The pristine beaches at
Puerto Viejo de Limon are some of the most beautiful in
the country. The area is home to three different cultures:
descendents of black farmers who grew coconut and cacao
(until a blight in the 1980s ruined the cacao harvest), and
speak English and afro Caribbean Creole called Mekatelyu.
Indigenous people from the Bri-Bri and Cabecar tribes, and
people of Spanish descent. Early morning bird-walks, night
hikes, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and dolphin-watching trips
are some of the activities in the area. Beyond the reef in
Puerto Viejo is a famous surfing spot called Salsa Brava.
Try some rice and beans cooked with coconut milk, sweet pan
bon, delicious journey cake or other Caribbean cuisine while
you are there.
Cahuita - Lush
rainforest extends to the edge of the completely
undeveloped, curving white-sand beach that forms part of
Cahuita National Park. The park was established to
protect one of the only coral reefs on the Caribbean coast.
A 7 km (4.5 mile) nature trail starting at the entrance to
the park follows the coastline to Cahuita point, which is
encircled by the reef. Blue parrot fish and angelfish weave
their way among species of coral and sponge. Snorkeling is a
favorite diversion for beachgoers here. The fun loving,
Afro-Caribbean influenced town of Cahuita is laidback and
colorful. Reggae music, Jamaican-style jerk chicken and rice
and beans flavored with coconut are the area's specialties.
North of Cahuita is a long, beautiful black-sand beach.
