The southern Caribbean beaches in Eastern Costa Rica offer a completely different feel to the beaches on the western side of the country. Life in the Costa Rica Caribbean is much slower paced with a very distinctive Caribbean feel.
The area is not as built up due to the strict planning restrictions in force. Smaller hotels, no high rise building, no huge resorts, independent restaurants and cafes, miles upon miles of deserted beaches and a very relaxed pace of life is what you will find in the Caribbean of Costa Rica.
The town that caters best for tourists is Puerto Viejo where there is a huge variety or independent run restaurants catering for all tastes. Whether you are looking for some smoky Caribbean brisket with a cold beer, or a freshly caught lobster, or an organic vegan meal, then you are in the right spot.
There are two hotel that we recommend in the area (Aguas Claras and Le Cameleon). We recommend either renting a car and taking advantage of everything that is within a 30 minute car journey from either of these hotels. It is easy to drive along the coast and pitch up at a deserted beach, trek through the tropical forest of The Gandoca National Park, snorkel at Cahuita National Park, visit the nearby Sloth Sanctuary, or rent bikes and cycle around this very safe and under developed region of Costa Rica.
For those that enjoy a quieter pace of life, an abundance of sun and surf, and all within easy access to some lush tropical forests then this area should definitely be on your wish list of places to visit in Costa Rica.
The town that caters best for tourists is Puerto Viejo where there is a huge variety or independent run restaurants catering for all tastes. Whether you are looking for some smoky Caribbean brisket with a cold beer, or a freshly caught lobster, or an organic vegan meal, then you are in the right spot.
There are two hotel that we recommend in the area (Aguas Claras and Le Cameleon). We recommend either renting a car and taking advantage of everything that is within a 30 minute car journey from either of these hotels. It is easy to drive along the coast and pitch up at a deserted beach, trek through the tropical forest of The Gandoca National Park, snorkel at Cahuita National Park, visit the nearby Sloth Sanctuary, or rent bikes and cycle around this very safe and under developed region of Costa Rica.
For those that enjoy a quieter pace of life, an abundance of sun and surf, and all within easy access to some lush tropical forests then this area should definitely be on your wish list of places to visit in Costa Rica.
