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Costa Rica 's Caribbean province of Limon offers a cultural flavour rarely seen in the rest of the country. Before the government built a highway in the late 1970's, Limon was phycally isolated form the rest of Costa Rica . This isolation shelters the local cultures from outside influence, preserving language and traditions.
The first English -speaking afro-Caribbean people moved into the coastal areas in the mid-1800s, and even more came in the end of the century to construct the railroad. Mainly of Jamaican descent, these people have customs with both British colonial and African roots combined with local traditions to forms its own identity. Cricket is a popular pastime. English is still widely used, heard as musical Caribbean-tinged dialect. Patois, a local Croele dialect, is also spoken.
The music and food are important components of the area's feel. Restaurants serve fresh creative recipes using flavourful ingredients that contrast the laid-back music played by small acoustic bands. Spicy jerk chicken is favourite, seafood, coconut rice and beans, spicy meat pie patti and fruit cake-like pan bon are regional specialties. If you can, try the rondon, a special soup that takes the entire day to prepare.
World-famous surfing on Puerto Viejo's Salsa Brava draws the planet's top surfers to brave the massive waves. As Greg Ruzicka writes, these crazy souls drop "into fifteen-foot barrels that surge over razor-sharp coaral just four feet below the surface. One old surf dog said he likes Salsa because " it scares the piss out of me" Other beaches are also accessible for novice and intermediate surfers.
In the area of southern Caribbean you also find two of Costa Rica 's largest indigenous groups, the bribri and Cabecar. You can tour the villages and reserves for an insightful glimpse into indigenous life in Costa Rica . Due to the strong influence of traditional medicine, the area has a certain mystical quality. Sukias (local medicine men) administer herbal remedies, claiming to have a solution from cancer to birth control.
Just southeast of Puerto Viejo is Manzanillo, and between the two loe some of the most breathtaking, underrated beaches ind the world. Beginning in Manzanillo is Gandoca-manzanillo Wildlife refuge, which has over 400 species of birds and the only mangrove estuary on the Caribbean Coast , including the area's most important leatherback turtle nest nesting sites.
Puerto Viejo
This is a surfer's beach, but just south of town are idyllic beaches protected by reefs and coves that inspire true tropical relaxation. Here you'll find the best surfing on the Caribbean coast, maybe in all of Costa Rica . Nighttimes heats up, as this is a party beach with a good tourism infrastructure.
Surfing in the Caribbean Coast
Although we could write a book about surfing in Costa Rica and why it has become one of the world's top surf destinations, we will asume that if you are looking into traveling here, you have already read that chapter...you know, warm water, consistent yearround surf, affordable prices, easy access, friendly people, over 700 miles of coastline, not to mention active volcanoes, white water rafting, monkeys, etc....
Puerto Viejo has certainly most known for being home to what has been called the heaviest wave in Costa Rica : SALSA BRAVA. Salsa, although fickle, has definitely earned this reputation offering a thick "sauce" breaking over a shallow reef. The wave is very competitive and certainly, for experts only. More intermediate surfers can check out the beach break just south at Playa Cocles. The Caribbean coast is quite different than the Pacific as you will find it is not as nearly built up and the culture/atmosphere is even more laid back than other parts of Costa Rica . Puerto Viejo is an ideal location for laid back surfers and travelers looking to avoid the more commercialized Pacific coast. This Carribbean getaway is home to reggae music, "smoking" nightlife and an overall, unique experience for surfers, backpackers and "eco" tourists. There are a variety of accommodations in Puerto Viejo, however, we recommend heading just south to Cocles
Playa Cocles
this beach break offers a more consistent break with lefts and rights breaking close to the beach. This wave tends to jack up with a big swell due to the steep beach entry ...beware of currents. Best conditions in the early morning before the winds blow it out. However, you can surf here all day as the wind often improves the lack of form.
Best time of year:
November - March
Access: Drive 2 hours east from San Jose until you reach Limon and take a right and continue for one hour until you reach Puerto Viejo
NATIONAL PARK |
Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride to admire the coral reef and the diversity of creatures that live in this eco-system. Snorkel by the reef and hike through the park.
Tour includes transportation, seasonal fruit snack, and entrance to the national park. Bring your bathing suit and towel.
Duration: 8 hours $45.00 per person. |
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK |
This full day hike enters the park by White Beach; enjoy a long walk along the trails of the national park (approx. 10 km) to Puerto Vargas. You'll walk along several beaches where it is possible to sunbath and swim. During this hike you will see a many different kinds of animals.
Tour includes transportation, entrance to the park and seasonal fruit snack. Light hiking shoes, swimsuit and towel are suggested.
Duration: 8 hours $45.00 per person. |
ONE NIGHT IN THE TROPICAL RAIN FOREST |
This tour departs at 3:30 p.m. You will walk through the rainforest until you get to a cabin, observing the flora and fauna as dusk and then darkness over takes the forest. Upon arrival, have dinner at the cabin and then enjoy the sounds of night from the hammocks on the porch. There is a small brook in this reserve, where during the night many animals, including cats, can be observed as they approach to drink. The hammocks will provide you a comfortable night's sleep. Awake for breakfast and an excursion by the brook where you'll enjoy dawn in the forest and again observe the flora and fauna during the day. Return from your tropical night in the rain forest. Essentials are a good lantern or flashlight, comfortable clothes to sleep (the nights are crisp), long trousers, jacket or long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent, drinking water.
Duration: Overnight $65 per person, maximum 4 persons. |
INDIAN RESERVATION AND BODY RAFTING |
This tour will take you into the Kekoldi Indian Reservation and past their iguana farm and their garden where they grow medicinal medicine plants. You will continue driving through the Bri-Bri Indian Reservation to the community of Sureka, on the banks of the Telire River, this is the place where they market products of the reservation such as bananas, banana trees, cacao, oranges, coconuts, etc. All of these products are grown totally organic. We will spend some time with the members of the local tribes before head out to the Cayuco River; we will stop on the river bank for refreshments of tropical fruits after the refreshments we will put on life jackets to begin our body rafting down the river. The river is a Class I river, it is deep with no rocks nor submerged trees; we will body raft some 4-5 kilometers floating with the current. A Cayuco Tribal member will accompany your group. Upon finishing body rafting we will return to Sureka, the original departure point, where a typical lunch (talamanqueño) will be served. Tour includes transport from the hotel; bi-lingual guide specialized in the Bri-Bri culture and the flora and fauna of the area, snack, and entrance to the reservation, boat, equipment and lunch.
Duration: 7 hours Price $60.00 per person, Minimum: 2 people. |
INDIAN RESERVATION TOUR |
This tour will take you into the Kekoldi Indian Reservation and past their iguana farm and their garden where they grow medicinal medicine plants. You will continue driving through the Bri-Bri Indian Reservation to the community of Sureka, on the banks of the Telire River, this is the place where they market products of the reservation such as bananas, banana trees, cacao, oranges, coconuts, etc. All of these products are grown totally organic. We will spend some time with the members of the local tribes before head out to the Cayuco River; we will stop on the river bank for refreshments of tropical fruits. Returning to Sureka, the original departure point, we will enjoy a typical lunch (talamanqueno). Tour includes transport from the hotel; bi-lingual guide specialized in the Bri-Bri culture and the flora and fauna of the area, snack, entrance to the reservation, and lunch.
Duration: 5 hours Price $45.00 per person, Minimum: 2 people. |
TOUR TO THE BIOLOGICAL RESERVE HITOY-CERERE |
Driving to Penshurt you will observe the nature of the tropics in an open air vehicle. Upon arrival you hike, along trails and crossing the river and continuing your hike until you arrive at a beautiful waterfall. Tour includes entrance to the reserve, fruit snack and lunch. Duration: 9 hours $55.00 per person. |
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TOUR OF THE MOUNTAIN NEAR PUERTO VIEJO |
You will discover the biodiversity of the Caribbean as you hike through the wild beauty of the flora and tropical fauna and by the agricultural culture of the coastal area of Costa Rica. You will walk across the property of cacao plantations in mountains above Puerto Viejo. You will learn about the development the cacao plantations and their culture, which years ago, was the basis of the economy for families in this area. In addition you will have the opportunity to observe the current agricultural cultures like pimienta, the moscada nut, cashews, cannon, cinnamon, etc. You will be able to see a great variety of frogs, and some of the 350 species of birds that live in the region. Includes snacks and Caribbean lunch.
Duration: 4 hours $20 per person. |
HORSEBACK RIDE TO THE COCLES WATERFALLS |
In this tour, you'll cross the mountains of the Kekoldi Indian Reservation, enjoying its amazing biodiversity and waters of its rivers until arriving at a point of the Cocles River where there is a beautiful waterfall of great dimensions. Includes snacks.
Duration: 7 hours $40.00 per person. |
RIO COCLES HIKE TO A WATERFALL |
Fresh air greets you for a pleasant through the flora and fauna following edge of the river to a beautiful waterfall. Included snacks.
Duration: 4 hours $30.00 per person. |
EXCURSION BY THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST |
You will observe the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest in a private reserve, with the gigantic ceiba trees and some of the tallest almond trees in Costa Rica. Monkeys and a great variety of birds can be seen including beautiful toucans, and frogs, etc. Relax and refresh with snacks in a primitive cabin.
Duration: 5 hours $35.00 per person, max. 6 people. |
GANDOCA-MANZANILLO NATIONAL REFUGE TOUR |
The Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the country - a paradise for lovers of nature and the sea. The coast of the refuge is formed by points of land extending into the sea with which white sand beaches in between bordered by coconut palms and coral reefs that extend out into sea up to 600 feet. Between the reefs you can observe numerous coral species, as well as gorgeous colored fish including the angel fish angel. Other species in the reefs are: the red lobster, sponges, sprocket wheels, the anemones, the shrimp and occasionally the green turtle. To the south end of Manzanillo and Mona pantáno there is 1000 acres of extremely dense rainforest forest. Here you can enjoy observing the gorgeous helicóneas and other beautiful flowers/ the refuge protects diverse animal species such as the crocodile and tapin, the Cayman among others. There are three options to tour the refuge:
By boat (minimum 3 persons)
By Horse
All tours include natural fruit snacks.
Duration: 7 hours $40.00 per person. |
PUNTA UVA KAYAK TOUR |
Kayak through the Gandoca-Manzanillo.Wildlife Refuge. A bi-lingual guide will take you through calm waters where you'll observe a variety birds, monkeys, and other animals as well as the natural beauty of the area. Later enjoy a swim in the calm beach of Punta Uva; includes snacks.
Duration: 5 hours $40.00. Per person. |
QUAD RUNNERS ALONG THE GANDOCA-MANZANILLO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE |
Enjoy a full day on quad runners making your way on quads over the mountainous trails and through the rivers to the village of Sixaola, and on through banana plantations of Costa Rica. Continue the tour crossing a lagoon in a comfortable electric boat, which is more ecological and has a quiet motor, enjoying the beauty of the land. There discover crocodiles, Caymans, iguanas, squirrels, anteaters, sloth's, howler and white-faced monkeys, water turtles and other numerous aquatic water species. Lunch will be at a restaurant serving typical food.
Includes: bilingual guide, snacks, tour in boat and lunch.
Duration: 9 hours $99.00 per person. |
1/2 DAY WATERFALL TOUR |
This excursion crosses the forest and the mountains of Talamanca. You will observe the flora and fauna while crossing rivers arriving at the first waterfall. There, snack on tropical fruits. Continue toward another beautiful big waterfall, cross the Carbón River and enjoy resting and swimming in the natural swimming pools. Return through an indigenous communities where, you can purchase native crafts.
Included: guides and snacks.
Duration: 5 hours $55.00 per person. |
TOUR TO THE WATERFALL (COCLES) |
In this tour we will cross the mountains of the Indigenous Reservation Kekoldi, enjoying their astonishing biodiversity and the waters of their rivers until arriving to a point of the Cocles River, where there is a cascade of big dimensions.
Magic inside the forest.
This tour can be made it in two ways:
By horse, $40.
Walking, $35.
We leave Puerto VIiejo a.m. at 9 o'clock and the duration is of 7 hours. It includes a snack. |
TRIP TO THE WATERFALLS (1 DAY) |
In this trip we travel in quad by roads, to enjoy the forest and the mountain of Talamanca.
Observing the flora and fauna, we travel the River Carbón to get to a waterfall of singular beauty. There we will take a snack of tropical fruits (simple, papaya, pineapple, melon).
Then we will continue toward another beautiful waterfall and we will go toward a refuge in the high of the mountain to observe the Sixaola River and the Bribrí indigenous population. Later on we will visit other two waterfalls returning to the refuge to enjoy a typical lunch from Talamanca.
On the way back we will go by the indigenous communities where they will be able to appreciate and to acquire, if they want it, autochthonous craft.
It includes: guides bilingual specialized in the flora and fauna, snack and lunch.
Equipment required: Indispensable the license of driving, Cap or hat, trekking boots, dark glasses, repellent lotion, solar protection, towel and bathing suit
Itinerary: We leave around 7:30 am and we return. At 4:30 o'clock p.m, 9 hours approximately.
Price: $90. |
SPECIAL PACKAGES TO BOCAS DEL TORO |
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, is a group of islands that it's define a lagoon of calm waters. Becoming, for their high biodiversity so much terrestrial as marine, one of the most beautiful and important places in Panama. Their beautiful beaches and marine ecosystems are the suitable place for the lovers of the nature or for some exotic vacations.
Many of their islands or islands are almost natural parks with endemic species, and their gentle waters every day of the year; we can delight with their exceptional coralline reef. |
Package #1
Trip of one day: |
Transport by car from the hotel in Puerto Viejo to Sixaola and the frontier then you will take a boat to the islands.
In a boat they will travel around the lagoon, they will carry out snorkelling and in Cayo Coral they will be able to taste typical plates of the islands. Come back to Puerto Viejo in the afternoon.
Price $100 for person (3-4 people minimum)
It includes: it guides bilingual, transport, boat, snorkelling equipment and lunch. |
Package #2
Trip of two days and one night: |
First day: Exit to the 8:30 am Transports by car from the hotel in until Sixaola, to cross the frontier and to continue for the highway to Admiral. There we will take a boat to the islands.
Where with a boat they will visit Boca de Drago and the island Los Pajaros. We will spend the night in the Hotel Laguna, 3 stars. The dinner is included.
Second day: Breakfast in the hotel, trip in boat to Cayo Coral (not eaten included in the price), Bastimentos, lagoon of the dolphins or Salt Creek (reserves of the Indian cradle) to choose. Return to Puerto Viejo at 6:00 o'clock
Price $235 for person.
Includes: guides bilingual, transport, trips, lodging, breakfast. |
Price special for group: |
2 people |
4 people |
6 people |
8 people |
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$235 |
$210 |
$205 |
$200 |
for person |
BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA |
The region of Bocas Del Toro offers a great variety of activities that you can be tried out, especially those related with the sea. It offers places of singular beauty and paradisiacal spots where one finds the peace and the necessary tranquillity to be disconnected of the world by a moment.
Beaches
Miles of white sand bathed by al different shades of blue offered by the Caribbean Sea.
Many groups of friendly dolphins swimming among the sea stars. Over a 100 islands of Mangrove to choose from a place almost unique in the world. |
Activities |
Exotic fishing, swimming in natural pools. Trekking through the magnificent National Park, surfing in various secret spots, snorkeling in coral reefs and other visits. |
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