LIMON AND THE CARIBBEAN - The city of Limon on Costa Rica's east coast is the hub of the province. It is a city rich in tradition and history. Colorful, dynamic and fun are words best used to describe the port city of Limon. Limon was established as the main port to export bananas from the large area plantations back in 1870. The Black Star Line, a historical building, the Central Market, and bits and pieces of what was once an important railway system, all lie within the cities boundaries. Limon has a large variety of 'cabinas' (cabins in English), and hotels. The Caribbean cuisine can be sampled in it's many restaurants. Local favourites include rice and beans in coconut milk and served with meat, sweet bread with fruit and raisans (or 'pan bom' as it is known), 'pati' (a spicy meat served patty style), among others.

HOW TO GET TO THE COAST

Your trip to the east coast of Costa Rica will start in San Jose. Follow the signs out of town leading to Cartago and then further east. Cartago makes a nice stop as there are many old buildings that are popular sights for tourists and residents alike. Check out the church in the middle of town. It usually has several foreigners taking pictures that you may wish to chat with. As you head east your trip will take you through Braulio Carrillo National Park. This park is one of the most beautiful sight you will see in Costa Rica. Waterfalls, rainforest, rivers and canyons are just a small part of the experience and will help the time fly by on you way to Limon. Outside of the park you will start to notice the change in humidity that tells you that you are entering the lowlands on the Atlantic side of the 'rich coast'. You may choose to continue you journey or take a layover for a day in Hacienda Pozo Azul Adventures. It is one of the choice destinations and is located at La Virgen de Sarapiqui. Once just the most modern dairy in the country Hacienda Pozo Azul now caters to tourist with whitewater river tours, horseback riding, canopy tours, mountain biking, and even a floating safari. You can mix and match your adventure to fit your personality, needs, and budget.

THE LIMON AREA

South and east of Limon is the town of Cahuita. A tiny community that lets you feel at home, here you can tan under the hot Caribbean sun, dive into the warm and inviting Caribbean waters, or take a stroll along the sandy beaches. You can take a hike along one of the trails leading into the rainforest during the day and feast on a Caribbean meal along the beach at night. If relaxing isn't your style you can choose to dance the night away to the unique music style of the Caribbean. A national park that goes by the same name (Cahuita) was created to protect the habitat of the marine species of which there are approx. 120 varieties of fish alone! It also provides a home for lobsters, turtles, algae, sharks, eels, mollusks, custaceans and some important coral reefs as well. The coral reef is currently under threat by sedimentation so it may be lost to future generations if the damge is not halted and reversed soon. Elk horn, smooth brain coral are two of the 35 species found in the area. A beautiful trail of ocean blue and green forest winds it's way through the park. Nature abounds here. Watch for monkeys and more!

FURTHER SOUTH

Down the coast will bring you to other gems such as Black Beach, with it's truly black sand beach, Puerto Vargas, a part of the Cahuita National Park, Playa Bonita (Pretty Beach in English), and Puerto Viejo (meaning 'old port'), with the best of Caribbean dishes and a rythmic night life. As well you will encounter Punta Cocles (Point Cocles), Punta Uva (Grape Point), and the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. A bicycle is the best way to see these unique areas and most places will rent you a bike happily here. The area is also quite flat making the ride more enjoyable then an effort in exercise. Many indigenous tribes live and have reserves in the region. Biking the area is a great way to get to meet and know these local residents who live in harmony with the environment. Just remember when you get ready to explore this region, the weather can be unpredictable at best, so be prepared for sun and rain or both in copius quantities!