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| Caribbean Area |
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling
- Cahuita National Park features the only mature coral reef on the
Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This reef spreads out like a fan off
Cahuita Point and measures about 240 hectares. Both elkhorn and smooth
brain corals are the most prevalent species on the reef along with a
wide variety of other marine life. A boat will take you to the best
snorkeling spots. This tour also includes a hike thru the National Park.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Turtle Nesting - The
Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green and occasionally the Loggerhead
sea turtles make their nest and lay their eggs on Gandoca-Manzanillo
beaches. However, the giant Leatherback sea turtle, with a shell that
can grow to over one and a half meters in length and can weigh as much
or more than an adult bull cow, is the one who brings fame to these
beaches. The nesting season runs from March – June.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Lagoon Hike / Boat - Within
the lagoon habitat, one may observe large quantities of aquatic birds,
including numerous herons, cormorants, and the flashy kingfisher. You
may also run into a crocodile or a troop of white-faced monkeys. With
some luck, you might even see a Mermaid! Local legend has it that early
spottings of manatees where mistaken for the mythical half-woman,
half-fish. However, the celebrity resident of the lagoon is an animal
which is now rarely seen – the endangered Caribbean manatee- as
it is an expert at hearing the slightest indication of a boat. The boat
will stop for a short hike.
Tropical Bird Watching
- The Caribbean zone of Costa Rica is one of the Country’s most
biologically diverse areas thanks to the large tracts of tropical
rainforest, mangroves, estuaries and beaches found here. A bird
watchers dream come true - of Costa Rica’s 850 species of birds,
over half are found in this zone. Birds that may be spotted include the
crested-mandible toucan, ornate hawk-eagle, red-lored amazon,
red-capped manakin, sulpher-winged parakeet, broad-billed motmot,
collared aracari, lineated woodpecker, great green and scarlet macaws,
great curassow, white-necked jacobin, violaceous trogan, Montezuma
oropendola, green ibis, green-and-rufous kingfisher, yellow-crowned
night heron, and northern boat-billed heron, among others.
Tortuguero National Park - Tortuguero
National Park is only accessible by boat or plane. The area consists of
a labyrinth of waterways that serve as roads. The navigable network of
lakes and channels crosses the Park from southeast to northwest. This
allows the great diversity of the flora and fauna of the region to be
seen close at hand. Tortuguero the most important nesting site in the
western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. Leatherback and
Hawksbill sea turtles also nest along Tortuguero’s coast. Sea
turtle nesting season runs from July-September. Other times of the year
a wide variety of other wildlife can be seen including jaguar, ocelot,
kinkajou, crocodiles, tapir, river otters, great green macaw, sloth,
poison dart frogs, three species of monkeys, various bat species and a
multitude of other birds and animals. After pick up at your local
hotel, the 85-kilometer canal tour starts from Limon city. 
Pacuare River White-water Rafting
- This trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and
excitement. The Pacuare River is world famous for its sheer beauty. A
true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. You see
waterfalls cascading into the river from both sides as colorful,
tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of the virgin
tropical rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true
exploratory land. The white water is equally exciting. The amount of
rapids covered in this outstanding descent make it one of the most
memorable rivers you’ll ever run.
Bribri Indian Reservation
- The indigenous people of Talamaca are part of the Amazon Basin Indian
cultures and heritage. The Bribri speak their native language, Bribri,
and Spanish, wear western clothes, and participate in regional
political and economic life, but they also maintain beliefs and customs
of their ancestors. The Talamanca-Bribri Reservation covers a large
area of the interior Talamanca Mountains. Bribri people believe
“Sibo” created all things on Earth, and that all things
have supernatural guardians that permit human beings to kill wild
animals and use forest products only as necessary for human
subsistence. Through traditional agriculture, hunting, fishing, and use
of forest products, the Bribri have maintained a respectful
relationship with their natural environment. A visit to Rancho Grande,
Volio waterfall and the KekoLdi Reserve is also included in this tour.
At KekoLdi the Bribri are working to restore the threatened green
iguana. You may also learn about medicinal plants & cures and
organic agriculture or may acquire interesting handcrafts.
Volio Waterfall Hike / Swim
- The Volio Waterfall is located in the tropical rainforest of the
Bribri Indian Reservation. The moderate hike through the forest has
several river crossings and affords the opportunity to view many
different species of flora and fauna including the beautiful heleconia
flowers, poison dart frogs and toucans. Once you have arrived, a swim
in the waterfall’s pool is refreshing.
Local Caribbean Recreational Fishing
- Typical local Caribbean fishing is done in a canoe boat. Live bait is
used to catch tarpon, red snapper, mackerel, jack fish, kingfish, blue
tuna, june fish, among others.
Jungle / Beach Horse-back Riding
- Galloping along a palm tree lined beach, venturing through jungle
trails, exploring abandoned cocoa plantations… sound intriguing?
Your choice of trails – jungle, beach, cocoa plantation or a
combination. Similar to western riding, but the Costa Rican saddle is
more streamlined.
Talamanca Organic Farms
- The Talamanca region is divided in two distinct zones. The coastal
lowlands and the mountain foothills called the “High
Talamanca”. In the coastal lowlands you will find the
Afro-Caribbean culture. Traditionally, this culture produced cocoa and
coconuts for exportation until the early 80’s when a fungus
destroyed the plantations putting farmers out of business. This area is
now mainly supported by tourism. In the “High Talamanca”,
you will find the indigenous Bribri culture that has supported itself
for centuries through sustainable agriculture. The Bribri produce
organic bananas, plantain, cocoa, araza, guanabana, papaya, yuca and
other tropical fruits and vegetables. They produce not only for their
local population, but also in recent years the demand for these organic
products has increased in Europe and the United States. Exportation of
exotic organic produce is now a substantial part of their economy and
helps to preserve the environmental quality of the area.
High Talamanca Rivers
- The HighTalamanca watershed is a network of rivers that support not
only the Caribbean lowlands, but also many villages not accessible by
road. The tour begins in the Bribri village of Suretka, where you will
find one of the busiest produce markets in the area and enjoy
spectacular views of the vast Talamanca Mountains and foothills. Here
the Uren and Cuen Rivers join to form the Sixaola River, which
represents the border between Costa Rica and Panama. From Suretka, the
tour explores the beautiful turquoise-green upper Uren River by motor
canoe. Along the River, small Indian villages, virgin rainforest, and
many different plants & animals can be seen. Enjoy the amazing
views and maybe some body rafting along this exquisite river.
Bocas del Toro Islands, Panama
- So you are visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast… why
not visit Panama’s Caribbean? It’s just a stone’s
throw away! Bocas del Toro Islands are located just about three hours
south of the town of Puerto Viejo. The Bocas area has a traditional
Caribbean feel with its colorful houses, island culture and
Afro-Caribbean inhabitants. The Islands possess some of the most
beautiful coraline reefs in the region. They are true submarine cities
where a wide variety of marine life finds food and refuge including
rays, eels, barracuda, nurse sharks, lobster, crab and many other
colorful tropical fish. Sailing through the islands, many different
species of coastal birds may also be seen. We will provide round-trip
transportation to Bocas and can arrange a variety of tours available
there and if you wish to stay overnight, we can arrange your hotel
accommodations. You may choose to visit either Bastimentos Island or
Colon Island, from there local tours can take you to smaller islands.
Surfing Classes
- The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is known for its world class
surfing – the famous “Salsa Brava” waves are created
just beyond the coral reef . Around the area of Puerto Viejo and Cocles
there are waves for all levels. If you are a beginner or intermediate
surfer, both Black Beach and Cocles Beach offer nice waves on safe
sandy bottom beaches.Rates valid until December 31,
2010
All tours are lead by local guides
Children under age 6 pay half price
All prices are in US dollars.
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