The Caribbean Lowlands Regions Guide - attractions

Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Despite its isolation on the northern part of the Caribbean coast, this national park is an extremely popular destination and one of the most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle, which lays its eggs here between July and October. Three other turtle species also use the beach as a nesting ground, namely the giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. The park covers an area of over 120 square miles (189 sq km), protecting not only the turtle beach, but also wetlands and swamps, forests and one of the most developed reefs in the country. Nature trails in the park offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding and a network of waterways serves as an alternative method of transportation and exploration. Approximately 50 percent of Costa Rica's bird and reptile species are found in the park along with a diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the endangered mammals like the jaguar, sloth, tapir and manatee. Most visitors come to watch the spectacular sight of thousands of marine turtles laying their eggs or to observe the hatching. Guided tours are recommended to control the amount of disturbance caused by the increasing numbers of tourists, and guides provide a wealth of information about the area. Beaches are beautiful but not suitable for swimming as the surf is rough and sharks are present. The area also receives a large amount of rain and insect repellent is necessary to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
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Parque Nacional Cahuita
The only coral reef on the Costa Rican Caribbean coastline is found within this national park, and with 500 species of fish it affords excellent opportunities for snorkelling. It has stunning beaches and is good for both land and water activities making it one of the most visited parks on the Caribbean coast. A well-defined trail runs through the coastal rainforest and howler monkeys and sloths are among the wildlife attractions.
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Opening times: Daily 6am to 5pm

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, simply known as Puerto Viejo, is a dusty little village lying between the forested mountains of Talamanca and the sea and features excellent surfing, an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, and delicious local food. The seven miles (12km) of coastline between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo further east is one of the most stunning stretches in Costa Rica. There are many other activities in the area including fishing and horse riding, cultural tours and home stays, as well as excursions to the nearby Parque Nacional Cahuita.
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