Costa Rica / North Caribbean Region

Costa Rica’s North Caribbean region stretches along the coast from the San Juan River on the Nicaraguan border south to the mouth of the Banano River, and includes the city of Limón and the cantons of Matina, Siquirres, Guácimo and Pococí. This is an area of lush natural beauty, where the dense foliage, rivers, canals and lagoons – and the sea itself, lapping at the coast – provide refuge for innumerable species of animals.  Here, too, are two national parks:  the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge along the Nicaraguan border; and Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by coastal forest and swamps.  This is one of the few spots in our country where sea turtles come ashore to nest. Green turtles arrive to lay their eggs only on the beaches of the Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, while hawksbill and leatherback turtles also nest in this area.  Being part of the Caribbean region, the area gets plenty of rainfall; the humidity drops off between December and April, although this doesn’t mean it doesn’t rain. But the North Caribbean is also an ideal spot for sport fishing fans, with both river and deep sea fishing available.  Afro-Caribbean roots run deep here, reflected in the lifestyle of its inhabitants, who are always happy to lend visitors a hand and share with them their cultural wealth.  The main tourism activities here include recreational cycling, horseback riding, hiking, diving, zip lines, Bribrí and Kekoldy indigenous reserve and cacao plantation tours, and others. Temperature: year-round average of 26°C (78.8°F).