TravelPulse On Destination: The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Composed of the province of Limon, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is distinguished by its rich biodiversity, its blue beaches with black sand, its boutique hotels, its hostels and bars with a very Jamaican atmosphere. It is nicknamed "the little Jamaica of Costa Rica".

TravelPulse was fortunate enough to see this by taking part in a familiarization trip organized by the Costa Rica Tourism Board and the non-profit organization Grupo Proimagen.

"The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is very different from what people know about the country," said Gerardo Masis, tour guide for Greenway Nature Tours, which offers adventure and ecotourism tours in Limon and elsewhere in Costa Rica.

"Everything here is different: the roads, the city, the history; 60% of the region's inhabitants come from the Caribbean islands, mainly from Jamaica. That explains why we can hear Jamaican music playing everywhere, he said. Limon is very different from San Jose, the capital of the country, which is a very industrialized city, invaded by the trafficking of workers. People who want to experience real Costa Rica should come here. "

A good starting point for exploring Limon is the small port and tourist town of Puerto Viejo, located about four hours drive from San Jose.

While staying there, tourists can choose from a variety of ecotourism accommodations, including the chic boutique hotel Le Cameleon. Including junior suites for honeymooners and master suites, the hotel features 35 white rooms whose cushions change color every day, hence the name of the complex, and its very relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the included breakfast, guests staying at the hotel are entitled to free cooking and yoga classes.

Surf lessons, spa treatments, kayaking, ziplining, cultural visits to indigenous communities, deep-sea fishing trips, chocolate tours and horseback riding are just some of the other activities that customers of Cameleon can try.

Located in front of a gourmet restaurant overlooking Cocles Beach, the hotel has a family pool and an adult-only pool. With a maximum capacity of four people per room, it is aimed at a wealthy clientele financially, since the average cost of a master suite is US $ 690 per night in high season. "The singer Marc Anthony has also recently stayed during the shooting of a video filmed in Limon," explained the local guide.

Keep reading us over the next few days to learn more about the activities that can be practiced in Limon as part of this series of articles on the best of what Costa Rica has to offer.

On the menu: whitewater rafting on the Pacuare river, combined with an ecotourism stay at the Rios Tropicales lodge, set in the rainforest of the Siquirres region!