Limon - Puerto Viejo - Cahuita
| Attractions | How to get there? | Hotels |
CARIBBEAN! A word that beckons images of adventure, conquest, and romance. A region of ageless mysticism, where visions of escape lead and dreams are known to come true. Among the many natural blessings afforded Costa Rica, one of her most priceless and least visited areas is the lush Caribbean coast, an area of untold beauty and riches.
The Southern Caribbean coast is a destination popular with many young American and European backpackers because of budget accommodations, "reggae vibes" and rumors of free love and cheap, abundant dope. Ignoring the rumors, there is certainly inexpensive lodging and a reggae atmosphere, but there are many natural treasures to be found here as well. It's definitely worth your vacation time to explore the area.
This region has two principal destinations for tourists -- Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo. They are within close proximity of each other and have similar attractions. Both are worth visiting and are described in more detail on their respective pages. In order to get to these jewels it's necessary to pass the tired old port city of Limon.
Named after a long since dead lemon tree, Limón was once the main port on the Caribbean. An earthquake in 1991 left the city in shambles. Despite efforts to clean it up and make improvements, the only comparison that comes to mind is Port au Prince. Limón's only redeeming quality is its excellent tarpon fishing in nearby river mouths.
Manzanillo is the end of the road and the beginning of many great adventures. From here you can take a boat, a horse, or set off on foot. This area is part of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic regions in Costa Rica and one rich in flora and fauna. Nearly four hundred species of birds have been identified in and around the refuge and the only mangrove estuary on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is here. Several endangered species such as the tapir and crocodile find protection in the park. With off-shore diving as good as any in Costa Rica and enviable weather year-round, Manzanillo is as close to that lost tropical land of your dreams as you are likely to discover!
Tortuguero, on the northeast coast of Limón,
is one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in all of Central
America. Many different types of sea turtles can be seen here.
Don't leave Costa Rica without getting a taste of the Atlantic! Enjoy black
or white sand beaches, Caribbean culture and one of the country's most famous
surf spots!
| Beaches Westfalia Beach-Cahuita Beach-Pueto Viejo Beach-Bonita Beach-Punta Cocles-Punta Uva |
National
Parks Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge -Tortugero National Park -Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve -Cahuita National Park -Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge |
Limón - Puerto Viejo - Cahuita Hotels
Surrounded by nature and very close to the beach. Nice cabins with a warm atmosphere. Breakfast included. Double $55 |
Tropical gardens surrounded by the sounds of birds. Hotel located in front of the ocean with coral coast. Single $40 |
Life is at its tranquil best at Villas del Caribe. Two-story villas with fully-equipped kitchens and private terraces. Single $59 - $69 |
This new hotel sets the standard for Cahuita. Single $35 |
Hotel Cariblue, your Caribbean resort is nestled in a lush garden between the white sands of Cocles beach and the tropical jungle. All the hard wood bungalows have private bath, hotwater, ceiling fan and porches with hammocks. Breakfast snack bar-restaurant served under a typical "rancho" style thatched roof. Single $45 - $80 |
Located on Costa Rica's fabulous Caribbean Coast, sandwiched between the beach and the tropical rainforests of the Talamanca Mountain range, considered one of the country's prime bird watching regions. $69 - $70 Up to 4 Pers. |
By Car. To drive to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, take the main highway to the Caribbean. You pass through the center of the carefully preserved Braullio Carillo National Park and into the heart of banana plantation country. This highway is unbelievably scenic, but it's also notorious for accidents. The stretch before Guapiles is especially treacherous. The road is steep, narrow, winding, and it's almost invariably raining and cloudy. Don't let this discourage you though, this is gorgeous country, and shouldn't be missed. Immediately before entering Limón take a right at the sign directing you to Sixaola, the road has recently been paved and is passable year round. The overall drive should take about 3.5-4 hours or more depending on the weather.
By Bus. Buses depart daily, from the Gran Caribe station (San José) for Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. We advise only taking direct buses, unless you like riding standing up for several hours or sitting with a stranger's "gluteus" in your face. On direct buses only enough tickets are issued for the number of seats, and there aren't countless stops like there are on the other non-express buses. Get to the station an hour in advance to ensure yourself a seat.