Costa Rica Caribbean Limon Manzanillo Puerto Viejo Map

Turrialba Located on the Caribbean side of the country this region is characterized by mountains and beautiful valleys. It is an agricultural area producing coffee, sugarcane, macadamia and there are tours offered to see these crops. Activities such as whitewater rafting and visits to National Parks, especially the Turrialba Volcano, are nearby. There are hacienda based hotels with luxury services such as Hacienda Tayutic that are perfect settings for a wedding, honeymoon or a natural adventure. Tortuguero This area is comprised of magnificent natural canals that flow quietly amongst some amazing rainforest in this protected National Park. Birds, lizards, frogs and an amazing variety of vegetation can be seen from guided tour boats. Pachira Lodge is a pioneer in the area and a great place for a family nature adventure.

• Hotels in the Atlantic Coast Region
• Tours to the Atlantic Coast Region
• Getting Transportation to Atlantic Coast Region
• Dining in the Atlantic Coast Region
• Driving to the Atlantic Coast Region
  • From San Jose

The Caribbean region spans the entire 200 kilometers coast from Nicaragua to Panama. This region offers everything one would expect from a tropical destination and more. The relaxing atmosphere, friendly locals, and natural beauty of the Caribbean make it a wonderful place to visit or settle down.

One of the most important destinations in the Caribbean is Tortuguero. From July to October, four species of turtles, the giant leatherback turtle, green turtle, hawkbill turtle, and the loggerhead turtle, can be seen nesting on the beaches. Also, the surrounding flora and fauna will enchant visitors who navigate the Tortuguero Canals.

Limón is an important port town on the Caribbean coast. Originally, it was established as a port for the export of bananas. Today as the banana export tradition continues, the port is also supported by the docking of cruise ships. It has a population of about 85,000 people, most who have the area’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. Many names of foods and songs along with the popularity of aromatic teas prove the influence of this heritage.

The Afro-Caribbean recipes have been passed down through the generations, allowing the traditional food to maintain its authentic taste. As characteristic of African dishes, the foods are flavorful and rich with condiments and spices. Rondn, pait, rice n beans, and agua de sapo (toad water) are some examples of these recipes that a traveler must try while in the Caribbean. Many recommend the Black Star Line as the best place to sample the Afro-Costa Rican cuisine. There are also many sodas and people who sell homemade foods from their homes. Just ask the localsthey will tell you were to go!

Beaches

• Barra del Colorado
• Cahuita
• Chiquita
• Limon
• Manzanillo
• Pirikiki
• Puerto Viejo
• Tortugero
• Uva

National Parks

• Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge
• Cahuita National Park
• Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
• Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve
• La Amistad International Park
• Tortuguero National Park

Fauna

• Birds: hummingbird, toucan, heron, hawk, green macaw, laughing falcon, keel-billed toucan, northern jacana, sunbittern, montezuma oropendolas, chestnut-headed oropendolas, quetal.

• Mammals: howler monkey, white-faced monkey, sloth, coatimundi, jaguar, ocelot, manatee, tayra, tapir, squirrels.

• Others: crocodiles, lizards, hawbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, leatherback trutle, green turtle.