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THE CARIBBEAN
(Tortuguero
and Barra del Colorado, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo)
 If
there is a region in Costa Rica where a local atmosphere can
be sensed all around, it definitely has to be the Caribbean
Coast. It has a particular history, of immigrants from Jamaica,
Trinidad and other West Indies islands, as well as Chinese
descendants who came as workers during the height of the banana
exports, when the railroad San José - Port Limón was built
(1880's - 1940's). Furthermore, unlike other Central and Latin
American countries, only 1% of Costa Rica's population is
indigenous; most of which lives in the mountains of Talamanca
(Western Caribbean). The Caribbean has the splendor of the
beaches and palm trees, but also the privilege of being one
of the few places in Costa Rica - and Central America - where
green turtles come every year to lay their eggs. Visitors
can't help falling under the charm of the Calypso music, the
local gastronomy (rice and beans dish, pati, and ginger drink),
the little braids in women's and little girls' hair and the
local "Creole" English (known as Mekatelyu).
Northern Caribbean: Tortuguero
and Barra del Colorado
 Tortuguero
is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for
the green sea turtle, which finds its way onto the brown-sand
beaches every year. Its territories protect not only the turtle-nesting
beach, but also the surrounding forests, canals and lagoons.
Everything in Tortuguero centres on the waterways; therefore,
access is by boat or air only. It is an ideal place to observe
wildlife. Its peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being
in one of the most remote places on Earth attract nature lovers;
the area has managed to develop a low-density tourism system.
Sample Itineraries:
Tortuguero National
Park
Southern
Caribbean: Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo
 Less
than two decades ago Puerto Viejo could hardly be called a
town. It has changed considerably since then, but the beaches
are still free (no fees), the surf can be downright awesome,
and everyone appears to be in a state of tropical bliss, enjoying
the hammock culture in full swing. The unique Afro-Caribbean
influence is reflected in the music, and food. Sights in this
picturesque area include Cahuita National Park (great for
snorkeling as it still has coral reef alive), Gandoca Manzanillo
Wildlife refuge, Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, Talamanca, and the
Kekoldi Indian Reserve.
Sample Itineraries:
Cahuita,
Puerto Viejo & Manzanillo
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