Costa Rica's Atlantic Coast offers tropical, pristine rain forests,
abundant wildlife, excellent eco tourism opportunities, world-class
fishing for tarpon and snook, and miles of breathtaking beaches, where
endangered sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
One of the country's most popular eco tourism destinations, the canals,
rivers, beaches, and lakes of Tortuguero
National Park "Costa Rica's Amazon" are a working laboratory
of rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. In one of nature's most
amazing spectacles, Green Turtles nest along the beaches here from July
to October.
The
northern coast of Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, Barra Del Colorado boasts superb tarpon fishing that draws fishermen from around the world.
Other fish caught in the area include snook and calba, which run upstream
from December to January.
The port city of Limon is Caribbean flavor all the way. Capital of
the Afro-Caribbean culture in Costa Rica, Limon possesses dialects based
on the English that have survived thanks to the natural barriers between
the Central Valley and the Caribbean Coast.
If a stop in Limon produces a little culture shock, it's a good equalizer
for the journey ahead.
About an hour south of Limon is Cahuita, another charming Caribbean town, which lends its name to Cahuita National Park.
The town's original location was in Cahuita's Point where William Smith, a turtle fisherman of Afro-Caribbean origin from Panama and Cahuita's first inhabitant settled in 1828. The town has maintained true to its African roots and this influence can be observed in the colorful houses, clothing, customs, clothing, gastronomy, music, and celebrations.
Known for its marine wealth, Cahuita National Park's reefs hold one of the greatest varieties of live coral along its' white-sand seashore. More than 35 coral species, 128 seaweed species, 140 mollusc species, 44 crustacean, and 123 fish species have been identified. Cahuita is a magical fusion of emerald forests, turquoise waters, coral reefs, white sand beaches and friendly people.
Half an hour south of Cahuita is Puerto Viejo, the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days or weeks with miles of gorgeous beaches running north and south from town.
Manzanillo is literally 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. With offshore diving as good as any in Costa Rica and enviable
weather all year round, Manzanillo is as close to the lost tropical
land of your dreams as you are likely to discover! |