Batambal Archeological Site is Costa Rica’s first cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find out everything you need to know about visiting with this complete guide. Take a morning to explore this site and learn about Costa Rica’s culture. A little outside of Palmar Norte, it is in the Diquís Delta, before the Osa Peninsula near the Pacific coast. Declared of major cultural importance by the United Nations in 2014. Paired with three other sites, Finca 6, El Silencio, and Grijalba-2, these make up one large UNESCO site.
These archeological sites are a complete mystery. Everything known about them is only a theory. Some stories have passed through the indigenous communities. Still, we do not know a lot about theses spheres left by the Diquís. Archeologists believe the spheres were a symbol of power and part of a regional identity.
There are hundreds of the spheres. Each range in size, from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter. The largest found is at the El Silencio site and registers in at 2.57 meters (8.43 feet) in diameter. Batambal has four large spheres, and each range from 70 to 95 centimeters (30 and 35 inches) in diameter. The other sites have more spheres as well. Reports of other spheres would surface over time. Yet, it’s likely that they are from the region, from before the site’s protection.
Nestled into the foothills of the Fila Retinto Mountains. Batamabal has an incredible panoramic view of the Térraba River and the Alluvial Plains. Enveloped with a curtain of clouds, the mountains embrace the valley as it stretches out to kiss the ocean. The site was active between 600 and 800 AD, when a village of four hectares (10 acres) used the space. Indicated by carbon dating the ceramic material deposits. Also, by carbon dating the remains of stone tools found by archeologists.
A second group settled here, between 800 and 1500 AD. This pre-Colombian chiefdom settlement turned it into a place for special activities. Confirmed by the rock structures, stone spheres, and sculptures found today. Carbon dating suggests that the site dates to the Chiriquí Period. There is no evidence of daily or funerary activities. Thus, adding to the belief that the site was for ceremonial purposes.
How Were the Spheres Made?
Archaeologists believe the first settlers were responsible for carrying the spheres. They likely carried them up from the lowlands in the Térraba River basin. Cut from larger rocks, they likely used stone hammers and chisels. Wood chips marked where to cut. Then, helped establish the round shape, while sand smoothed down the surface area.
They’re sculpted from gabbro, the coarse-grained equivalent of basalt. There is a dozen made from shell-rich limestone, and another dozen made from sandstone. There are nine structures or plinths recorded at Batambal. The shapes range between rectangular, oval, and L-shaped. The first settlers created the structures with stones from the Térraba River. Archeologists discovered these structures littered with stone fragments and broken sculptures. They believe that the Diquís used the site for Termination Rituals.
Termination Rituals
The Diquís symbolically broke sculptures and idols. Broken pieces of small statues litter Batambal. They’re fabricated with hybrid figures, demonstrating human and animal traits. Foud inside a rectangular structure were three more spheres. Each ranging between 16 and 25 centimeters (6 and 10 inches) in diameter. All found with more than 160 fragments of sculptures. Some wear adornments that include war instruments. They’re believed to show the leaders’ political and religious power.
Spiral Rock
My favorite monument was the spiral rock. Our guide explained that the ancient occupants made the spiral with erosion. They poured water over it, then traced a spiral with one finger. Tracing the pattern over and over, creating the shape over time. Batambal’s signs indicates a record of a monolith. It was 75 centimeters (30 inches) long, cut into limestone with feline features. It’s mentioned on a sign but that was all the information provided. It is my guess that the idol is in the Finca 6 museum.
Getting Here & Accommodations
Getting to this site is difficult, as no public transportation services it. Plus, it’s hidden in a neighborhood and threatened by urban development. Visitor’s will notice the street is under construction, making a drive to the site a little confusing. Yet, it’s possible to visit Monday through Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm for free. The easiest way is with a rental car and Google Maps. If renting a car check out Nomad America for the best 4×4 car rentals in Costa Rica. I cover everything you need to know about renting with Nomad America in my article about San José.
Uber is also possible, but expensive. The same applies to taxis, possible but expensive. If taking the taxi/Uber route, get a group of people together and split the transportation fees. Find budget accommodations in the nearby beach town of Uvita, through Hostelworld. Or, if you prefer to you can find higher end options with Booking.com.
Finca 6 & Site Museum
We had no idea that there were three other archeological sites nearby. According to everything I’ve read, Finca 6 is the main site and open from 8 am to 4pm. It even includes a museum. Entry for foreigners is $7 and $5 for students. Costa Rica residents, with ID, get in for 1500 CRC ($2.37 USD) and free on Sundays.
My Experience
My friends and I stopped in on our way to Puerto Jiménez. On arrival, the site appeared closed. We did not see the little gap in the gate for pedestrians to slip through. We took a selfie, documenting that we made it to the site. As we were about to pile into the car, a young man approached and offered to give us a free tour.
This gentleman lives at the house connected to the base of the site. The side of the house has an incredible mural depicting the lives of the Diquís people. His tour was excellent, but it was all in Spanish. He covered everything detailed by the posted signs, but with a little extra detail. Unfortunately, I did not get his name.
As a descendent of the Diquís, he gives valuable insight into the rituals that took place here. He carved by hand, and sold, little figurines masks that resemble some of the broken stone idols. The man explained that each mask represents a different deity. Priced at an affordable 5000 CRC ($7.90) each, these carvings make for an excellent souvenir. Plus, it helps support a local.
I loved this site and its veil of mystery. It’s a place I would revisit with a friend that has not been. Instead, I would come back to explore the other three sites, especially the museum at Finca 6. The panoramic views from Batambal are magical. Enveloped with a curtain of clouds, the mountains embrace the valley as it stretches out to kiss the ocean. No, I did not learn a lot about the mysterious stone spheres, but my imagination went wild. I enjoyed visualizing the ancient civilization. Diquís people standing in a line, waiting for their turn to smash a stone idol. In hopes that the rain god would bring moisture to the crops.
Final Thoughts
Batambal is a fantastic experience. It’s perfect for the entire family or the curious solo traveler. It is a small part of Costa Rica’s first cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. If visiting the Osa Peninsula, then it’s worth the trek to this remote site. It’s off the beaten track and might not be for everyone. But those that enjoy ancient sites will enjoy a visit to Sitio Arqueológico Batambal. If you’re in southwest Costa Rica, then do yourself a favor and stop in for this cultural experience. It’s absolutely worth the journey.
Quick Notes:
- Home to the mysterious stone sphere of the Diquís people
- Batambal Entrance Fee: Free
- Batambal Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun 7 am to 5 pm
- Hand Carved Diquís Deity Mask: 5000 CRC ($7.90 USD)
- Finca 6 Entrance Fee: Foreigners: $7 Students: $5 Costa Rica Residents w/ ID: 1500 CRC & Free on Sunday
- Finca 6 Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun 8 am to 4 pm
- Public transportation does not service the site
