The east coast of Costa Rica is the real jungle deal, Limón Province dishing up authentic rainforest experiences and incredible beaches where development is restricted, promoting a very natural environment. The community of Limón – also sporting its own airport – comes through with Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage and a laid-back surfing vibe. Be warned that there is more rainfall and humidity here, with the driest months being February, March, September and October.
Visitors to the town of Cahuita on the Caribbean coast will find almost 250 hectares of coral reefs teeming with more than 400 species of fish. Hike in the mountains at nearby Cahuita National Park and see monkeys, sloths, birds and more. A trip north to Tortuguero National Park brings a nighttime turtle-egg-laying experience. Puerto Viejo, right on the beach, offers great live music, plenty of adventure activities and lots of water sports. And just north of the Panama border, Punta Uva, undeveloped on purpose, is home to rare butterflies, soothing waterfalls and a jaguar rescue hospital.
