The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has remained quite isolated from the rest of the country in their traditions and way of life. Most of the population is descendant from Africa, brought to the country from Jamaica to build the railroad that stretched from Limon to San Jose. They speak Spanish, English and a Creole mixture of the two. Limon also served as the country’s principal port town, and the base for banana exports.

While there is talk of a marina for Puerto Viejo, and cruise ships often dock in the capital city of Limon, the region remains less developed than the rest of the country, and seemingly forgotten by the government. Several Indian tribes live in the southern region of Talamanca, including the Bribri indians, on reserves designated by the government. The beaches here are quite tropical with palm trees and a wealth of wildlife species. In the Tortuguero National Park guest can see several species of sea turtles nesting between March and April. The town of Tortuguero is a unique treat as well, as canals take the place of roads and transportation is by boat.

* Puerto Viejo
* Tortuguero
* Limon
* Cahuita