By Clay Larroy
There
is nothing more exciting than traveling. Whether you are going for a road trip
to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the
very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy
temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel
due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded.
This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Attractions in The Caribbean Lowlands
The main attractions of the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica are the
beaches but this side of the country also offers pristine rainforests, plenty
of wildlife watching opportunities, and some lovely, laid-back beach villages.
The Caribbean charm is fully evident in Costa Rica and the slow pace of life,
great music, and friendly locals make this coastline very relaxed.
The southern Caribbean coast is the best for enjoying the beautiful
beaches of the area. Favorite tourist beaches include Playa Bonita, Playa
Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small but vibrant party town nestled in between the mountains and the coast,
popular for surfing, sun-worshipping and its fun nightlife. Cahuita National
Park, also in the south, shelters the only coral reef on Costa Rica's Caribbean
coastline and is a paradise for diving and snorkeling. On the hike through the
jungle to reach the beach, you are likely to see numerous birds and monkeys.
The town of Cahuita, just outside the park, is also a popular base for
exploring the coast and is well-known for its local music scene.
The northern coast is ideal for those in search of wildlife. Tortuguero
National Park is one of the most famous attractions in Costa Rica. It is home
to an impressive array of fauna (50 percent of Costa Rica's species can be found here) and it is one of the best places in the world to witness the
hatching of green sea turtles. You can seek the animals out on numerous land
and water trails.
The Caribbean coast is less developed for tourism than the Pacific side
which is its main advantage for many visitors seeking an authentic Costa Rican
experience; however, there is plenty to see and do on the Caribbean coast, if
you can drag yourself away from the wonderful beaches.
Tortuguero National Park
Despite its isolation on the northern part of the Caribbean coast,
Tortuguero National Park is an extremely popular destination and one of the
most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle, which lays its eggs here
between July and October each year. Three other turtle species also use the
beach as a nesting ground, namely the giant leatherback, hawksbill and
loggerhead turtles. The park covers an area of over 120 square miles (189 sq
km), protecting not only the turtle beach, but also wetlands, swamps, forests
and one of the most developed reefs in the country. Nature trails in the park
offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding and a network of waterways
serves as an alternative method of transportation and exploration.
Approximately 50 percent of Costa Rica's bird and reptile species are
found in the park along with a diversity of flora and fauna, including
endangered mammals like the jaguar, sloth, tapir and manatee. Most visitors
come to watch the spectacular sight of thousands of marine turtles laying their
eggs or to observe the hatching. Guided tours are recommended to control the
amount of disturbance caused by the increasing numbers of tourists, and guides provide a wealth of information about the area. Beaches are
beautiful but not suitable for swimming as the surf is rough and sharks are
present. The area also receives a large amount of rain and insect repellent is necessary to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Website: http://www.acto.go.cr
Cahuita National Park
The only coral reef on the Costa Rican Caribbean coastline is found
within this national park, and with 500 species of fish it affords excellent
opportunities for snorkeling. Apart from the vibrant underwater colors and fish
there are two sunken ships to explore as well. The park was established in
1970, to protect the coral reef, but unfortunately it is still seriously
threatened. While the land area of Cahuita National Park is small, it has
stunning beaches and is good for both land and water activities, making it one
of the most visited parks on the Caribbean coast. A well-defined trail runs
through the coastal rainforest and howler monkeys and sloths are among the
wildlife attractions.
The area is also great for bird watching and if you are lucky you may
see striking blue butterflies found in the jungle. The hike to the beach is
flat and the path is easy to follow and winds through wonderful jungle scenery.
Be sure to take some water and snacks for the walk and try to set out fairly
early because it becomes more difficult to see animals later in the day. There
have been some reports of robbery in the park so be aware and try to stay in
groups.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, known to locals as Puerto Viejo (not to be
confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in the northern lowlands), is a dusty
little village lying between the forested mountains of Talamanca and the sea.
The little town offers excellent surfing, an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean
and Bribri indigenous cultures, and delicious local food. The seven miles
(12km) of coastline between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo further east is one of
the most stunning stretches in Costa Rica, featuring popular beaches such as
Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva.
There are many other activities in the area including fishing and horse
riding, cultural tours and home stays, as well as excursions to the nearby
Cahuita National Park. Puerto Viejo has a vibrant nightlife and great local
music, meaning it's a good base for those who enjoy a party. Puerto Viejo de
Talamanca is becoming increasingly touristy due to its popularity so if you
prefer to avoid tourist hotspots, Puerto Viejo may not be the right place for
your holiday. But if you are a sociable, sun-worshipping, music-loving
adventurer, you will be in heaven, since all will agree that the beaches are
sublime. In fact, there are so many exciting excursions out into the
surrounding areas that there should be something for everybody.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment