Caribbean

Something Different on the East Coast

With the Pacific coast of Costa Rica a mecca for tourists, the Caribbean side is often overlooked. It also offers many different types of vacation destinations, the most popular being the beach cabina; a pretty surfer’s bungalow where you can walk straight out on to the beach and hang out with the sloths, monkeys and crabs. The cultural mix created by the clash of Caribbean culture and Costa Rican latin flavour produces a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. The easy-going atmosphere has also attracted many yoga resorts for the ultimate in relaxing vacation destinations.

Surf’s up in Puerto Viejo

The main tourist town of the Costa Rican Caribbean is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The mix of open-air bars and laid back surfer attitudes make this one of the most chilled places to hang out in Costa Rica. At night, the exotic fusion restaurants, markets and discos start up creating a bustling atmosphere in this sleepy village. If you are looking to stay in Puerto Viejo, there are many bungalow options, including Azania Bungalows. For somewhere more luxurious, head just outside the centre for Le Cameleon, one of the most impressively modern hotels on the Caribbean coast.

Chilling in Cahuita

Cahuita is an excellent option for a chilled beach weekend. A little smaller than Puerto Viejo, it attracts many people looking for a relaxed vacation as it has not been commercialised by the tourist boom other Costa Rican destinations. The area boasts beautiful sandy beaches and lush vegetation as the Costa Rican rainforest meets the Caribbean sea. Hire a bicycle and check out the surrounding areas or go hiking in the world-famous Cahuita National Park. You can stay in the luxurious Suizo Loco resort or become one with nature in the Cuidad Perdida eco-lodge, designed to specifically blend in with the traditions and natural state of the area.

Become One with Nature in Manzanillo

Whilst Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are the two main tourist destinations on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, you will also find other interesting places to explore in between these places. Just past Puerto Viejo, you will find the small fishing village of Manzanillo , home to the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Hike to Punta Mona (Monkey Point) and spend some time with the locals. The area is also filled with amazing seafood restaurants and local sodas. Perfect for satisfying an appetite after a long hike or even a scuba diving session to check out the Caribbean coral reefs. For the perfect place to lay your head, try Almonds and Corals bungalows.