Bribri Conical House – Sacred Temple Tour
Welcome and Introduction
Your cultural immersion begins at Ditsowou Lodge, where a Bribri guide welcomes you with warmth and hospitality. You will receive an introduction to the day’s itinerary and an overview of the significance of the Conical House (Usure) in Bribri culture.
Journey to the Sacred Temple
Your adventure starts with a 40-minute trip in a traditional dugout canoe, navigating the sacred Telire River. This peaceful ride offers breathtaking views of the natural surroundings and a moment to connect with the spiritual importance of water in Bribri tradition.
Upon arrival at Suretka, the journey continues with a 20-minute car ride into the mountains, leading you to a Bribri community where the Usure, the Sacred Temple, is located.
Arrival at the Conical House
Once at the site, your guide will introduce you to the architecture and symbolism of the Conical House. Built entirely with natural materials, the Usure represents the structure of the universe according to Bribri cosmology.
You will learn about its history, purpose, and role in both everyday life and the spiritual practices of the community.
Demonstration of Traditional Techniques
Your guide will explain how these sacred houses are constructed using ancestral techniques and natural materials such as palm leaves, bamboo, and forest vines. This demonstration reveals the Bribri’s profound connection with their environment.
Cultural Exploration
Inside the Conical House, you will listen to ancestral stories and legends, shared by your local guide in the traditional oral style.
You will also learn about rituals and ceremonies performed in the Usure—including rites of passage, healing practices, and spiritual gatherings that preserve the community’s identity.
Interactive Cultural Experience
You will enjoy a sampling of traditional Bribri dishes, often prepared with cacao and local ingredients. This gastronomic moment offers an intimate insight into the daily life and culinary heritage of the community.
Spiritual Reflection
A quiet moment of meditation and reflection inside the Usure allows you to absorb the sacred atmosphere of the space, offering a deeper connection with Bribri spirituality and their harmonious relationship with nature.
Return to the Lodge
The return journey follows the same route—car and traditional canoe—offering time to reflect on the experience and ask final questions. Your guide will bid you farewell with gratitude and respect.
Additional Opportunities
 
 
Purchase Local Crafts: A visit to a small shop where you can buy handmade items created by Bribri artisans.
 
 
Book Other Tours: Information about additional cultural and ecotourism experiences offered by Ditsowou Lodge & Tours.