Barra del Colorado
Located on the northern coast of Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, Barra del Colorado boasts fine tarpon fishing that draws fishermen from around the world. The four fishing lodges here are easily accessed by an hour boat ride from Tortuguero, or a half-hour flight from San Jose.
The fishing action is in the Rio Colorado, where the feisty, fighting tarpon are caught both upstream and in the mouth of the river, where it empties into the ocean. The largest tarpon caught at Barra del Colorado weighed 207 pounds, and guests typically reel in 60 to 130 pounders. Other fish caught in the river include snook and calba, which run upstream from December to January. Jungle tours are provided by lodges for fishermen's families.
Puerto Viejo & Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Many travelers become so enamored with the charming town of Puerto Viejo that they wind up staying longer than they'd planned. Located about an hour south of Limón, this lovely village is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days or weeks, in a place with a strong sense of community. Miles of gorgeous beaches run north and south from town. Hand carved, wooden signs along Puerto Viejo's quiet streets announce an outstanding variety of small restaurants, boutique inns, bungalows, shops and sports activities.
Visitors will find lots to do in Puerto Viejo, beginning with sunbathing and swimming along the miles of white, coral sand beaches. Other popular activities include some excellent kayaking, up rivers into the rainforest, or on the ocean to experience the thrill of surfing while seated. Hiking and horseback riding, to waterfalls in the area and in the nearby Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, also top the list of things to do.
Take your swimming suit along when hiking at Manzanillo, to cool off at the small, secluded beaches hidden along the park's rocky shore. Puerto Viejo draws surfers from around the world, to ride the world class waves of Salsa Brava. A botanical garden near town provides a fascinating tour of tropical smells, where visitors can learn how vanilla and other rainforest products are grown.
Cahuita
Not far from Puerto Viejo is Cahuita, another charming Caribbean town, which adjons the Cahuita National Park. The park consists of several miles of white sand beaches lined with palm trees and is equipped with picnic tables, showers and restrooms, Trails lead from the beach into the rainforest, where families of howler monkeys and many other animals.
Geographical Division 
