~ by Susie Atkinson

The Borucans' history contains some challenging chapters. 

Through the long duration of the Spanish conquest, they did not give up! The Diquis region, located on the southern border of Costa Ballena, became an important gold mining center, which led to raids and warfare with other indigenous groups. Columbus reported that he had found a land rich in gold, which led to further explorations. A ship of colonists led by Diego de Nicuesa landed in 1506. More explorers continued to arrive. In 1522, Gil Gonzalez Davila, with over 100 men, explored the interior from the Gulf of Nicoya to Burica Point (southern tip of Costa Rica), where the Spaniards received collaboration from some tribal chiefs.

To attract new settlers to the colonies, Spain established a program called the "encomienda system," in which an estate was granted to a settler who received legal rights to utilize local native people to work the land, often without compensation. In 1561, Cartag, the first successful settlement, was established by Juan Vasquez de Coronado.

It became Costa Rica's first capital, and he was the first governor.

Coronado made peace with a local Indian chief, who persuaded other chiefs to cooperate with the Spaniards. Despite this agreement, many of the remaining tribes fled from the valleys and coasts into the nearly inaccessible Talamanca range. 

In 1601, Gonzalo Vazquez de Coronado, the son of Juan Vazquez, officially opened "the Camino Real," also known as the Camino de Mulas. It connected Guatemala with all the provinces as far as Panama. Mules were raised in the Central Valley and driven to Panama, which became the transit route for precious metals from South America to Spain. The teams of mules would pass through the indigenous villages of Quepos, Boruca, and Térraba.

By 1629, the Borucans were" reduced" under Spanish dominance.

The natives were transformed into muleteers and providers of tributes for the Spanish, especially corn, beans, textiles, and dyes, as well as provisions for boats and traction.

INFO: Susie Atkinson