In this series of posts, we will talk about the region of the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. An underrated and breathtaking region that is considered an off-beaten track destination for a lot of people and that has so much to experience and enjoy.
Costa Rica is a country to be experienced. All of it.
Don’t get me wrong; it has beautiful landscapes wherever you go, but the best of this amazing country is the experience of it. Be it the adventure or the sightseeing, the awe at its magnificent jungles, or the rattling noise of children playing in safety and freedom, Costa Rica is a country to be experienced.
Introduction to the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
As we have said before in this blog, “Pura Vida” is a state of mind. It goes way deeper and beyond a way to say hi. It fits the country in all possible ways! Its fantastic biodiversity, its vibrant colors, and the intense joy of living freely and safely in a beautiful place.
And the Caribbean Coast portrays all of that and more.
This is a region that has been resilient through many crises, to a history of neglect and sometimes even violence (and maybe that is why it is understated and underrated), and yet it vibrates life everywhere you look!
The Costa Rican Caribbean is all about the senses—glorious colors, mixed with unique musical instruments, and coconut-flavored food immersed in the intense place.
In these posts, we will talk about its history and why it is that this region has its own culture, traditions, recipes, music, and spirit.
The Limón Province
All the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is encompassed in one province: Limón.
Limón is the word for the lemon fruit and the tree. It seems that there used to be a lemon tree plantation in the area where the port of Limón is now, hence the name. But this little detail speaks volumes!
Let’s see this from a historical perspective: From the Costa Rican point of view, Limón is the gate to the world, the way out of the main products to the world. Remember that the Panama Canal was built in the early 1900s. Before that, the way out was through the Pacific Ocean, and the main markets and population centers of the world were connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Either Europe or the East Coast of the United States, the world was happening on this side.
Limón’s strategic location on the Caribbean coast made it a crucial port for exporting goods to major markets in Europe and the United States. The construction of the Panama Canal further solidified Limón’s importance as a gateway to the world.
Why then is it such a remote place? Why is it so isolated? What is it about this region that dances at a different rhythm and with a different tune?
Keep on reading, and I will explain it to you! Remember this is just a first article of a serios on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
In the meantime you may be interested in Costa Rica Best Beaches, Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo and Potrero.
Where is the Limón Province?
The majority of its territory is in the Caribbean lowlands, but the southwestern portion is part of the extensive and quite high Talamanca Mountain Range. The province has a northern border with Nicaragua via the Rio San Juan, western borders with Heredia, Cartago, and Puntarenas, and a southern border with Panama via the Rio Sixaola.
When we talk about the shoreline, we see 212 kilometers (132 miles) that differ in almost every way from the Pacific Coast. From the San Juan River to Limón (and Uvita Island), and then all the way to Cahuita, the shoreline is quite flat.
There are no bays, gulfs, or islands. The waves are fairly rough, and the water is unpredictable. The only place where you can truly experience the beautiful idea of an exotic Caribbean beach is in the southern area.
However, the North Caribbean region offers some of the most beautiful rainforest settings in the country, and it is an excellent location to watch sea turtles lay eggs on the beach.
Limón has a permanent population of a little less than 400,000 people and an area of 9,189 km² (a bit smaller than the island of Jamaica).
Conclusion
As you consider your next vacation in Costa Rica, don’t overlook the enchanting Caribbean Coast. This region is bursting with life, culture, and unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.
If you want to explore the best places in the Caribbean and receive personalized advice, I am here to help! Write to me at writer@olgasaenz.com, or send me a message through WhatsApp, and together we will create the best experiences for you along the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
Your adventure is just an email away!
