Tortuguero

Tortuguero Nacional Park

(Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo)
If there is a region in Costa Rica where a local atmosphere can be sensed all around, itdefinitely has to be the Caribbean Coast. It has a particular history, of immigrants from Jamaica, Trinidad and other West Indies islands, as well as Chinese descendants who came as workers during theheight of the banana exports, when the railroad San José - Port Limón was built (1880's - 1940's). Furthermore, unlike other Central and Latin American countries, only 1% of Costa Rica's population isindigenous; most of which lives in the mountains of Talamanca (Western Caribbean). The Caribbean has the splendor of the beaches and palm trees, but also the privilege of being one of the few places inCosta Rica - and Central America - where green turtles come every year to lay their eggs. Visitors can't help falling under the charm of the Calypso music, the local gastronomy (rice and beans dish,pati, and ginger drink), the little braids in women's and little girls' hair and the local "Creole" English (known as Mekatelyu).
Northern Caribbean: Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado
Tortuguero is oneof the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle, which finds its way onto the brown-sand beaches every year. Its territories protect not only the turtle-nesting beach, butalso the surrounding forests, canals and lagoons. Everything in Tortuguero centers on the waterways; therefore, access is by boat or air only. It is an ideal place to observe wildlife. Its peacefulatmosphere and the feeling of being in one of the most remote places on Earth attract nature lovers; the area has managed to develop a low-density tourism system.
Southern Caribbean: Cahuita, PuertoViejo and Manzanillo
Less than two decades ago Puerto Viejo could hardly be called a town. It has changed considerably since then, but the beaches are still free (no fees), the surf can be downright...