Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

Yes, you read that right.  

Costa Rica has 125 miles of Caribbean coastline along with its 631 miles of Pacific coastline.  

Limon Providence

And yes, it is just as amazing as the Pacific side.

Imagine, sparsely populated white sand beaches with perfect turquoise waters set against mountains that create valleys to wander in.  A place where true Caribbean culture still thrives untouched by tourism.  A nature lovers paradise as you can view dolphins, exotic birds, and primates on a short stroll down the beach or for the adventurous scuba diving, snorkeling, white water rafting, and kayaking are widely available.  

My personal question is this:

Why is the pacific coast more popular????

Apparently for a few reasons (but not many).

1.  To reach the Pacific coast from the San Jose airport only takes an hour or so whereas traveling to the Caribbean coast can take up to four.

Easier accessibility.

2.  An extensive shoreline. 

Options. 

3.  It is more developed and offers different styles of accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and activities.

Diversity.

4. The roads are paved and well-marked.

Easily navigated.

5.  The region boasts 6 different national parks.

Nature Haven.

And those are the only reasons why the Pacific coast is more traveled than the Caribbean.

 Costa Rica as a whole has become known for being an "expensive" country to visit in comparison to its other Central American neighbors.  

Accommodations prices are high, food is high, real estate is even higher and all this is due to the huge influx of expats that started businesses down there.   

Traveling to the Caribbean side is a great alternative to high prices and lots of tourists and it still offers fantastic options for eating, lodging and activities.  It is well suited for the more adventurous, laid-back traveler that wants to experience a more rustic vacation.  

Places to see on the Caribbean side include:

Puerto Viejo and south - this land is plentiful in Pura Vida Costa Rican culture mixed with classic caribbean reggae and offers plenty of surf, nightlife, and lodging ranging from hammocks to four-star resorts.

I could really go for an Imperial right now!!

Cahuita - Puerto Viejo's neighbor is a small sleepy town that attracts mostly surfers and hikers who just want to relax after their day exploring.  If you are looking to bar hop this is not the place for you as there is just one in town.  

But the town is located inside of Cahuita National Park and this is what a traveler said about their experience. 

"The beat and the feel are inescapable. We rode our bikes into Cahuita a scorching sun drenched afternoon and were met by strains of Bob Marley through the palms. After a quick swim while the sun set, we found a place to stay and then had an incredible fish dinner under the stars. For breakfast we stopped at the little bread stand for banana bread, Jamaican spice cake, and papaya juice; there was no doubt we had reached the Caribbean coast."

Doesn't that sound amazing???

The next town worth seeing is Manzanillo.  It is only 8 miles from Puerto Viejo so you can easily head there for the day to go diving.  That is the main attraction here as the reef system is very close to shore!  Or if you are not a diver you can start your day early and start a walk down the beach from Puerto Viejo and in two hours be in Manzanillo.  Or take a mid afternoon walk and stay for sunset!

That is something I would do - what a great way to burn off all the partying and extra calories!

A must see is Punta Uva as it is one of the prettiest beaches on the coast and there (after the hike to get there) you will find a cluster of restaurants and accommodations to suit whatever you what.

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Have you been getting a mental image of what the accommodations look like as your read the words rustic, nature, and remote?

Well peep these - Costa Rica Journey's website lists all of the lodges on the Caribbean side in beautiful picture.

(that is how I really decide on where to stay)

Pacuare Jungle Lodge

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One thing I always consider when traveling is how to get around.  What will be the most convenient and economical?

Personally, I would suck it up and pay a driver to get from the airport to the coast and it would probably cost around $200ish (each way).  And then to get from town to town again hire a driver or take a bus.  Buses are easy to use and trust me there are always drivers around willing to take you where you want.

Renting a car is probably more economical but I really do not want to be bothered with trying to navigate and getting lost - it just sounds awful to me.

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When to go???

anywherecostarica.com sums it up beautifully - check it out!!!

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