atlantic coast

The dappled landscape of banana and cacao plantations amidst the steamy jungle invokes a feeling of whimsy and mystique in the Atlantic Lowlands of Costa Rica. While flanked with coconut trees and lined with exotic black and white sand beaches, the Caribbean region of Costa Rica offers up a rich and distinctive flavor of its own. Approximately one third of Costa Ricans or Ticos living in this region are of Afro-Caribbean decent, lending a diversity of language and culture that gives the region a highly international feel. Here you will find much of the music, food, and tradition has a Jamaican influence and feel.

Exploring the region:

Tortuguero: Tortuguero has been famous for its turtles since the 1600's. Today the area is the premier center for turtle research in the world. Visitors to the area will come to watch the sea turtles in their nesting grounds and travel through the lowland jungle along the canals of the National Park. No roads lead to Tortueguero, making the trek to this destination part of the adventure! It is an hour flight from San Jose or a 2-hour boat ride from the Caribbean port town of Limon.

Not to be missed is the Wild Life jungle Safari adventure via sea kayak along natural and man made canals. Other attractions include world-class freshwater fishing (Tarpon and Snook), massive turtle-nesting on the beach (July through October), and hiking into the park along trails, lead by local resident naturalist guides.

The village of Tortuguero is quite small, surviving mostly off of tourism, and doesn't offer much in regards to night life or much else for that matter! Most entertainment and dining is carried out at individual lodges.

Puerto Limon: With a population of 50,000 people, this is one of the country’s most important port towns and is the gateway to Costa Rica from the Eastern seas. The city has a lively Afro-Caribbean appeal with brightly painted houses, and is currently undergoing a restoration due in part to it's growing popularity as a port of call for many large cruise companies.

Puerto Viejo: If you’re looking for the party, Puerto Viejo is the place. The easy going attitudes inspired by the incessant heat have lent themselves to a laid back lifestyle here of surf and sun. This bohemian beach town has become a haven for those looking to escape the confines of 9 - 5 society, and offers a lively nightlife for the young or young at heart. Although there is great coral reef for snorkeling, as well as rainforest hikes, surfing is the primary activity here.

CALL AN IAU TRAVEL PLANNER AT  800-990-9738