to turn ancestral sports into a lasting legacy. Alongside him are the formidable women of the Asociación de Mujeres Kábata Könana, the "Defenders of the Mountain". Together, they facilitate a historic reunion that brings together hundreds of athletes from 24 indigenous territories, creating a social mixer unlike any other in Costa Rican history.
  • Their goals include promoting indigenous identities (and in particular the younger generation) and indigenous culture throughout Costa Rica as well as promoting economic activity and tourism in the region
  • In the past they have raised money from places like Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation (of Gail Nystrom), Professional Womens Network of Costa Rica (Martha Rollins), the Association of Residents of Costa Rica ARCR, The Cabecar Project and more.
beach currents Local bow and local bowman
toughwoman "I got it"

SO WHERE IS Gavilán Canta?

It is about an hour east of the town of Puerto Viejo via Bribri on a dirt road for the last 15km but the locals drive it in a 2WD, so it can't be too bad :-))

This is a remote indigenous area visited by almost no tourists so you will be on quite the adventure. There is minimal rural lodging in Gavilán Canta and Bribri but plenty of lodging in Puerto Viejo and the other tourism towns south of there.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WHEN?

  • the 4th Ancestral Games include
    • bow and arrow with moving target
    • bow and arrow long distance
    • target shooting with a spear
    • spear shooting long distance
    • target shooting with a blowgun
    • log carrying, long distance endurance
    • endurance log race
    • rope pull
    • firewood pick
    • long distance running
    • open water river swim
    • boat row
    • leave weaving competition
    • banana peel competition
    • traditional drinking competitionl
    • arm wrestling competition
    • and more
  • in addition to the games themselves there will be opportunities to
    • learn more about local indigenous history and culture
    • hands on in some of the games themselves, yes you can carry some logs too :-))
    • get involved in some of the local crafts like weaving, chocolate making, building a roof from palm leaves, natural twine and dyes
    • learn and experience local foods
beach currents You know about our "poison dart frogs"?
toughwoman We could do with your help - see below . . .
beach currents Make some new friends in the territory

WHERE TO STAY?

There is some limited lodging in Gavilán Canta and Bribri - to learn more about lodging in the area contact Gamaliel Molina Díaz AKA Gama on whatsapp at +506 8877 0228 or by email at gamitaditsofree@hotmail.com. Gamaliel has a small lodge (Se Siwá Eco Lodge) on the way up at Monte Sion, a few km before Gavilán Canta.

There are many lodges in the general area of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo - for Puerto Viejo here on TripAdvisor and for Cahuita here.

beach currents local lodging (Se Siwá Eco Lodge)
thatched hut Thatched hut with "visitors"
beach currents no, this is not a "bridge too far"

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Join us at the Games in April 2027 - some of the sports will include a "guest experience".

You could also think about a donation to The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation led by the extraordinary Gail Nystrom (click here for multiple direct donation methods)

Mark your donations "Ancestral Games 2027". Gail will be managing the funds to ensure they go to their intended uses. If there are excess funds they will be used on projects in the indigenous communities including the new Indigenous Libraries project. If you are not sure about anything just email me directly at bernij@puravidahotel.com.

Gail's foundation has been involved for many years "working to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations in Costa Rica".

Come join us in April. Show up at any time after 8am April 27th and help celebrate the indigenous cultures of Costa Rica. Come for an hour, come for a day. It will make memories you will never forget!

SUPPORTING CAST

This is a list of some of those helping to attract tourism to the most remote activity they can possibly go to this year.