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Caribbean Coast
More visiting information
When to go
Although the northern Caribbean coast has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the
country--as much as five and a half meters per year--at Manzanillo the average
precipitation is much less, similar to the two and a half meter-average of
Guanacaste's coastal regions. The rain is distributed more evenly throughout
the year than in other areas of the country making this a more pleasant
"evergreen" environment, without the extremes of dry and wet that
other areas experience. The average 77- to 86-degree temperature is moderated
by the warm, shallow Caribbean water and refreshing tropical breezes.
As far as seasonal variations go, as in the rest of the country, the changing
factor is rain and this is how it falls:
January and November are transitional periods with higher winds and some rainy
days
February through May are generally sunny with a little rain
July and December are the months of heaviest rainfall
Mid-August through the first part of November is summer with the least rain
For diving, Shawn Larkin at Aquamor said March, April and May, as well as
September and October, are "bookable" diving months, there's no
doubt of weather conditions suitable for diving on any given day. He said the
other months are variable, but periods of more than a couple days of bad
weather are rare.
Getting there
The drive to the Caribbean coast is a pleasant three hours on the Guápiles
Highway over the Central Mountain Range and across the lowland plains. The
scenery changes dramatically along the way from dense tropical forests through
banana plantations and horticultural farms to the coconut palm-lined roads of
the coast.
An hour out of San José on the Guápiles Highway is a spot worth adding to
your itinerary. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is a cable car ride into and above
the jungle canopy. This installation, unique in the world, offers any age and
physical ability the perfect opportunity to peek into an ecosystem where over
half of all species on earth live.
Earth University, near Guápiles, brings students from around the world to
study agricultural sciences and natural resources in regions known as the
humid tropics. This private, non-profit international institution offers
four-year academic programs as well as research facilities and continuing
education courses in sustainable development of these tropical regions.
An adventurous way of getting to the coast is to sign on with a white water
rafting trip, possibly down the Pacuare River, then catching transportation to
Limón or Cahuita instead of busing back to San José. Check with tour
operators listed in this article for availability of these options.
Interesting places to stay
If you are spending some time around the city of Limón, there are several
places scattered along the coast road between downtown Limón and the port at
Moín. Sitting high on a cliff overlooking the ocean and Playa Bonita is Maribú
Caribe Hotel. A very pleasant location with large, comfortable rooms and a
good restaurant. The staff is very helpful arranging tours to local
attractions.
Stress release and escape from the rat race are what this area is about and
one of the best places to achieve this goal is the Aviarios del Caribe Lodge.
The treatment here is to drift silently through the canals for a couple of
hours then sit on the veranda and watch birds flit by and sloths hang
motionless from the trees. The rooms are large, well-appointed and very clean.
The newly-renovated Atlantida Lodge in Cahuita is the perfect retreat after a
day in the wilds or on the beaches. The tranquil atmosphere of the grounds
allows for quiet contemplation of the day's activities, and tomorrow's
adventures. Don't miss Lucas's Mom's spicy vegetable soup and the Atlantida
ceviche.
The Punta Cocles Hotel, at the beach of the same name, has a resort-type
ambiance. Planted in the middle of the jungle, it offers generous, comfortable
rooms, trails coursing the 25-acre property, and tours by local providers.
Shortly before reaching Manzanillo is one of the most unique
"lodges" you will find in Costa Rica. Almendros y Corales (Almonds
and Corals) Lodge Tent Camp opened in 1993 in a privately-owned area of the
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Each tent is erected on a raised platform,
protected with a canvas roof and draped with mosquito netting. Add a private
bath, hammock, electric fan and light and you have all the conveniences of
modern camping in the heart of the jungle. A white sand beach is only a short
stroll down a raised boardwalk.
Activity arrangements
Laura's Tours in Limón provides a variety of activities for adventuresome
travelers. White water rafting on the Sarapiquí, ocean kayaking, diving at
Isla Uvita, hiking in Hitoy-Cerere, sportfishing and a historical trip around
Limón are but a few of their offerings. Telephone/fax: 758-2410.
Tony Mora at Cahuita Tours can show you everything you ever wanted to know
about the place he grew up. Diving, hiking, camping, horseback riding, visits
to Indian reservations and jeep tours are only the beginning. And if you ever
contemplated hiking across the Talamanca Mountains to the Pacific side of the
country, Tony can put you on the right trail. Telephone: 755- 0082; Fax:
755-0052.
Atlantico Tours in Puerto Viejo has this region covered. They will help you on
your way to Tortuguero or Gandoca-Manzanillo or any place in between. Among
their offerings is a three-hour horseback ride into the mountains and ending
up along the beach. Telephone: 750-0004.
Also in Puerto Viejo is ATEC, a grassroots organization for "the
development of socially responsible ecological tourism in Talamanca."
They have a wealth of general information, several publications, and tours
guided by local experts. Telephone: 750-0188.
If it's water sports in general and spectacular diving in particular that
interest you, talk to the people at Aquamor in Manzanillo. Owner Shawn Larkin,
a sixteen-year diving veteran, is a certified PADI Instructor. Shawn has
recorded over one hundred dive sites in his little corner of the world around
Manzanillo. From shallow, inshore plunking about to one hundred-foot wall
dives, he'll show you the best of the best. Aquamor also offers half-day
"resort" courses, and full PADI certification.
If you like seafood and you are anywhere near the Talamanca Coast, you owe
it to yourself to drop in at Maxi's Restaurant. Fresh lobster the way you have
never seen it prepared. Your Caribbean experience won't be complete if you
miss this. Maxi's, on the beach in Manzanillo.
Other culinary delights distinctly Caribbean are Pan Bón--a spicy fruit
bread--and "riceanbeans"--rice, black beans, coconut milk,
delicious.
Favourites: Volcanoes | Pacific Coast | Caribbean Coast | Canals of Tortuguero | Cerro de la Muerte
Tropical Islands | Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve | Iguana Park
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