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Vacations in the Costa Rican 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.
Puerto Viejo
Playa Puerto Viejo is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limon Province. Well known for what has been called the most awesome surf wave in Costa Rica, “the Salsa Brava”, this beautiful beach area is renowned for its world class surfing and laid back life style. A thick Hawaiian style wave, the Salsa Brava builds up in the deep water and then breaks in the shallow reef, offering up to triple overhead surf in the best conditions.
Cahuita National Park
Parque Nacional Cahuita's claim to fame is its spectacular 600 hectare coral reef. Though 22,400 hectares of the park are marine, the accessible coastal rainforest is worth exploring as well. Playa Blanca(Named for its warm white sand) is south of the station, where less active park visitors laze and take dips in the surf.
Tortuguero
On Costa Rica’s fascinating Caribbean coast, Tortuguero Beach literally means “place of turtles”. A haven for any eco-tourist, this beautiful area is a key nesting area for some of the worlds most endan-gered sea turtles. Located just over fifty miles north of Limon, the village of Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or plane which adds to its sense of privacy and seclusion. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the beauty that surrounds you everywhere.
Vacation Guide
Top Destinations
Costa Rica Beaches
Arenal Volcano
Manuel Antonio
Guanacaste
Tortuguero
Monteverde
Other Destinations
If you are headed to Costa Rica, do not miss out on the beautiful Caribbean side. With its sandy beaches, coral reefs and laid-back surfer attitude, not to mention its Caribbean fusion cuisine. you won’t be disappointed!
Caribbean Hotels
Shawandha Lodge
Azania Bungalows
Samasati Yoga Retreat
Selva Bananito Lodge
Hotel Escape Caribeño
Suizo Loco Lodge
Ciudad Perdida
Villas del Caribe
Siatami Lodge
