CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. The region is home to several national parks, including Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park, where visitors can spot a variety of wildlife.

The town of Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Caribbean coast. The town is known for its reggae music, spicy Afro-Caribbean dishes, and laid-back vibe. Visitors can also enjoy surfing, snorkeling, and diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Further north, the town of Tortuguero is a remote and tranquil destination accessible only by boat or plane. The area is famous for its sea turtle nesting season, which takes place from July to October.

Must-See Sights and Unforgettable Experiences

  • Puerto Viejo

    Known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture, Puerto Viejo attracts visitors from all over the world.
    The town is famous for its world-class surfing, with consistent waves all year round. Playa Cocles is one of the most popular surfing spots, but there are many other beaches in the area that offer great waves for all levels of surfers. Aside from surfing, Puerto Viejo is also known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which draws on Caribbean, Latin American, and Afro-Caribbean influences. Local restaurants serve up fresh seafood, traditional Costa Rican dishes, and exotic fusion cuisine.

  • Cahuita National Park

    The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and a variety of bird species.
    Cahuita National Park is known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The park's coral reefs are also a major attraction, providing visitors with the opportunity to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. In addition to beach and water activities, Cahuita National Park offers several hiking trails through the rainforest, including a 8 km (5 mi) trail that runs along the coast from the town of Cahuita to Puerto Vargas. Along the way, visitors can spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

  • Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

    The refuge covers over 23,000 acres and protects a variety of habitats, including rainforest, wetlands, coral reefs, and beaches. Visitors to Gandoca Manzanillo can enjoy hiking through the lush jungle, watching for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The refuge is also home to endangered species such as manatees and sea turtles, which nest on the beaches from March to July.
    For those interested in marine life, Gandoca Manzanillo offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the coral reefs.

  • Cocles

    It's known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and picturesque palm trees. Cocles Beach is a popular destination for surfers, with consistent waves year-round, and offers many surf schools and rentals for beginners. Apart from surfing, Cocles offers many other activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are also several hiking trails in the surrounding jungle that lead to stunning waterfalls and offer the chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and toucans.


  • Tortuguero

    Known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. The name "Tortuguero" means "turtle catcher" in Spanish, and the area is famous for its turtle nesting season from July to October.
    The national park consists of 77,000 acres of protected land, including rainforest, wetlands, and beaches. Visitors can explore the park's famous canals by boat, kayak, or canoe, spotting animals such as monkeys, sloths, river otters, caimans, and a variety of bird species.
    In addition to wildlife viewing, Tortuguero offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and visiting nearby indigenous communities.

  • Pacuare River

    The Pacuare River is one of the most popular destinations for white-water rafting in Costa Rica and is widely considered one of the top 10 rivers in the world for rafting. The river flows approximately 68 miles (110 km) from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean Sea, cutting through lush tropical rainforests and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
    The Pacuare River offers a range of rafting experiences, from exhilarating Class III and IV rapids to more relaxed floats through serene stretches of the river. Along the way, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and jaguars, as well as colorful butterflies and exotic plants.