★ 2 · last edited Dec 11, 2019
Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
Contributionsversion #1created Dec 11, 2019Report this pageLatest contributions in this guideContributors to this guide
Location verified location
Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
Open the interactive map
This is the plain east of the central cordillera. A region of banana plantations, the entire coastline from Limón to the border with Panama is, in a sense, more oriented toward the Caribbean than the rest of the country, both in terms of population, culture, and landscapes. Cahuita and its surroundings, along with Tortuguero National Park, are the two main tourist spots on this coast, which is still slightly less visited than the rest of the destination.
Overview
This is the plain east of the central cordillera. A region of banana plantations, the entire coastline from Limón to the border with Panama is, in a sense, more oriented toward the Caribbean than the rest of the country, both in terms of population, culture, and landscapes. Cahuita and its surroundings, along with Tortuguero National Park, are the two main tourist spots on this coast, which is still slightly less visited than the rest of the destination.
Main Cities
The region is only sparsely populated, and Limón remains the main city in this part of the country. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are the two other coastal towns in the south, known to visitors for their tourist attractions.
Tourist Attractions
Towns and Their Heritage
While there isn’t much architectural heritage on this coast, the area offers a chance to discover another side of Costa Rica, with its Indigenous populations (such as in Bribri) or communities traditionally more connected to the Antilles than to Central America.
Beaches and Coastline
The southern part, particularly the Cahuita/Puerto Viejo area, offers the best opportunities for beaches and activities like surfing or snorkeling.
Nature and Activities
The eastern coast is home to one of the country’s most renowned ecotourism destinations: Tortuguero National Park, which has become a "must-see" for many. Accessible only by plane or boat, the site is set in an exceptional environment of rainforests, marshes, beaches, and is famous for its turtles. On the opposite end geographically, Cahuita National Park offers beautiful beaches and walks.
Climate
The Caribbean coastline’s unique feature is its heavy rainfall (with July being the worst), and the dry season often lasts only about three months, from February to April.