The indigenous Costa Rican tribe Boruca (also called Brunka or Brunca) is known for its vibrant, intricately carved and painted masks. But behind the mask is a community built on rich and unequalled customs, foods, festivals, traditions and more.

Boruca (also called Brunca, Brunka or Borunca) are a proud indigenous people of Costa Rica. Their striking, hand-carved Boruca masks are so popular that imitations are sold throughout the Central American country.

“Any tourist that comes to Boruca is very welcome and well-received.” - Margarita Morales , community organizer and artisan Click the map below to explore Boruca and some places of interest within the village.

Experience Boruca culture through its food, faith, medicine, school and the people themselves. Legends, passed down, are an important part of Boruca spirituality. Each story honors humanity’s connection to nature.

Hear the Spanish, English and Boruca of some common words and phrases. Download the classroom language books (PDF) here.

The Boruca masks come in many different varieties and styles, but the skill of a craft passed on for many centuries can only be seen in an authentic Boruca mask. Learn more about the different styles, the craft process, and the Diablitos festival from which they stemmed.

Before television and computers found their way to Boruca, villagers would gather around as elders told the myths and legends at the root of Boruca's history, spirituality, identity and pride. Many were lost over time, and no re-telling is the same.

Los boruca (también llamados brunca, brunka o borunca) son indígenas de Costa Rica orgullosos de su cultura. Sus asombrosas máscaras de maderas hechas a mano son tan populares que se pueden comprar imitaciones a través de esta nación Centro-Americana.

The ecological, or cultural mask, incorporates both the traditional design and more artistic representations of the ecology of Boruca. Though less traditional, they are increasingly popular among tourists for their beauty and symbolism of a native in harmony with nature.

This site describes the Boruca (also called Borunca, Brunka, Brunca) tribe, an indigenous people of South-Pacific Costa Rica. The Borucas are known for uniquely crafted and hand-painted wooden masks—but the identity of Boruca is found beyond the mask. Learn more about Boruca.