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Cahuita and Puerto Viejo

Cahuita and Puerto Viejo

Just offshore from present day Limon, off the Island of Uvita, Christopher Colombus anchored in 1502 on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. It was Columbus after all who first named this Costa Rica or “Rich Coast”.   The Southern Caribbean Coast encompasses Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The powerful scenery, peace, and the tropical forest make this area unique. Its jungles host extensive wildlife, with congos, white face monkeys, exotic birds, and beautiful flowers. The silence is ideal for your rest and so are the ocean kissing palm trees where you may rest under the sun or shade. And if you're in the mood for some adventure, you may choose from a selection of activities such as canopy tours, horse back riding, hiking, scuba, snorkeling, and more.

There's a great calmness in the small town of Puerto Viejo and the rest of the coast. It's nearby surroundings such as Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, beautiful beaches and impressive hiking spots, make Puerto Viejo the epicenter of the community and tourists.

The colorful Afro-Caribbean flavor of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast feels a world apart from the rest of the country. This region also boasts some of the most pristine beaches and national parks in the country. Untouched primary tropical forests spill down to the tip of the Atlantic Ocean, making for truly spectacular settings.  Puerto Viejo was recently named the fourth Best Beach and Sun Destination in Central and South America by Trip Advisor.

Location: South Caribbean Coast

Distance from the Airport:
6 hours from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Weather:
It is a tropical area, where you can expect rain from May to December.  During dry season, rain can appear.

Pros:
Beautiful white sand beaches with tropical rainforests.  Great cuisine and amazing culture.

Cons:
Hard to get to and it is recommend to stay the first and last night in San Jose or Arenal.
Not all the hotels of the area offer modern services as air conditioning. 
Vendors and supplies must be brought from San Jose.
Not all the hotels are beachfront, and due the location, there are no ocean sunsets.