You won't be tromping around with hordes of tourists on a visit to the vast nature preserve. Set in the northern reaches of the country, Tortuguero is only accessible by small plane or boat, making it not for the budget traveler. Once inside, you'll have the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems that include lush rainforests, tranquil estuaries, mangrove forests and pristine coastal beaches. Watch out for strong currents and waters with sharks and barracudas. Arguably the best way to explore the rivers that crisscross the jungle interior is by motorboat, getting up-close glimpses of an abundance of tropical wildlife. If you visit between July and October, you can see the famed namesake sea turtles that come to nest.
Just 35 kilometers north of Tortuguero, the Barra del Colorado reserve offers one of Costa Rica's largest and most-remote nature escapes. Like Tortuguero, the only way in is by boat or plane. Also like Tortuguero, one of the best ways to explore the refuge is by boat. Over 31 miles of canals, rivers and lagoons cross the lush landscape, with diverse terrain that includes marshes, mangroves, rainforests, swamp lands and an untamed Atlantic coast. Famed giant Tarpon fish are found in the waters, with nearby wildlife that includes toucans, white hawks, monkeys, tapirs and sloths. Best suited for the outdoorsy who don't mind roughing it a bit, travelers ofter rent kayaks or canoes to discover the natural wonders from bases at rustic lodges.
The main road from the country's capital of San Jose takes you to Limon. While most travelers merely pass through the bustling port town on their way to more tourist-friendly beach spots, there are some attractions worth seeing. Look past the jumbled collection of weather-worn buildings, unkempt parks and streets crowded with hawkers to discover the rich culture of the Limon's Afro-Caribbean residents. Nowhere is that heritage better displayed than at the Museo Etnohistoric de Limon. A favorite for passengers who disembark from cruise ships, the waterfront Parque Vargas is a well-maintained spot where sloths laze in palm trees. But most likely you'll head south for the area's more-popular seaside havens.
A 45-minute drive south of Puerto Limon brings you to the easy-going coastal village of Cahuita. In a nod to the Jamaican roots of the hamlet's inhabitants, vividly-colored wooden houses line dirt roads. With a handful of accommodations and restaurants, it's a perfect place for a quiet getaway with lots of time spent lazing in a hammock. Directly to the north of the village lies Playa Negra, a long strip of unspoiled black-sand beach before uncrowded ocean waters that are perfect for swimming. But the area's big attraction lies just to the south of town. Cahuita National Park offers lush nature trails that lead to pristine white-sand beaches that are backed by swaying palm trees. Translucent waters are home to coral reefs that teem with tropical fish. Note that the world-class snorkeling and diving spots can only be accessed with certified guides.
Heading farther south, a 20-minute drive from Cahuita takes you to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. At once laid-back and bustling, the regional hub is a backpacker's dream with a buzzing party atmosphere that belies its compact size. As diverse as its visitors, lodging ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels, while dining options span cheap bar bites to fusion cuisine at international eateries. By day, Puerto Viejo is a top surfing spot that draws in waveriders from across the globe. By night, bamboo beach bars come alive with thumping dancehall and reggaetón. Discos keep the nightlife going with party music that mixes Afro-Caribbean, Tico, indigenous and European influences. Don't be surprised to find the scent of ganja wafting through the tropical air. You'll encounter more peaceful environs just outside of town, with wide-open cacoa farms and lush rainforests.
Continuing south along the coast, a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo delivers you to Manzanillo. The tiny fishing village sees few visitors, but travelers who do venture there will find a handful of lodges in a serene seaside locale. Brightly colored tables dot a pristine beach with some of the area's best snorkeling and diving spots along a reef system that lies close to shore. Just south of town you'll find the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, stretching to the border with Panama. The protected piece of nature has a picturesque coast with coves and islands, set against a backdrop of lush rainforest. Hike the unspoiled jungle terrain to see sloths, iguanas and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
Just north of Cahuita, Punta Uva is considered by many to be one of the best beaches on the country's Carribean coast. Lined by palm trees with tranquil aquamarine waters, Punta Uva has uniquely uniform air and water temperatures that maintain a steady 80°F (27°C). A coral reef just off the coast is easily accessible for snorkeling. It's also the only place on Costa Rica's Atlantic coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean -- since the beach actually faces west.
© Copyright Vagabuzz.com - All Rights Reserved
