Caribbean

Flavor and tradition flourish in the tropic, Costa Rica was called “the rich coasts of Veragua” by Christopher Columbus in 1502. And it could not deserve less: humid and lush tropical forests, clear and transparent waters, decorated with coral reefs, flowers, and multicolor texture birds and many other charms excited the imagination of the legendary Spaniard admiral. This beauty remains intact in the North Atlantic region where the Afro-Caribbean ethnic groups settled in. Black people stayed in these lands and from them we inherited their rich culinary traditions, their music, and their Anglo Hispanic dialect, that offers visitors a unique and genuine experience, very different from the rest of the country.

Outdoor activities:

Thanks to its diverse fauna and flora, as well as to its white and gray sand beaches, the region is a meeting point for nature and sea-related activities. Fishing is generous, particularly of species such as barracuda and tarpon. Scuba diving in clear waters and surfing are also practiced, especially in Puerto Viejo, in the south. Impressive high waves are common in these spots (“the surfboard riders” have had to deal with some up to 30 feet high). In addition, there are waves highly sought by people practicing this sport in Playa Bonita, Uvita Island in Quiribri or in Westfalia.

A captivating itinerary

The province of Limon is located on the Caribbean coast, comprising the cantons of Guacimo, Matina, Talamanca, Pococi, Siquirres and Limon, which is the main exporting seaport of Costa Rica. Limon is bound to the capital through the Braulio Castillo road, surrounded by an exuberant landscape, with green tones of vegetation covering the mountains. Once you pass the Braulio Castillo National Park, the plains gradually show up, the banana plantations, the areas where ornamental plants grow and where plejibaye, palm tree and cocoa – whose seeds were used as currency in old colonial times – are grown.

Finally, the coastal border shows up with its seducing beaches, plenty of palm trees. The climate is tropical humid, having changes in temperature that go between 91 0 F (33º C) during the morning to 68 0 F (20º C) at night. Rain forests in the Caribbean are a real image of the tropical forest, with huge trees and lianas that reach incredible heights. There are birds such as toucans and pavons; mammals such as spider monkeys, pizotes and dantas ; besides other species that found their perfect habitat because of the abundant and continuous rain that lasts all year round, except for semi-dry short periods in April and October.

The dry season is propitious for the celebration of the traditional Carnival of Limon, where dancing groups perform their cheerful rhythms and melodious tones. Among the wildlife sites of major ecologic interest, we can mention the Gandonca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the History Cerere Biological Reserve, Cahuita National Park, Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park. The spawning of the Marine Tortoise and the natural Canals that house endangered species such as the manatee, the otter and the crocodile, are part of the tourist attractions of Tortuguero.

More and more sports:

Limon offers a natural suitable context for practicing not only surf but also other sports like kayaking, biking, hydro biking, horseback riding, hiking, canopy rappelling, and white water rafting. By revealing the charm of its natural parks, its warm waters or by offering an exquisite dish of “rice and beans” seasoned with coconut oil, the Caribbean can always satisfy even the most demanding visitor’s curiosity and desire for adventure.