~ by Susie Atkinson

In Costa Ballena, we are at the height of the tourism season from Christmas to Easter. For people wanting to escape the snow and freezing cold, where is best place to go? The tropics! Whale watching, fishing, hiking to waterfalls, bird watching, and of course, the never-ending miles of sandy beaches will keep you tourists occupied. 

Having enjoyed your tropical paradise getaway, you are probably going to want a souvenir to take home for memories as well as gifts for the kids, the house, and pet sitters. 

However, trying to find a souvenir that is a true representation of Costa Rica can be challenging.

The t-shirts and sarongs are all made somewhere other than Costa Rica. Let us lead you in the right direction…to The Boruca Gallery Gift Shop! At the gallery, you will find only products made by the nearest of the 8 indigenous groups in Costa Rica: the Borucans. There is a large selection of handcrafted masks, whose history goes back to the Spanish conquistadors. As well, there are beautiful woven bags, placemats, and table runners, all made of 100% cotton and natural dyes.

The Gallery has many happy tourists coming in everyday for that unique item, and to learn a little history of our Costa Ballena forefathers. In the month of January, over 65 groups of visitors came to The Gallery, purchasing 102 masks and 60 woven items. Pictured here are Jan and Bill Dozier of Virginia Beach, Virginia (and of Escaleras, Dominical) with their purchases. 

Why not stop in our gallery and get that perfect memento? 

See our website www.borucacostarica.org for directions to both the local gift shop, Boruca Gallery Gift Shop, located at Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, Dominicalito, and the village of Boruca for a day trip. 

INFO: Susie Atkinson – pacificedgedominical@gmail.com