If you are looking for peace and quiet, for the Costa Rica of yesteryear, then the Caribbean Coast is for you. If you want the luxury of a 5-star resort, we will take you to Pacific side. This is the laid back, not yet developed part of Costa Rica that appeals to the special visitor. It is one of our favorite spots and we love taking our guests to the Caribbean side.

Many of the long time residents of this area came to Costa Rica from the Caribbean Islands , Jamaica in particular, when the railroad was being built. They stayed on and now several generations later, their families still live here. Caribbean Island culture, its food and music have lived on and are an integral part of the atmosphere of this region.

The villages of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Cocles and Manzanillo as well as the national park are the main attractions. On the way from the Central Valley you will pass through Limon, the principle port city on the Caribbean side. Some 40 plus kilometers south of Limon is the town of Cahuita.

This small town has a charm all its own. A stroll down the main street in town is a stroll down the Costa Rica from another time - worlds away from the resort on the opposite coast or the hustle and bustle of San Jose and its outlying cities. You will find a number of restaurants and shops as well as typical pulperias (small general stores) where you can buy everything from soft drinks to dish towels.

Accommodations in Cahuita are comfortable, clean cabanas, built in a tropical setting. You can have your own cabin complete with a front porch, sitting area inside, a kitchenette and a bedroom, along with a private pool. It certainly is not "roughing" it, but you will feel like you are living in the rainforest. Of course, that is because you are. The forest comes right up to the beach front. Your cabin will be well within walking distance of the beach. Right outside your front door you will see all kinds of birds, colorful frogs, maybe even a monkey or two.

Within walking distance of the town are some of the most picturesque black sand beaches you will even see. There are trails leading from the beach into the rainforest. It is the perfect place to just "chill out," and spend some romantic time with someone you love.

If the place should get too quiet, however, there are fun things to do as well. There are fabulous coral reefs waiting for you come explore. There are a number of dive shops where you can get all the gear you need. Snorkeling is also great, especially from March to May and September to December. There is a nearby butterfly garden with breathtaking, colorful butterflies to see up close and personal. If sport fishing is your passion, that is also available.

This amazing park was created in 1970 in order to protect Costa Rica 's largest coral reef. There is an entrance to the park within walking distance of the village of Cahuita . We would be less than honest if we did not tell you that the area is wet all year round, but it rains less in March, April, September and October. It is the rain and humidity that have created the lush tropical forests so rich in plant, bird and wildlife. The land area is just 1067 hectares, but it protects over 22,400 hectares of ocean and marine life.

Its main attraction is its view to an underwater world rich in a huge variety of marine life. You can take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel or dive off the protected coral reef that is park of the park's treasure. If you choose, you can dive to an 18 th Century shipwreck located at the mouth of the River Peresoso (means "lazy river").

A walk through the park's trail is a unique nature experience. On one side is the ocean with its crystal clear waters and to the other is the dense rainforest. Stop for a dip in the ocean (you may be the only person on the entire beach) or lurch quietly at the forest's edge and spot a languid sloth hanging from a nearby tree or a family of monkeys swinging from tree branch to tree branch.

he forest and oceans of this wonderful park are rich in a huge variety of sea creatures, birds and animals. They won't both you and please do not bother them. You are a welcomed guest in their home.

Traveling south another 10 miles from Cahuita is the popular destination of Puerto Viejo, a surfer's paradise. The town has a wide variety of restaurants, bars and discos as well as very reasonably priced places to stay. All this has turned Puerto Viejo from a sleepy fishing village into a famous international surfing destination.

If you are not a surfer, however, do not cross Puerto Viejo off you "must see" places. It is a vibrant, rustic seaside village with fabulous beaches and clear waters that will call you stretch out on the gold sand beach. The rip currents in the area are strong, so you should probably forgot the temptation to go into the water. Save that for the expert surfers. The atmosphere is a unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and the local native Bribri cultures.

If a horseback riding tour or a mountain bike trail sounds like fun, it is available. Maybe kayaking or boogie boarding lights you up - well, that is here for the taking.

This a lively place or a laid back retreat - a great place to spend part of your Costa Rican fun holiday.