Costa Rica
Cahuita Hotel 1000
Caribbean area south of Limon.
This is a coast where the ever green mountains of the deep forest line the long stretches of quiet, pristine sandy beaches. Year round, these long stretches of white or black sand beaches are ideal for leisure activities, such as horse back ridding, sun bathing, hiking, or snorkeling among the colorful corral reefs. Home to an infinite variety of under water sea life, Tucuxi dolphins have been swimming along these shores for as long as locals can remember. While there where no records of this specie in this area, it has just recently been acknowledge to have immigrated from South America. Furthermore, four species of sea turtles are yearly visitors to the Gandoca Manzanillo refuge, nesting between the months of March and July on the Gandoca beach within its reserve.
Among the best beaches for snorkeling is Playa Chiquita, located just three miles south of Puerto Viejo, which has a small reef on its north side. With a larger reef and longer beach, Punta Uva is a pleasant alternative also providing terrific swimming possibilities. Manzanillo, the last town south of Puerto Viejo, has the biggest reef and is also better equipped for those interested in snorkeling. From this area, you can rent professional equipment and venture on your own, or you can find a personal guide to bring you to specific locations; or perhaps, take part in the special "Dolphins Watch Tour" which is a real treat!!! Hiking to Monkey Point is a another attraction, where you will find another good spot for snorkeling.
The Indian reserve in Bribri or the Kekoldi Indian Reservation are the home of highly organized indigenous groups like the Bribri, Kekoldi and the Cabecar Indians. As you visit places like the Parque de la Amistad in Alta Talamanca you will encounter a hidden ancient world of strong spirits that fight hard to hold on to traditions and costumes practiced by their ancestors over 1000 years ago. Many generations were able to survive in the deep, dense Caribbean jungle, several tribes possessing countless medicinal secrets; their bush doctors, or Shamans as they are called, are highly sought after internationally for their successful cure of cancer.
The South Caribbean Coast, Cahuita is located in the Limón province, just 90 miles east of Costa Rica's capital of San José. Reachable by the Braulio Carrillo highway, the local temperature is a stable 28º C. year around, with a very low ocean tide of approximately 25 cm (one foot). The climate has been often called a " micro-climate", implying that the variable factors affecting this region are independent to the rest of the neighboring areas. This region shares very little in common to the rest of the country's weather cycles and prognostication, as the rainy season is often blessed with several weeks of dry, hot sunny days while weeks of unstoppable tropical rains can be experienced during the summer season.
The beat of the Afro-Caribbean drums to the rhythms of reggae and Calypso, forcing heads and hips to motion from side to side - the flavors of spicy dishes seasoned with the distinct aroma of coconut milk, the product from the swaying palms lining the long white sand beaches of the Caribbean Coast. These distinctive and colorful characters are trademarks of the predominant culture of this region and is what most obviously sets it apart, and too creates the charming, laid-back feeling to the east coast of Costa Rica.
The most comprehensive source of information pertaining to the Atlantic Zone is the publication titled Talamanca's Voice. Offering a full accounting of local events, weather, and issues facing this region, this quarterly magazine contains a healthy supply of local tourism related services, i.e. hotels, tours, etc. Edited by Wanda Bissinger, owner of Playa Chiquita Lodge, Talamanca's Voice is a welcome companion for any traveler interested in visiting the Limón Province of Costa Rica. Written by Wanda Bissinger of Talamanca's Voice.
There are two major bus companies that offer service between Panama and Costa Rica and Cahuita; Tica Bus which offers service between Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, and Panaline which offers service between Panama and Costa Rica. The trip from San Jose to Panama City, via David, normally lasts about 16 hours. The buses are large, comfortable and normally air conditioned.
You can also travel via the Atlantic coast, via Sixaola/Changuinola. The trip from San Jose to Changuinola, which is located on the Atlantic coast in the province of Bocas del Toro, takes approximately 6 hours; a stop is usually made in Limon. The buses are not air-conditioned, but comfortable, and depart at 9:55 a.m. from just north of the Coca Cola bus station. You can also take direct buses to Limon, and later get a bus to the border town of Sixaola. Or, take a local bus from San Jose to the border town of Sixaola, where you can walk across the border and take either public transportation or a taxi to the town of Changuinola. From Changuinola, there are direct buses to Panama City, small buses to Almirante where you can get a water taxi to Bocas del Toro, or get a local bus to David, which is situated on the Pacific coast.
Costa Rica's efficient and elaborate bus system provides the most inexpensive and popular method of travel throughout the country. The road system makes virtually every region of Costa Rica accessible by bus. Recently, several transportation companies have acquired more modern, air conditioned buses for use on long trips, or for the most frequently traveled routes. Most bus service in downtown San Jose, as well as in the countryside itself, however, relies on older more conventional style school buses. For the most accurate bus information.
From San Jose, all buses depart either from terminals or from streetside. Depending on your destination and time of travel, we recommend that you arrive early to purchase your tickets, particularly during weekend travel. The most popular destinations have hourly departures. The newer, more modern buses have concealed storage space, along with compartments overhead. Older buses provide little, if any, storage space for your belongings, aside from your lap. As always, travel lightly and keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rest stops and scheduled stops.
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