North Caribbean comprises the caribbean coast and goes from the San Juan River to Limón city. Limón city is the touristic center of this Corridor, simultaneously working as an accommodation, stop over, distribution and touring center.

Green turtle's nesting on Tortuguero National Park and bass 's, shad's and other species's sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refugee represent the main attraction of the region. It is complimented with the river channel's system, wich connects Moin Port with Barra del Colorado, and has become a singular attraction and the only way of transportation.

Nature-based products get rewarded, specially fauna observation, therefore is a world-known site for bird and turtle's watching.

Tourist activities allow a more specific knowledge of the natural and cultural tourist attractions, as well as a deep relationship between nature, adventure and sport and recreative issues.

Activities

HORSEBACK RIDING

Tourists can enjoy this activity in communities such as Tortuguero, Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, observing architecture, landscapes and local flora and fauna, visiting indigenous communities, taking photographs and more.

HIKING

Guided or unguided hikes may be enjoyed in communities, natural areas and coastal zones to take in various natural, historical, architectural, social, artistic and cultural attractions.

RECREATIONAL CYCLING

The region boasts many picturesque trails-Cahuita-Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo-Manzanillo and others-some for adventure, recreation or relaxation and others for enjoying nature.

ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES

The architecture of the Caribbean comprises buildings of great importance that have been declared of historical or architectural interest. The following stand out in downtown Limón: Black Star Line, the Post and Telegraph Building and the Municipal Palace.

CUISINE

Limón has enjoyed culinary influence from diverse ethnic groups, the most representative of which are the Afro-Costa Rican and the Chinese, who, in addition to preparing foods in different ways, brought a large number of plants and tubers with them into the country. Traditional dishes include: rice and beans, dokonú or "blue dress," patí and plantintah, pan bon and socosí, among others. Caribbean food, as well as a wide range of international cuisine, may be sampled in sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants in the coastal towns mentioned.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is one of the worthy activities because of it's cultural, architectonic and landscaping interest, as well as the flora and fauna, waterfalls, rivers and the wide range of banana, decoration plants, cocoa and other plantations.

SHOPPING

There are shopping centers in the city of Limón where a few objects or souvenirs may be purchased; however, handicrafts and important works of art may be found for sale in communities with greater tourist activity (Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo).

PRIMITIVISTIC ART OF LIMÓN

This is considered an important movement in painting and sculpture in the country due to the abundance of painters whose work authentically expresses the symbolic content of the region's cultures and natural luxuriance. Galleries may be visited and works of art purchased in Guápiles, Limón, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

REEF DIVING

The natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas' beaches is complemented by the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. In addition, the reefs off Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona are not to be forgotten. These sites are ideal for admiring coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose, lettuce and more), mollusks, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles and multicolored fish, among other attractions.

ADVENTURES BETWEEN NATURALISTIC PATHS AND TREE TOPS

Several companies have developed facilities for enjoying nature-trail and canopy adventure activities, including: Puerto Viejo Botanical Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Río Carbón valley).

INDIGENOUS RESERVATIONS

The visitors of the region have multiple services and facilities available, which compliment the existent coastal and wild areas attractions. The butterfly farm, cocoa plantation and Keköldi and Bribri Indigenous Reserve can also be visited..

TREETOP'S TOUR (RAINFOREST AERIAL TRAM)

Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, 22 kilometers after the Zurquí Tunnel along the highway to Guápiles, the Rainforest Aerial Tram was built so people could enjoy activities in the rainforest canopy, such as observing various monkey and bird species, orchid varieties, bromeliads, pinguins, climbing plants and insect communities.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Carribean people celebrates historic, cultural, sportive, civic and artistical activities through the year, as well as organizing raise-funding fairs for their communal development..

RURAL TOURISM ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

Eco-Finca Educativa, located 600 meters northeast of the Santa Rosa cemetery, La Rita, Pococí.

Activities: Guided hikes around the farm, plus sustainable forest management and conservation activities.

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CALERO AND BRAVA ISLANDS

These are continental or fluvial islands; unlike maritime island territories, these islands are surrounded mainly by fresh water from the rivers that demarcate their flat, alluvial areas. Calero is the largest island of this kind in Costa Rica, with an area of 156.1 square kilometers. Brava is the second largest at 44.4 square kilometers. These adjacent islands are located on the far-northern Caribbean coast within the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge.

RÍO COLORADO

Protected by the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, this navigable river's watershed is abundant in breathtakingly beautiful natural places. The Colorado is famous worldwide for its magnificent sport-fishing; tarpon and other fish (bass and mackerel) inhabit its waters.

BARRA DEL COLORADO BEACH

Long and open, the northern Caribbean coast is characterized by strong surf and dangerous currents for swimming. However, its main attraction consists of the canals that run parallel to the beach, with natural landscapes and abundant animal species observable on tours. Delimited on the north by the mouth of the Río Colorado and on the south by an estuary, Barra del Colorado beach is suitable for hiking, nature- and wildlife-watching, fishing and contemplating the sea. Boat trips may be taken through the highly interesting and naturally scenic canals and lagoons in the area. The village of Colorado is a peaceful fishing and farming community divided in two by a landing strip.

TORTUGUERO-COLORADO CANALS

Due to its geologic origins, the region containing the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park forms an extensive floodplain made up of highly scenic, interconnected canals, waterways and lagoons. One of the rainiest areas in the country (5,000 to 6,000 millimeters per year), this region is rich in biodiversity. These factors allow visitors to this extensive network of waterways the opportunity to tour and explore this marvelous world-unique for its peacefulness and natural luxuriance-by boat, canoe or kayak.

It is a truly relaxing experience to tour the canals and take in the exquisite green of the incredible tropical vegetation, reflected in liquid mirrors everywhere. One such looking glass is Caño Palma, which links Penitencia Lagoon in Tortuguero with Samay Lagoon in Barra del Colorado. This stunningly beautiful canal is named after the abundance of yolillo palms found all around.

TORTUGUERO BEACH

This long beach with its strong surf and lush tropical greenery is a great place to hike and take in Tortuguero National Park's diverse flora and fauna. The park is adjacent to the village, also named Tortuguero, where the beach is located. Four species of sea turtles nest here: green turtles, most numerous, from April to August; leatherbacks from February to July; hawksbills from April to October; and loggerheads from April to May.

Tourism is the main source of income for Tortuguero village, followed by fishing and subsistence farming. This has produced an interesting mix between the village's indigenous origins and the many tourism services and facilities that are shaping its present and future, and which allow tourists to enjoy a wide range of activities by day or night: walking and sunbathing on the beach, observing the biodiversity, boating or kayaking the canals, socializing with the locals, sampling typical Caribbean fare or dancing to the beat of tropical or modern music.

TORTUGUERO HILL

This hill is located at one end of a long fluvial peninsula stretching north to south and ending in a point off Tortuguero village. The peninsula is surrounded by Tortuguero Lagoon on the east and Penitencia Lagoon on the west. At 119 meters in height, Tortuguero Hill is the only raised ground in this whole coastal area; thus, an unparalleled panoramic view of canals, village, coast and surrounding area may be enjoyed from the summit. With an approximate area of 25 hectares, the place is completely covered with vegetation. To visit it, tourists must take a tour from Tortuguero. The climb to the top takes around 30 minutes.

RÍO PARISMINA MOUTH

In its lower stretches, the Río Reventazón-one of the mightiest in the country-joins the Parismina. This river, particularly the areas around its mouth, has a big reputation for its fabulous fishing. Several fishing lodges offer everything a visitor needs for sport-fishing in this region, which borders Tortuguero National Park to the north; the wharf at Caño Blanco is the starting point for many trips to the national park.

RÍO PACUARE

World famous among rafting fans and experts, this lush tropical river is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for enjoying whitewater activities. The Pacuare is rated class III-IV on the international whitewater scale. Those running it can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries complemented by the luxuriant and always green vegetation that adds so much value to the trip.

PUERTO MOÍN

This port is the launch point for boats transporting goods and passengers through a network of fluvial canals to Barra de Matina, Parismina and Barra del Colorado, thus interconnecting the various river communities along the 112-kilometer-long waterway. This highly scenic route allows tourists to enjoy a landscape of contrast and beauty, especially after Jalova Lagoon, where the southern limits of Tortuguero National Park begin.

EXPOPOCOCÍ (LIVESTOCK SHOW)

This show takes place after Independence Day celebrations in the town of Guápiles. The exhibition features the best livestock in the region with representation from the rest of the country and abroad. Prizes are awarded to the best animals and various other events are held, including dances, horse-and-cart parades, concerts, auto shows and the crowning of the Queen of the event.

PLAYA BONITA

Situated five kilometers north of the city of Limón, this easy-access beach's big waves are ideal for surfers. Luxuriant tropical greenery surrounds this lovely spot, with coconut palms endowing the place with special scenic appeal. Due to its beauty and proximity to Limón, this beach is a favorite with the city's residents and with tourists looking to enjoy the ocean. Various activities, such as concerts and surfing contests, are often held here. Playa Bonita is perfect for sunbathing, walking along the beach, swimming (with caution), nature-watching, beach volleyball, picnics and family fun..

CARIARI RECREATIONAL PARK

Boasting a privileged location on a promontory swathed in tropical greenery that separates Portete bay and Playa Bonita, this park is the favorite swimming area of the residents of Limón. Portete is a mooring place for artisan fishing craft. Highly scenic, the area has a looping trail that offers extensive views of the ocean, beaches and Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island). Birds, iguanas, raccoons, reptiles, sloths and other wildlife may be seen in the 20-hectare park..

LIMÓN CITY

The shortest route to Limón is the Braulio Carrillo highway, but the Turrialba route along the old highway may also be taken. The distance is approximately 160 kilometers. History records that in 1502 Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica at the place known as Puerto Limón. The country's port par excellence thanks to import and export traffic, Limón now has the facilities to receive cruise ships as well. The city's old quarter has the characteristics of a historical center and is currently under urban renovation with restoration of buildings and a pedestrian walkway from Parque Vargas to the market.

LIMÓN CARNIVAL

Celebrated every year during the week of October 12, which commemorates Cultures Day, this event is of great interest to tourists and generates much local and national excitement. A Carnival Queen is chosen beforehand, and in the afternoons costumed groups may be seen rehearsing in the barrios. Other activities include a parade of costumed groups and floats, masquerades, marching bands, national and international concert groups and a traditional dragon dance put on by the Chinese community. The most anticipated event of the year, the carnival enjoys the participation of the entire community of Limón. The floats, bands and costumed groups, with all the music and color that characterize this event, are complemented by other attractions such as amusement park rides, Caribbean food and drink, fireworks and handicrafts and carnival souvenirs for sale.

AFRO-CARIBBEAN CUISINE

The Caribbean region is also distinguished from the rest of the country by its traditional dishes. Examples of delectable and highly popular food and drink include rondón (a mix of various vegetables with beef, chicken, fish or turtle meat), fish (stewed, in marinade or fried), sancocho (chicken and pork with tomatoes, yucca, potatoes and sweet potatoes), rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by chicken, fish, pork or beef), patí (meat pastries with chili pepper), plantintah (a pastry made with ripe plantains), bread fruit (pureed, in pudding or fried), turtle meat (in rondón or fin soup), beef tripe (with tubers and spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), ginger cookies, ginger beer, guarapo (an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn) and agua de sapo or agua de hiel (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime and brown cane sugar).

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL EXPRESSION

The Caribbean enjoys a diversity of cultures: Afro-Costa Rican, Bribri and Cabécar, Asian, Italian and Central American, among others. Besides food, the region features a collection of cultural activities and traditions that also differentiate it from the rest of the country. One such tradition, very well known, is the region's music, which combines various elements and influences: calypso and reggae. As for traditional dances, the cuadrilla (square dance) is one of the most typical. Games and legends occupy a special place in the region's culture as well.

The Creole English spoken by most Afro-Caribbeans from Limón is also unique to the region. With a greater variety of religious beliefs, religious faith is much more heterogeneous here than in the rest of the country. Finally, the noteworthy local architecture is a result of the society's lifestyle; its forms and spaces respond to climatic, cultural, technological and economic conditions. Limón's old quarter owes itself to the effervescence of the banana-production industry; public and commercial buildings display Victorian, Caribbean and art nouveau influences.

BLACK STAR LINE

Built in 1922, this historical building is located in Limón city (at the corner of Calle 5 and Avenida 5). The two-story building features a large salon called "Liberty Hall" as well as a restaurant specializing in Caribbean food, and was declared an architectural heritage site in 1988. It was named after the shipping company founded by Marcus Garvey, champion of black rights. Garvey visited Limón twice, and established an association headquartered in this building. A number of cultural activities have taken place here, including the 1949 crowning of the first Carnival-or, back then, Limón Civic Festival-Queen.

LIMÓN BOULEVARD

This beautiful pedestrian walkway takes up four blocks of Avenida 2 in the city of Limón. It starts in the west at Calle 4 and ends in the east in front of the seawall. Built in 1941, the central market is on the boulevard; opposite it on the corner sits a beautiful building: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. Another lovely edifice, the Pensión Costa Rica, is located a block and a half to the east. Parque Vargas is on the last block. Opposite its north side is the Limón municipal building; on the other side is an old structure that once belonged to the Banana Company and today houses offices and shops. The boulevard ends at the seawall, where there is an amphitheater from which Quiribrí Island may be seen. The seawall is well frequented by Limón's residents and by tourists. Bordering the shore, it stretches several hundred meters to Hospital Tony Facio.

QUIRIBRÍ ISLAND (UVITA)

This island territory was declared a National Monument in 1985 for having been the first place visited by Christopher Columbus when he landed on this Caribbean shore during his fourth voyage in 1502. It was precisely because of the wealth exhibited by the indigenous people with whom he came into contact that Columbus-perhaps also inspired by the tropical luxuriance of the land-named the place "Costa Rica" ("Rich Coast"). The island was called Quiribrí. It is an attractive place, as much for its lush tropical greenery as for its rocky contours and coral reefs. A pleasant beach lies close to the island's wharf. A looping trail may be enjoyed, as well as excellent diving and surfing. On September 25, Columbus' arrival is commemorated with a brilliant flag parade and school bands from the Limón central canton.

TROPICAL AMERICA FESTIVAL, EARTH. GUÁCIMO

Held the third weekend in April, this activity promotes relations between the locals and foreigners that make up the Wet Tropic School. Activities include cultural presentations of different countries, a culinary fair and tours to sites of interest at the school, such as the botanical garden, the orchid garden and the livestock area. Outsiders are encouraged to visit.

PLAYA VIZCAYA

Located on the highway to Cahuita, this long, grayish-sand beach on the open ocean features abundant coastal vegetation, and stands out for its many coconut palms. Great for swimming, it is very popular with locals and national tourists, who visit it to enjoy the beach and Río Vizcaya mouth with friends or family.

AVIARIOS DEL CARIBE (CARIBBEAN AVIARIES)

Located one kilometer north of Río La Estrella, this beautiful place is an approximately 100-hectare private preserve, where visitors can walk and take boat tours on the adjoining canals to observe the flora and fauna-especially birds.

CAHUITA COMMUNITY

Home to a mix of cultures, this community features varied local and international cuisine and all kinds of facilities for touring the National Park located here. Companies offer tours to the reef and to other parts of Talamanca and the surrounding area. Places for enjoying music are also available.

PLAYA NEGRA (CAHUITA)

"Black Beach" is the name of this dark-sand beach located north of the town of Cahuita. Long and fringed with lush tropical greenery, Playa Negra has distinct areas featuring inlets, coral platforms, coves and sandy beaches. The surf is moderate to strong. This beach is ideal for relaxing and contemplating the sea, as well as exploring on foot, horseback or mountain bike.

PLAYA BLANCA (CAHUITA)

Named "White Beach" for the color of its sand, Playa Blanca is part of Cahuita National Park, stretching some three kilometers from the park entrance to Punta Cahuita. The initial stretch of this narrow beach features a shelf and strong surf; swimming is not recommended here. Toward its middle stretch, before the Río Suárez estuary, however, swimming is ideal. After crossing the estuary, the presence of a fringing coral reef offshore transforms the beach into a vast lagoon. On the point, the sand is very light in color. Here the reef is close in; visitors can dive in its waters, or continue some two kilometers more to Puerto Vargas.

PUERTO VARGAS

This lovely beach also belongs to Cahuita National Park, stretching several kilometers from Punta Cahuita to the mouth of the Río Carbón. It has three distinct areas, all breathtaking thanks to their lush vegetation. From north to south, the first area comprises the point up to the promontory of Puerto Vargas. Here, the water is crystalline and calm thanks to the coral reef. Extending from Puerto Vargas to the beach entrance, the second stretch features darker sand and mild to moderate surf. The third reaches from here to the mouth of the Río Carbón, and consists of an open coast with strong surf.

PUERTO VIEJO

Like Cahuita, the town of Puerto Viejo offers many facilities to ensure an enjoyable visit. Lodging and travel companies and a tour guide association offer trips to other areas of Talamanca. There are also excellent restaurants featuring local and international cuisine, as well as varied nightlife offering traditional music and dancing from the Costa Rican Caribbean.

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL

With participation from various musical groups from throughout the country, this event takes place in Playa Chiquita during the first weeks of April, during the dry season and high season for tourists.

PLAYA NEGRA (PUERTO VIEJO)

Stretching from the town of Puerto Viejo to its entrance in the north, this beach is famous for its truly black sand, which owes its color to a high manganese content. Shaped in an attractive curve, Playa Negra features moderate to strong surf. Vegetation is limited as the town's main street runs directly behind the beach. This spot is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and leisurely strolls, which can run northeast to the mouth of the Río Carbón.

PUERTO VIEJO BEACHES

Puerto Viejo sits on a point or cape made up mainly of coral platforms, so several areas here are not suitable for swimming. However, there are other spots with white sand and convenient cafes that are ideal for enjoying the ocean. These places are referred to by the names of certain people or establishments residing or situated on the beach; thus, the beach in front of Manuel León's property is called Chinese Beach, and the beach in front of Stanford's Restaurant is named after this establishment.

Though small, both these beaches are well frequented by ocean lovers. From here to the south, at a place called Punta Pirriplí, is the famous Salsa Brava wave, one of the best surf spots on the entire Caribbean coast and host to international surfing contests. Dive shops and companies offering tours to the reef can also be found in front of these beaches.

KEKÖLDI INDIGENOUS RESERVATION

Located close to Puerto Viejo, this reservation is of great importance due to the activities it promotes. The Bribri indigenous people who live on the reservation offer several facilities and items of interest to tourists, including a green iguana farm and indigenous handicrafts such as wooden bows and arrows, handbags, nets, hammocks and baskets. The reservation features trails for enjoying its lush vegetation and wildlife, as well as two observation towers for bird-watching, particularly of raptors migrating north and south during the months of January, February, October and November. A total of 17 raptor species have been observed here, including eagles, sparrow hawks and falcons; sightings of thousands of birds per day make for a spectacular phenomenon. Finally, the stunning Río Cocles waterfall is located within the reservation and may be visited with local guides.

YORQUÍN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY

Yorquín or Yorkín is the name of a river with its headwaters on the Panamanian side of La Amistad International Park. Up this river is the Yorquín indigenous community, where visitor facilities allow for a unique experience that combines the beauty of the river with learning about and integrating into this exemplary community, which grows its own food and trades bananas and cacao for other products. From here, other places may be visited such as Cerro Buena Vista, hot springs and waterfalls. The Yorquín also make handicrafts that may be purchased as souvenirs.

PLAYA COCLES

Long and wide, this beach has moderate to strong surf. To the north and opposite Punta Pirriplí lies a beautiful rocky island of the same name that lends special appeal to this coast of few islands. This beach is perfect for enjoying activities such as sunbathing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, beach volleyball and soccer. A small coral reef lies off Punta Cocles. Along the beach there are numerous tourist services, including surfboard and bicycle rentals. Horses and motorcycles may be rented in Puerto Viejo to explore this and other beaches located to the south.

PLAYA CHIQUITA

Located right after Punta Cocles, this golden-sand beach forms a cove by the same name. Beyond this point the irregular coast continues, bordering rocky platforms. Some two kilometers to the south is a highly scenic rocky promontory swathed in lush tropical greenery. Here, the coastline forms a bend surrounded by calm, clear water. This lovely stretch of coast is good for relaxation and enjoying nature unchanged, whether on foot, horseback or simply lying on the beach.

PUNTA UVA

Punta Uva is a wide, sandy ridge that stretches northeast up to the promontory at the end of Playa Chiquita. To the south the coast opens in a curve up to Manzanillo. Bordering this point is a coral reef where diving is possible. Punta Uva's unique shape makes it ideal for walking all the way to Chiquita and Manzanillo beaches.

PLAYA MANZANILLO

This golden-sand beach stretches north some 3.5 kilometers from the town of Manzanillo to Punta Uva. It has moderate to strong surf, an irregular, curved shape, and plentiful coastal vegetation, particularly palms. Ideal for walking, horseback riding, sunbathing and swimming, this beach also offers diving in several areas in front of the town and near Punta Manzanillo. The 12-kilometer road that connects all the beaches south of Puerto Viejo ends in the town of Manzanillo, which offers numerous services including diving gear rental and dolphin-watching and dive tours.

PLAYA MONA

To get to this beach, visitors must walk some five kilometers from Manzanillo to Punta Mona. The coastline in this area is very irregular. The forest and surrounding scenery make this stretch of coast exceptionally beautiful, especially around Punta Mona, where a small, greenery-swathed island enhances the coastal scenery, complemented by always-lush forests and patches of coral ideal for diving.

PLAYA GANDOCA

Beyond Punta Mona the irregular coastline transforms into one that begins with a curve and then opens up to stretch more regularly up to Gandoca. Here, the beach features gray sand and strong surf. Southward from Gandoca the beach stretches to the mouth of the Río Sixaola, which marks the border with Panama. This last stretch of coast is just over eight kilometers long, and is highly suitable for walking and taking in the rich biodiversity of its ecosystems. Gandoca is also great for observing nesting leatherback turtles from April to August. The walk from Manzanillo to Gandoca takes around three hours. This beach has been rewarded with the Blue Ecological Flag, which identifies it as a clean and safe beach.

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BARRA DEL COLORADO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Created in 1985, this refuge is located at the north end of the Caribbean region, on the border with Nicaragua. Its 78,977 hectares shelter canals, lagoons, rivers, marshes, forests, hills under 250 meters high and continental or fluvial islands. Receiving some 5,500 to 6,000 millimeters of precipitation per year, the region has no dry season to speak of.

The refuge is home to a wealth of biodiversity in plants and animals, some species of which are endemic to (found only in) this protected area. The region's plant life is made up of three types of vegetation: flooded forest, yolillo palm and tall grass. With regard to wildlife, there are crocodiles, caimans, manatees, tapirs, jaguars, Congo and white-faced monkeys and three-toed sloths, as well as Gaspar fish-considered living fossils.

Barra del Colorado's abundant fish life makes it a sport-fishing paradise. A permit is required. There are several fishing camps in the area, where record-breaking catches have been taken. To get to Barra del Colorado, tourists can take a boat from Moín, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Sarapiquí or other points, or a plane from San José.

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1975, Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse wildlife areas. Featuring one of the most verdant landscapes in the country, the 26,156-hectare park was created with the main purpose of protecting the western Caribbean's most important green sea turtle nesting area. Tortuguero owes its very wet tropical forest to the 5,000 to 6,000 millimeters of rain it receives per year. These climatic conditions are favorable to more than 400 tree species, around 2,200 species of other plants and more than 400 bird, 60 amphibian and 30 freshwater fish species, as well as several endangered animals, including tapirs, monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, manatees and sloths. Tortuguero is characterized by beautifully scenic canals, lagoons and rivers that may be toured by boat, canoe or kayak. In addition to the green turtle, three other sea turtle species nest on the park's beaches. The park features a display room, information, drinking water, restrooms, trails and other services.

BARBILLA NATIONAL PARK

First declared a biological preserve in 1982, this protected area became a national park in 1998. Sheltering a large tropical wet forest, the park's 11,994-hectare territory is an important water resource. Located some 20 kilometers from the city of Siquirres, the park is difficult to access. For this reason, and because necessary facilities are not available, visits are only recommended for those accustomed to hiking and should be led by local guides from the community of Las Brisas de Pacuarito, where the national park's administration office is located. The park contains primary tropical wet forest and tropical very wet forest. Altitudinal variations from 110 to 1,617 meters above sea level make for great biological wealth. Yearly rainfall is between 3,500 and 4,599 millimeters. Pumas, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, monkeys and many bird species inhabit the park's forests.

Tourist activities allow a more specific knowledge of the natural and cultural tourist attractions, as well as a deep relationship between nature, adventure and sport and recreative issues.

HITOY CERERE BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

Created in 1978, this 9,949-hectare preserve is surrounded by three indigenous reservations-Telire, Tayni and Talamanca-and is part of the La Amistad Biosphere Preserve. Hitoy Cerere, whose indigenous names mean "river of moss-covered rocks" and "river of clear waters," respectively, is located in the Estrella and Telire river basins. The altitude here ranges from 100 to 1,025 meters above sea level. The preserve's forests are primarily tropical very wet and premontane pluvial life zones. Representative tree species include palms, espavels, ojoches, large guayabons and many more. In terms of wildlife, there are amphibians, frogs, reptiles, raccoons, white-faced monkeys, tapirs, peccaries and ocelots, as well as around 230 bird species. Swimming is possible in rivers and streams, one of which features a lovely waterfall that may be visited by hiking a natural trail alongside the river. To get to the preserve, visitors must travel to Valle de la Estrella; five kilometers after Finca Cartagena is the administration office. The preserve offers parking, drinking water, restrooms, information, trails, viewpoints and swimming areas.

CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK

Established as a national monument in 1970 and made a national park in 1978, this wilderness area protects 1,067 hectares of land, 600 hectares of coral reef and 22,400 hectares of marine territory. Its two main areas, Cahuita and Puerto Vargas, feature highly scenic beaches as well as the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. Various species of marine life may be seen here, including coral (brain, moose- and deer-horn, fire, rose and lettuce), mollusks, crustaceans, turtles, multicolored fish (angelfish, isabelitas, etc.) and many others.

The park also protects its distinctive plant life, both marsh and coastal, as well as wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, squirrels, coatis and many birds and insects. Light-sand beaches, thousands of coconut palms, turquoise-blue seas and a coral reef make this one of the most scenically beautiful areas in the country. The park offers various activities, such as hiking, swimming, diving, sunbathing, beach volleyball, observing the wealth of biodiversity or simply doing nothing and enjoying the marvelous scenery. To make visits enjoyable, Cahuita offers the following visitor services: information, drinking water, restrooms and showers, picnic tables, trails and a camping area..

GANDOCA-MANZANILLO WILDLIFE REFUGE

This beautiful refuge has an area of 9,449 hectares (4,436 marine and 5,013 land). Located in Talamanca, its coastline stretches from the mouth of the Río Cocles near Puerto Viejo to the mouth of the Sixaola on the Panamanian border. Its highest point is the Manzanillo hills at 185 meters above sea level. Its wooded floodplains and hills are home to tree species such as cativo, caobilla, yolillo palm, mangrove and mountain almond. Monkeys, including spider monkeys, crocodiles, peccaries, agoutis and other animals make up the predominant wildlife. There is also a large variety of birds, such as parrots, harriers, toucanets and more. Beautiful beaches cover the entire coast, excellent for walking, sunbathing, swimming, nature-watching and diving in the reefs. Trails, viewpoints, drinking water, restrooms and other services may be found all along this corridor and in towns such as Manzanillo, where the refuge's administration office is located. The giant leatherback turtle is protected in the Gandoca area. Boat tours are available to Gandoca Lagoon, lush with tropical vegetation and habitat to the manatee.

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