The best time to visit the Caribbean Coast

September and October are very rainy months in Costa Rica, the former is true for the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, but did you know these months are also the best time of the year, weather wise, to visit the Atlantic coast?

The Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is not the most popular destination for tourists, perhaps this is because you won’t find here the big, fancy resorts you find everywhere in Guanacaste, and no, sorry, no golf courses either; or perhaps many are intimidated by the drive, Route 32 is considered one of the most dangerous highways in Costa Rica; yet you shouldn’t let this ruin your plans, it is actually a beautiful 3 to 4 hour trip, you just have to drive carefully and preferably during daytime.

Escape the stress of the city

Limon beaches are beautiful, eco-tourism is big here and you will find this area of Costa Rica has a unique charm to it, one that will keep you coming back over and over again. Cahuita, Puerto Viejo or Manzanillo, regardless of where you choose to stay the distance between the different beaches in Limon is actually very short and the scenery is breathtaking, in general every town is just laid back, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity, where you’ll find the majority of restaurants and bars, there are a couple of boutique hotels in Puerto Viejo that offer upscale accommodations. Cahuita National Park protects coral reef, mangrove, rainforest and beach habitats, its pristine waters and white sand beaches make it a perfect place to just relax; as you walk through the National Park you’ll easily spot howler and spider monkeys and sloths. Manzanillo is a required visit, this beach is usually a bit more crowded than Cahuita, there’s a viewpoint you can walk to that is absolutely beautiful, and will make your visit worthwhile, there are some hotels within the wildlife refuge that provide the ultimate rainforest experience; if you need a place to hide from the world this is a perfect spot. Puerto Vargas and Punta Uva are small, secluded beaches in the area you can easily access.

The rich culture of this area and the colorful environment are both enchanting and inspiring; the food is also delicious, you won’t find fast food restaurant chains here, just different options of delicious local cuisine. The “Limon Carnival” takes place the week of October 12 every year and it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the Caribbean culture at its fullest.

So if you find yourself wanting to explore other areas of Costa Rica, consider a visit to the Caribbean coast, you might be pleasantly surprised.

While you are there, plan a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center, you’ll be helping injured and orphaned animals get veterinary care and rehabilitation.