Rediscover the treasures of the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Rediscover the treasures of the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

It has a unique charm style that combines the best of beach, mountain, fauna, and Afro-Caribbean culture.

The Caribbean owns a proper identity that sets it apart from the rest of the Costa Rican regions… and that's precisely what makes it special.

The province of Limón offers adventure, history, flavor, color, and music… all at a glance in one magic and biodiverse place.

You may not see luxury hotel chains or crowded beaches, but you will find a colorful natural environment, to the beat of reggae, and a more relaxed pace of life.

What makes the renowned towns of Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo -to name some of the most iconic - some of the favorites among locals and strangers?

We'll find out right away.

 Beaches

The beaches of the Caribbean make visitors enjoy the sun and the rainforest reaching down to the seashore. Many of them are open seas, with strong waves and currents, coral reefs, multicolored sand beaches (black, yellow, and gray), coastal vegetation, and medium-height forests. For lovers of surfing and snorkeling, the Caribbean is a beautiful option. The best beaches in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica are Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo, while in the North we find Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado.

 Nature

Afro-Caribbean culture has developed a relationship of respectful coexistence with nature, which plays an important role in the main destinations' environment. It is very common to see tourists pointing up with their fingers at monkeys, birds, and sloths showing off in the local trees. In the south of the Caribbean coast, on the way to Cahuita, is the Sloth Sanctuary, a place 100% financed by educational and tourist activities, with the main purpose of protecting and conserving wildlife.

 Culture

The Caribbean zone is identified by its Afro-descendant and indigenous cultural richness. Its gastronomy (full of plants and tubers), music, and customs make this area a wonderful attraction for both national and foreign visitors who like to enjoy native activities such as the Limón carnival, held in October as part of the Day of the Encounter of Cultures. In addition, the dense vegetation of the Cordillera de Talamanca still hides the secrets of indigenous groups that preserve their culture and customs, such as the Bri Bris, the largest one in the area.

 Parks and reserves

The Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve are world-renowned spots that represent perfectly the natural wealth of the Caribbean. One of the most popular beaches in Cahuita is Playa Negra, with its inlets, coral platforms, coves, and sandy beaches. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place located south of the Caribbean coast, made up of two beaches (Manzanillo and Gandoca) and a tropical rainforest.

 Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado

They make up the second-largest wetland in the country and are considered the Amazon of Costa Rica. Located in the northern area, it can only be accessed by boat or plane. Its dark volcanic sands attract sea turtles for nesting. On the beaches of the Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, occurs one of the local main attractions: the green turtles spawn. The fluvial channel system, that connects the Port of Moín with Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado, constitutes not only a unique attraction but also the main means of transportation.

 Conclusion

What else can you enjoy in the Caribbean? The Bri Bri Indigenous Reserve, the cacao tours, the historic center of the city… the options are plenty. To get to know most of them, you will need a comfortable and safe rental vehicle to move throughout the province of Limón. Since there are mountainous or difficult-to-access sites, we recommend a Toyota Corolla Cross, Rav, Rush, or Toyota Fortuner. No matter which one you choose, at Toyota Rent a Car we have the best car rental deals, with excellent conditions.

Ask about the rental vehicles available by email: sales@toyotarent.com or by phone: 4036-7422 / 7235-8722. We will be happy to help you have the best experience on your exploration trip through the hidden treasures of the Caribbean in Costa Rica.

Article written by:

José Ricardo Carballo Villalobos

Works as a journalist, blogger, writer, and freelance copywriter. He is a frequent press columnist, co-director of the digital media La Revista CR, and administrator of the current affairs blog: analistahoy.com. For more information about the author, visit his website or Facebook.