The route towards the southern Caribbean portion of Costa Rica is a splendid gift of nature. Those who discover it will feel they have unearthed a grand treasure —and indeed, it is—. Located about 120 miles from the capital city of San José, the region is one of the loveliest in Costa Rica, thanks to them impressive and incomparable biodiversity of its flora and fauna, as well as the area's micro geography and microclimates.
One can gaze at the jungle in all its magnificence all along the route towards the southern Caribbean: there are over 450 kinds of trees, mainly "cativos", coconut palm trees, beach grapes, "yolillo" palms and orey trees. There are also about 2,500 species of other brightly colored plants in surprising shapes and forms, such as the "platanillas" and "heliconias". One could dedicate oneself to simplify admiring the flora for days on and end still not see them all.
The marine life is also quite abundant. Among the more common species are the numerous types of corals, all of singular beauty. The sea cucumbers, fanshaped corals and lobsters are part of this setting of underwater marvels.
The birds from the tropical Caribbean enrapture the visitors with their exquisite Symphony and splendor of multicolored plumage. Four hundred and seven species have been classified (approximately half of those that exist in the Costa Rican territory and more than what exists in all of Europe). The green macaw and the "pico iris" toucan, of intense color and beauty, are two of the area's most representative species, soma of which are endangered.
During a tour through Puerto Limón, the tourist will have the chance to see other examples of the native fauna such as monkeys, different types of frogs, turtles, manatees and crocodiles. And nature lovers, especially those who admire fauna, will undoubtedly be pleased. So if you love nature, or if you are no longer in awe of life's grandness, we recommend you visit the Atlantic, especially Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Gandoca, in the region of Talamanca
But the attractions in this area are not limited to the flora and fauna. The calm beaches range from brilliant black to pure white, passing trough golden tones and the majority of them are bordered by coconut palm trees and coral reefs that lend an enchanting atmosphere, full of unbelievable surprises. Besides the beauty of the landscape, there are the people, full of warmth and color, in a unique and unusual mixture:
Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Costa Rican, American and European. For every tourist who visits the country in search of its natural enchantments there are an infinite number of Costa Ricans who wish to present them with the very best of their land and culture, a blend of artistic manifestations and multiple beliefs, festivals, dances and especially its cuisine, different here –in the Caribbean area–, from the rest of Costa Rica. To dance to the rhythm of reggae is a singular experience that you will enjoy thoroughly.
The area's gastronomical pleasures will be a pleasant surprise, both in variety and quality. lt is inexcusable to visit the Southern Caribbean and not savor a delicious disk of rice and beans, prepared with coconut milk, lobster, whole fish, "pati", "pan bon", and come to the conclusion that the Caribbean has its own flavor, quite special, of course. Resides the region's typical culinary delicacies, the visitor will discover a unique setting, where historic values and architectural and natural beauty go hand in hand.
Limón is the ideal place to visit - take the whole trip to discover this area and to rediscover it. Or, if you prefer, it is the perfect place to simply relax, have fun and enjoy a pristine area untouched by man's hand. Catch some rays on the immense beach, walk through the jungle, ride the mountains, take bicycle rides through the coastal towns, take a boat ride, go snorkeling in the coral reefs or surf these world-class waves. What more could you ask?
Where else in the tropics have you seen a tree on top of a rock that just out of the sea, defying the laws of nature? Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean offers that and much more. Resides, in this paradisaical area the tourist has a range of accommodations to choose from cabanas to ecological shelters and hotels for all tastes and budgets, with a wide range of restaurants.
Some of them have been designed to respect the harmonious balance that should exist between man and nature. To really admire and appreciate these parts you have to see it with your oven eyes. It isn't enough to hear someone else describe it. Don% like the locals say let the Southern Caribbean be the best secret kept in Costa Rica.
Geographical Division 
