North Caribbean

Tourists can enjoy this activity in communities such as Tortuguero, Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, observing architecture, landscapes and local flora and fauna, visiting indigenous communities, taking photographs and more.

Guided or unguided hikes may be enjoyed in communities, natural areas and coastal zones to take in various natural, historical, architectural, social, artistic and cultural attractions.

The region boasts many picturesque trails—Cahuita–Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo–Manzanillo and others—some for adventure, recreation or relaxation and others for enjoying nature.

The architecture of the Caribbean comprises buildings of great importance that have been declared of historical or architectural interest. The following stand out in downtown Limón: Black Star Line, the Post and Telegraph Building and the Municipal Palace.

Limón has enjoyed culinary influence from diverse ethnic groups, the most representative of which are the Afro-Costa Rican and the Chinese, who, in addition to preparing foods in different ways, brought a large number of plants and tubers with them into the country. Traditional dishes include: rice and beans, dokonú or "blue dress," patí and plantintah, pan bon and socosí, among others. Caribbean food, as well as a wide range of international cuisine, may be sampled in sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants in the coastal towns mentioned.

Photography is one of the worthy activities because of it's cultural, architectonic and landscaping interest, as well as the flora and fauna, waterfalls, rivers and the wide range of banana, decoration plants, cocoa and other plantations.

There are shopping centers in the city of Limón where a few objects or souvenirs may be purchased; however, handicrafts and important works of art may be found for sale in communities with greater tourist activity (Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo).

This is considered an important movement in painting and sculpture in the country due to the abundance of painters whose work authentically expresses the symbolic content of the region's cultures and natural luxuriance. Galleries may be visited and works of art purchased in Guápiles, Limón, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

The natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas' beaches is complemented by the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. In addition, the reefs off Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona are not to be forgotten. These sites are ideal for admiring coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose, lettuce and more), mollusks, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles and multicolored fish, among other attractions.

Several companies have developed facilities for enjoying nature-trail and canopy adventure activities, including: Puerto Viejo Botanical Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Río Carbón valley).

The visitors of the region have multiple services and facilities available, which compliment the existent coastal and wild areas attractions. The butterfly farm, cocoa plantation and Keköldi and Bribri Indigenous Reserve can also be visited.

Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, 22 kilometers after the Zurquí Tunnel along the highway to Guápiles, the Rainforest Aerial Tram was built so people could enjoy activities in the rainforest canopy, such as observing various monkey and bird species, orchid varieties, bromeliads, pinguins, climbing plants and insect communities.

These are continental or fluvial islands; unlike maritime island territories, these islands are surrounded mainly by fresh water from the rivers that demarcate their flat, alluvial areas. Calero is the largest island of this kind in Costa Rica, with an area of 156.1 square kilometers. Brava is the second largest at 44.4 square kilometers. These adjacent islands are located on the far-northern Caribbean coast within the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge.

Protected by the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, this navigable river's watershed is abundant in breathtakingly beautiful natural places. The Colorado is famous worldwide for its magnificent sport-fishing; tarpon and other fish (bass and mackerel) inhabit its waters.

Long and open, the northern Caribbean coast is characterized by strong surf and dangerous currents for swimming. However, its main attraction consists of the canals that run parallel to the beach, with natural landscapes and abundant animal species observable on tours. Delimited on the north by the mouth of the Río Colorado and on the south by an estuary, Barra del Colorado beach is suitable for hiking, nature- and wildlife-watching, fishing and contemplating the sea. Boat trips may be taken through the highly interesting and naturally scenic canals and lagoons in the area. The village of Colorado is a peaceful fishing and farming community divided in two by a landing strip.

Due to its geologic origins, the region containing the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park forms an extensive floodplain made up of highly scenic, interconnected canals, waterways and lagoons. One of the rainiest areas in the country (5,000 to 6,000 millimeters per year), this region is rich in biodiversity. These factors allow visitors to this extensive network of waterways the opportunity to tour and explore this marvelous world—unique for its peacefulness and natural luxuriance—by boat, canoe or kayak.
It is a truly relaxing experience to tour the canals and take in the exquisite green of the incredible tropical vegetation, reflected in liquid mirrors everywhere. One such looking glass is Caño Palma, which links Penitencia Lagoon in Tortuguero with Samay Lagoon in Barra del Colorado. This stunningly beautiful canal is named after the abundance of yolillo palms found all around.

This long beach with its strong surf and lush tropical greenery is a great place to hike and take in Tortuguero National Park's diverse flora and fauna. The park is adjacent to the village, also named Tortuguero, where the beach is located. Four species of sea turtles nest here: green turtles, most numerous, from April to August; leatherbacks from February to July; hawksbills from April to October; and loggerheads from April to May.
Tourism is the main source of income for Tortuguero village, followed by fishing and subsistence farming. This has produced an interesting mix between the village's indigenous origins and the many tourism services and facilities that are shaping its present and future, and which allow tourists to enjoy a wide range of activities by day or night: walking and sunbathing on the beach, observing the biodiversity, boating or kayaking the canals, socializing with the locals, sampling typical Caribbean fare or dancing to the beat of tropical or modern music.

This hill is located at one end of a long fluvial peninsula stretching north to south and ending in a point off Tortuguero village. The peninsula is surrounded by Tortuguero Lagoon on the east and Penitencia Lagoon on the west. At 119 meters in height, Tortuguero Hill is the only raised ground in this whole coastal area; thus, an unparalleled panoramic view of canals, village, coast and surrounding area may be enjoyed from the summit. With an approximate area of 25 hectares, the place is completely covered with vegetation. To visit it, tourists must take a tour from Tortuguero. The climb to the top takes around 30 minutes.

In its lower stretches, the Río Reventazón—one of the mightiest in the country—joins the Parismina. This river, particularly the areas around its mouth, has a big reputation for its fabulous fishing. Several fishing lodges offer everything a visitor needs for sport-fishing in this region, which borders Tortuguero National Park to the north; the wharf at Caño Blanco is the starting point for many trips to the national park.

World famous among rafting fans and experts, this lush tropical river is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for enjoying whitewater activities. The Pacuare is rated class III-IV on the international whitewater scale. Those running it can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries complemented by the luxuriant and always green vegetation that adds so much value to the trip.

This port is the launch point for boats transporting goods and passengers through a network of fluvial canals to Barra de Matina, Parismina and Barra del Colorado, thus interconnecting the various river communities along the 112-kilometer-long waterway. This highly scenic route allows tourists to enjoy a landscape of contrast and beauty, especially after Jalova Lagoon, where the southern limits of Tortuguero National Park begin.

This show takes place after Independence Day celebrations in the town of Guápiles. The exhibition features the best livestock in the region with representation from the rest of the country and abroad. Prizes are awarded to the best animals and various other events are held, including dances, horse-and-cart parades, concerts, auto shows and the crowning of the Queen of the event.

Situated five kilometers north of the city of Limón, this easy-access beach's big waves are ideal for surfers. Luxuriant tropical greenery surrounds this lovely spot, with coconut palms endowing the place with special scenic appeal. Due to its beauty and proximity to Limón, this beach is a favorite with the city's residents and with tourists looking to enjoy the ocean. Various activities, such as concerts and surfing contests, are often held here. Playa Bonita is perfect for sunbathing, walking along the beach, swimming (with caution), nature-watching, beach volleyball, picnics and family fun.

Boasting a privileged location on a promontory swathed in tropical greenery that separates Portete bay and Playa Bonita, this park is the favorite swimming area of the residents of Limón. Portete is a mooring place for artisan fishing craft. Highly scenic, the area has a looping trail that offers extensive views of the ocean, beaches and Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island). Birds, iguanas, raccoons, reptiles, sloths and other wildlife may be seen in the 20-hectare park.

The shortest route to Limón is the Braulio Carrillo highway, but the Turrialba route along the old highway may also be taken. The distance is approximately 160 kilometers. History records that in 1502 Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica at the place known as Puerto Limón. The country's port par excellence thanks to import and export traffic, Limón now has the facilities to receive cruise ships as well. The city's old quarter has the characteristics of a historical center and is currently under urban renovation with restoration of buildings and a pedestrian walkway from Parque Vargas to the market.

Celebrated every year during the week of October 12, which commemorates Cultures Day, this event is of great interest to tourists and generates much local and national excitement. A Carnival Queen is chosen beforehand, and in the afternoons costumed groups may be seen rehearsing in the barrios. Other activities include a parade of costumed groups and floats, masquerades, marching bands, national and international concert groups and a traditional dragon dance put on by the Chinese community. The most anticipated event of the year, the carnival enjoys the participation of the entire community of Limón. The floats, bands and costumed groups, with all the music and color that characterize this event, are complemented by other attractions such as amusement park rides, Caribbean food and drink, fireworks and handicrafts and carnival souvenirs for sale.

The Caribbean region is also distinguished from the rest of the country by its traditional dishes. Examples of delectable and highly popular food and drink include rondón (a mix of various vegetables with beef, chicken, fish or turtle meat), fish (stewed, in marinade or fried), sancocho (chicken and pork with tomatoes, yucca, potatoes and sweet potatoes), rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by chicken, fish, pork or beef), patí (meat pastries with chili pepper), plantintah (a pastry made with ripe plantains), bread fruit (pureed, in pudding or fried), turtle meat (in rondón or fin soup), beef tripe (with tubers and spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), ginger cookies, ginger beer, guarapo (an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn) and agua de sapo or agua de hiel (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime and brown cane sugar).

The Caribbean enjoys a diversity of cultures: Afro-Costa Rican, Bribri and Cabécar, Asian, Italian and Central American, among others. Besides food, the region features a collection of cultural activities and traditions that also differentiate it from the rest of the country. One such tradition, very well known, is the region's music, which combines various elements and influences: calypso and reggae. As for traditional dances, the cuadrilla (square dance) is one of the most typical. Games and legends occupy a special place in the region's culture as well.

The Creole English spoken by most Afro-Caribbeans from Limón is also unique to the region. With a greater variety of religious beliefs, religious faith is much more heterogeneous here than in the rest of the country. Finally, the noteworthy local architecture is a result of the society's lifestyle; its forms and spaces respond to climatic, cultural, technological and economic conditions. Limón's old quarter owes itself to the effervescence of the banana-production industry; public and commercial buildings display Victorian, Caribbean and art nouveau influences.

Built in 1922, this historical building is located in Limón city (at the corner of Calle 5 and Avenida 5). The two-story building features a large salon called "Liberty Hall" as well as a restaurant specializing in Caribbean food, and was declared an architectural heritage site in 1988. It was named after the shipping company founded by Marcus Garvey, champion of black rights. Garvey visited Limón twice, and established an association headquartered in this building. A number of cultural activities have taken place here, including the 1949 crowning of the first Carnival—or, back then, Limón Civic Festival—Queen.

This beautiful pedestrian walkway takes up four blocks of Avenida 2 in the city of Limón. It starts in the west at Calle 4 and ends in the east in front of the seawall. Built in 1941, the central market is on the boulevard; opposite it on the corner sits a beautiful building: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. Another lovely edifice, the Pensión Costa Rica, is located a block and a half to the east. Parque Vargas is on the last block. Opposite its north side is the Limón municipal building; on the other side is an old structure that once belonged to the Banana Company and today houses offices and shops. The boulevard ends at the seawall, where there is an amphitheater from which Quiribrí Island may be seen. The seawall is well frequented by Limón's residents and by tourists. Bordering the shore, it stretches several hundred meters to Hospital Tony Facio.

This island territory was declared a National Monument in 1985 for having been the first place visited by Christopher Columbus when he landed on this Caribbean shore during his fourth voyage in 1502. It was precisely because of the wealth exhibited by the indigenous people with whom he came into contact that Columbus—perhaps also inspired by the tropical luxuriance of the land—named the place "Costa Rica" ("Rich Coast"). The island was called Quiribrí. It is an attractive place, as much for its lush tropical greenery as for its rocky contours and coral reefs. A pleasant beach lies close to the island's wharf. A looping trail may be enjoyed, as well as excellent diving and surfing. On September 25, Columbus' arrival is commemorated with a brilliant flag parade and school bands from the Limón central canton.