Caribbean
The Caribbean province is a natural paradise, formed by a combination of dense jungles, imposing mountains, and paradisiacal beaches. The road to Limón from San José, crosses the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park. At this point begins a beautiful journey to the lowlands of the Caribbean. A significant change in temperature and landscape can be experienced.
Puerto Limon has grown to become Costa Rica’s premier port town located on the Caribbean cost south east of San Jose. The town was built where Columbus first anchored in 1502. Over the past century, the government developed railroad tracks that cart bananas and coffee products over the mountains to this port town. Thus, adding to the town’s growth. Limon is the host of one of Costa Rica’s most famous carnivals called Dia de las Culturas. The festival’s purpose is to celebrate Costa Rica’s diverse culture but is a wild crazy Mardi Gras type party. Every October 100,000 people including tourist, Ticos, backpackers, and hippies make their way to Limon to enjoy the celebration.
Traveling south, at an hour’s distance, we find Cahuita, a typical Caribbean villa. This town has become “a must” for tourists, for it represents the essence of a culture, and the beauty of Cahuita National Park, which protects an important expanse of coral reefs.
The quiet waters in this spot, are a plus for those lovers of “snorkeling”. The underwater scenery is marvelous, with a wide chain of coral reefs, composed of different types of coral and occupied by an immense variety of tropical fish.
Another important point in the Caribbean province is Puerto Viejo, barely 30 minutes from Cahuita. In this town you can breathe the profound respect for the cultural identity of its people. A combination of music, beaches and food, so characteristic of the place, are the elements attracting thousands of tourists year by year.
Along the coastal area, travelers find a good number of options for lodging. The vast majority of hotels and cabins are small and formed of traditional Bungalows, a very particular type of construction of the Caribbean.
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is located just at the end of the coastline, almost at the border with Panama. This refuge protects almost 4500 hectares of beaches and sea, for the spawning of 4 species of turtles.
In Manzanillo you may rent kayaks and glide through the gentle mangroves in search of birds and reptiles characteristic of the area.
The province of Limón possesses a unique culture in Costa Rica, a way of life that may be fully appreciated during the traditional carnivals held each year, an experience of rhythms and euphoric and captivating colors.