Register | Login

Search results for guide

A Rastafarian influence hangs heavy in this area, home to the famously good hostel, Rocking J's. For $6, guests can rock to sleep in one of the supersized hammocks packed together in a big, open-air dorm room.

Still, Puerto Viejo, for all its beach views and surf spots, didn't quite fit my image of the perfect un-touristy spot -- too much division between the locals and the tourists.

During my stay, a group of locals jumped two backpackers walking back to Rocking J's from a bar. The duo sprinted away with their money intact, but one, a junior from the University of Colorado, returned with a deep gash on his cheek and scratches along his sides.

With my optimism slightly bruised, I proceeded next to La Fortuna and nearby Monteverde, nestled side-by-side in the tall mountains at the center of the country.
Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast was one of the last regions to become connected to the rest of the country. It was only in 1987 that the first paved road linked the regional capital of Limon to San Jose meaning that for most of the country’s history, the Afro-Caribbean east coast communities developed in almost complete isolation from the rest of Hispanic Costa Rica.


Sea bird near Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2008
Talking with Mrs. Rose, the elderly owner of a small guesthouse in the sleepy coastal town of Cahuita, the Costa Rica of her childhood sounded a universe apart from the country I was traveling through.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in the northern lowlands) is a decidedly Caribbean concoction of perfect beaches, spectacular surfing and laid-back attitude, spiced up with the most happening music, nightlife and restaurant scene on the coast. It’s touristy – and more and more expats are moving here every year. But if you can let go of getting in touch with ‘the real Costa Rica’ for a moment, you’ll have a blast.

As throughout the southern Caribbean coast, the Afro-Caribbean presence is strong here: locals sometimes refer to the town by its patois name ‘Walaba,’ and coconut-scented odors and reggae music emanate from the doorways. With the influx of foreigners, however, you might hear German or French on the streets sooner than patois. Puerto Viejo’s kitchens are now turning out fantastic fusion cuisine, incorporating influences
Last month my family and I traveled to Costa Rica for spring break. Because we were there for just a week, we were on a pretty tight itinerary. We were just stretching out in our hotel room in Punta Uva after a long day in the car, when there was a knock at our door.
"Come quickly," whispered our guide, Alex Martinez. "Bring your camera." He spoke softly so as not to startle the three-toed sloth that was making its way across the ground twenty feet from our room.
The right private guide can often make a good family vacation even better. If you're traveling with your family to a foreign country, a big city, or an untamed wilderness, here are some reasons to consider hiring someone to show you around.

You'll see more wildlife
You won't have to drive
You'll avoid unnecessary stress
You'll be entertained
Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast was one of the last regions to become connected to the rest of the country. It was only in 1987 that the first paved road linked the regional capital of Limon to San Jose meaning that for most of the country's history, the Afro-Caribbean east coast communities developed in almost complete isolation from the rest of Hispanic Costa Rica. Despite recent investments in roads and transport services, Costa Rica's Caribbean coast still feels separate and distant, almost like having two countries rolled into one.But there's a lot more to Puerto Viejo than music, partying and surfing. A slight detour to Punto Uva brought me out onto an almost deserted beach where white sands met turquoise blue water: a beach scene that was almost too cliched to believe.
Costa Rica is a small Central American country bordering the countries of Nicaragua and Panama. It is often considered to be a tropical paradise. In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed along its Caribbean coast and was so mesmerized he named the place ‘Costa Rica’, the ‘Rich Coast’. The name stuck.

In a region often known for its instability, Costa Rica stands alone. Though tumultuous Nicaragua is to the north and Panama is to its south, it constitutionally abolished its military nearly 70 years ago. Today, along with Switzerland, it is one of only two countries with no army. The country is particularly famous for its wide biodiversity. There is an abundance of beautiful rain forests, cloudforests, rugged mountains and, of course, its amazing beaches, all close at hand. Costa Rica tourism is struggling due to ...
Due to its increasing popularity as a vacation destination, Costa Rica cannot be considered cheap anymore. However if you’re a budget traveler or a backpacker, do not let this deter you from traveling to Costa Rica – it is still a wonderful place. To make your funds last longer (and to stay within your budget), I suggest that you become more like a Tico (a Costa Rican) – avoid the most popular and most Americanized beach resorts and tourist traps – Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Flamingo Beach, Arenal and the like – and by all means patronize some of the local sodas and cafes when dining. You will save a lot of monies. Even though I haven’t been to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast in many years, I believe you’ll still find relatively affordable accommodations there as well.

Most travelers will spend at least 1-2 nights or more in San Jose, Costa Rica’s Capital C

Username:

Password:

Remember:
Home Follow on Twitter

Subscribe

Subscribe with Bloglines

NEWS AND BLOGS ABOUT CARIBE SUR - THE OTHER COSTA RICA - Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, Cocles, Chiquita Village, Limón, Costa Rica