NORTH CARIBBEAN The North Caribbean region comprises the Caribbean coast and goes from the San Juan River to the city of Limón. Limón is the touristic center of this corridor, simultaneously working as an accommodation, stop over, distribution, and touring center.
To the north, Barra del Colorado National Park and its mystic Tortuguero Park’s canals are home to a completely different type of flora and fauna. This unique environment is home to manatees, jaguars, monkeys, crocodiles, and giant iguanas. The sand banks along the canals are also one of the country´s main nesting areas for leatherback and green turtles, which following their instinct, return to lay their eggs in the same place that they were born. Sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refuge represents ones of the main attractions of the region.
The best way to explore the wild beauty and lush surroundings of Costa Rica’s North Caribbean is by riding boats through Tortuguero’s main artery: the canals. Running parallel to the ocean for 21 miles, the canals zigzag through the costal rainforest and swamps to let you see the heart of the jungle. This journey has become a singular attraction and the only way of transportation in this area.
It is paradise for ecotourists and the adventurous where they will have plenty to do, especially fauna observation, since it is a world-known site for bird and turtle watching.
SOUTH CARIBBEAN This area extends from Limon to the Panama border. Limon is the primary tourist center as well as a scaling and distribution center. This region presents a unique combination of beaches, natural resources and afro American culture in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Gondola/ Manzanillo.
Limon’s development is quite different from the rest of the Caribbean Islands, which helps to distinguish it from the rest of Costa Rica. The high quality beaches allow adventure and natural history activities, which definitely compliment with culture, gastronomy and music. Here the reefs, multicolor-sanded beaches (black, yellow, and gray), costal vegetation, and forest stand out from the rest of Costa Rica.
Cahuíta National Park and Gandoca/ Manzanillo Reserve are recognized worldwide, not only because of their natural beauty, but because they are becoming unique conservation places in almost the whole Caribbean Coast.
Attractions:
TORTUGUERO BEACH This long beach with its strong surf and lush tropical greenery is a great place to hike and take in Tortuguero National Park’s diverse flora and fauna. The park is adjacent to the village, also named Tortuguero, where the beach is located. Four species of sea turtles nest here: green turtles, most numerous, from April to August; leatherbacks from February to July; hawksbills from April to October; and loggerheads from April to May.
Tourism is the main source of income for Tortuguero village, followed by fishing, and subsistence farming. This has produced an interesting mix between the village’s indigenous origins and the many tourism services and facilities that are shaping its present and future. The diversity of habitats, national parks, and biological stations allow tourists to enjoy a wide range of activities by day or night: walking and sunbathing on the beach, observing the biodiversity, boating, or kayaking the canals. In addition to socializing with the locals, sampling typical Caribbean fare, and dancing to the beat of tropical or modern music.
LIMÓN CARNIVAL This carnival, celebrated every year during the week of October 12, commemorates Cultures Day. This event is of great interest to tourists and generates much local and national excitement. A Carnival Queen is chosen beforehand. During the afternoons, costumed groups may be seen rehearsing in the barrios. Other activities include a parade of costumed groups and floats, masquerades, marching bands, national and international concert groups, and a traditional dragon dance put on by the Chinese community. The most anticipated event of the year, the carnival enjoys the participation of the entire community of Limón. The floats, bands, and costumed groups, with all the music and color that characterize this event, are complemented by other attractions such as amusement park rides, Caribbean food and drink, fireworks, handicrafts, and carnival souvenirs for sale.
TORTUGUERO - COLORADO CANALS Due to its geologic origins, the region containing the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park forms an extensive floodplain. It is made up of highly scenic, interconnected canals, waterways, and lagoons. One of the rainiest areas in the country (5,000 to 6,000 millimeters per year), this region is rich in biodiversity. These factors allow visitors, to this extensive network of waterways, the opportunity to tour and explore this marvelous world - unique for its peacefulness and natural luxuriance - by boat, canoe or kayak.
TROPICAL AMERICA FESTIVAL, EARTH GUACIMO Held the third weekend in April; this activity promotes relations between the locals and foreigners that compromise the Wet Tropic School. Activities include cultural presentations of different countries, a culinary fair, and tours to sites of interest at the school, such as the botanical garden, the orchid garden, and the livestock area. Visitors are encouraged to drop by.
KEKÖLDI INDIGENOUS RESERVATION Located close to Puerto Viejo, this reservation is of great importance due to the activities it promotes. The Bribri indigenous people who live on the reservation offer several facilities and items of interest to tourists, including a green iguana farm and indigenous handicrafts such as wooden bows and arrows, handbags, nets, hammocks, and baskets. The reservation features trails for enjoying its lush vegetation and wildlife, as well as two observation towers for bird watching, particularly raptors migrating north and south during the months of January, February, October and November. Seventeen raptor species have been observed here, including eagles, sparrow hawks and falcons; sightings of thousands of birds per day make for a spectacular phenomenon. Finally, the stunning Río Cocles waterfall is located within the reservation and may be visited with local guides.
PUERTO VIEJO BEACHES Puerto Viejo sits on a point or cape made up mainly of coral platforms. It is located 34 miles southeast of Puerto Limon, and 10.2 miles south of Cahuita. There are plenty of opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities. The beach right along the town is best for surfing, since it has strong waves and currents. The best beaches are found south of Puerto Viejo starting at Punta Cocles. This white sand beach lies about 10 kilometers southeast of Puerto Viejo. A coral reef between both points has created a natural aquarium that is a favorite among divers and photographers.
PLAYA MANZANILLO This golden-sand beach stretches north some 3.5 kilometers from the town of Manzanillo to Punta Uva. It has moderate to strong surf, an irregular, curved shape, and plentiful coastal vegetation, particularly palms. It is ideal for walking, horseback riding, sunbathing, and swimming. Besides, this beach offers diving in several areas in front of the town and near Punta Manzanillo. The 12-kilometer road that connects all the beaches south of Puerto Viejo ends in the town of Manzanillo, which offers numerous services including diving gear rental, dolphin – watching, and dive tours.
PLAYA GANDOCA Beyond Punta Mona the irregular coastline transforms into one that opens up to Gandoca. Here, the beach features gray sand and strong surf. Southward from Gandoca the beach stretches to the mouth of the Río Sixaola, which marks the border with Panama. This last stretch of coast is just over eight kilometers long. It is highly suitable for walking and taking in the rich biodiversity of its ecosystems. Gandoca is also great for observing nesting leatherback turtles from April to August. The walk from which identifies it as a clean and Manzanillo to Gandoca takes around three hours. This beach has been rewarded with the Blue Ecological Flag, which identifies it as a clean and safe beach.
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK Established as a national monument in 1970, Cahuita, was made a national park in 1978. This wilderness area protects 1,067 hectares of land, 600 hectares of coral reef, and 22,400 hectares of marine territory. Its two main areas, Cahuita and Puerto Vargas, feature highly scenic beaches as well as the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. Various species of marine life may be seen here, including coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose and lettuce), mollusks, crustaceans, turtles, multicolored fish (angelfish, isabelitas, etc.), and many others.
The park also protects its distinctive plant life, both marsh and coastal, as well as wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, squirrels, coatis, and many birds and insects. Light - sand beaches, thousands of coconut palms, turquoise-blue seas, and a coral reef make this one of the most scenically beautiful areas in the country. The park offers various activities, such as hiking, swimming, diving, sunbathing, beach volleyball, observing the wealth of biodiversity, or simply doing nothing and enjoying the marvelous scenery. To make visits enjoyable, Cahuita offers the following visitor services: information, drinking water, restrooms and showers, picnic tables, trails, and a camping area.
Activities:
ADVENTURES BETWEEN NATURALISTIC PATHS AND TREE TOPS Several companies have developed facilities for enjoying nature trail and canopy adventure activities, including: Puerto Viejo Botanical Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Río Carbón valley).
REEF DIVING The natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas’ beaches is complemented by the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. In addition, the reefs off Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo, and Punta Mona are not to be forgotten. These sites are ideal for admiring coral (brain, moose - and deer - horn, fire, rose, lettuce, and more), mollusks, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles, and multicolored fish, among other attractions.
HIKING Guided or unguided hikes may be enjoyed in communities, natural areas, and coastal zones to take in various natural, historical, architectural, social, artistic, and cultural attractions.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING The region boasts many picturesque trails - Cahuita - Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo - Manzanillo and others - some for adventure, recreation, or relaxation, and others for enjoying nature.
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES The architecture of the Caribbean comprises buildings of great importance that have been declared of historical or architectural interest. The following stand out in downtown Limón: Black Star Line, the Post and Telegraph Building, and the Municipal Palace.
TREETOP’S TOUR (RAINFOREST AERIAL TRAM) Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, 22 kilometers after the Zurquí Tunnel along the highway to Guápiles, the Rainforest Aerial Tram was built so people could enjoy activities in the rainforest canopy, such as observing various monkey and bird species, orchid varieties, bromeliads, penguins, climbing plants, and insect communities.
RÍO PACUARE World famous among rafting fans and experts, this lush tropical river is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for enjoying whitewater activities. The Pacuare is rated class III-IV on the international whitewater scale. Those running it can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries. The adventure trip is complemented by the luxuriant and evergreen vegetation that adds so much value to the journey.
AFRO-CARIBBEAN CUISINE The Caribbean region is also distinguished from the rest of the country by its traditional dishes. Examples of delectable and highly popular food and drink include rondón (a mix of various vegetables with beef, chicken, fish or turtle meat), fish (stewed, in marinade or fried), sancocho (chicken and pork with tomatoes, yucca, potatoes and sweet potatoes), rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk and can be accompanied by chicken, fish, pork or beef), patí (meat pastries with chili pepper), plantintah (a pastry made with ripe plantains), breadfruit (pureed, in pudding or fried), turtle meat (in rondón or fin soup), beef tripe (with tubers and spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), and ginger cookies. In addition to sampling local beverages such as ginger beer, guarapo (an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn), agua de sapo, or agua de hiel (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime and brown cane sugar).
TROPICAL AMERICA FESTIVAL, EARTH GUACIMO
which identifies it as a clean and Manzanillo to Gandoca takes around three hours. This beach has been rewarded with the Blue Ecological Flag, which identifies it as a clean and safe beach.
Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Río Carbón valley).
RÍO PACUARE
