Caribbean Beaches

CARIBBEAN! A word that beckons images of adventure, conquest, and romance. A region of ageless mysticism, where visions of escape lead and dreams are known to come true. Among the many natural blessings afforded Costa Rica, one of her most priceless and least visited areas is the lush Caribbean coast, an area of untold beauty and riches.
As an example of a unique culture reflected in language, food and dance, this zone also offers world-class fishing, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, all types of water activities including; ocean and river kayaking, surfing, diving, snorkeling, canoeing .... the list goes on and on.
The drive to the Caribbean coast is a pleasant three hours over the Central Mountain Range on the Guapiles Highway (Route 32) through the Zurqui Tunnel (Costa Rica's only tunnel) and across the lowland plains. The scenery changes dramatically along the way from dense tropical forests through banana plantations and horticultural farms to the coconut palm-lined roads of the coast.

If Limon is the gateway to the Caribbean, Cahuita is the threshold to the Talamanca Coast, least known but richest part of this mystical region. The coral reefs of Cahuita National Park are known by many, as is the extraordinary surfing available at several points along the coast. Half an hour south of Cahuita is Puerto Viejo, where everyone goes to party...Caribbean style of course. A water sports garden as well, Manzanillo's river kayaking is an excellent way to probe the interior. Hikes into the jungle to visit different Indian reservations give good insight into indigenous life. Other pursuits available for the adventurous nature lover include camping in the jungle and jaunts into primary forest areas like Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve, wading far upriver into the interior where you're as likely as not to see several species varieties of poison arrow frogs, as well as dozens of different birds.
Manzanillo is the end of the road and the beginning of many great adventures. From here you can take a boat, a horse, or set off on foot. This area is part of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic regions in Costa Rica and one rich in flora and fauna. Nearly four hundred species of birds have been identified in and around the refuge and the only mangrove estuary on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is here. Several endangered species such as the tapir and crocodile find protection in the park. With off-shore diving as good as any in Costa Rica and enviable weather year-round, Manzanillo is as close to that lost tropical land of your dreams as you are likely to discover!

When to go!

Although the northern Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) has one of the heaviest rainfalls in the country, as much as five and a half meters per year, the rain is distributed more evenly throughout the year than in other areas making this a more pleasant, "evergreen" environment. The average 77-86 degree F. is moderated by the warm, shallow Caribbean water and refreshing tropical breezes.
The changing factor is rain and this is how it falls:

**January and November are transitional periods with higher winds and some rainy days.
**February through May are generally sunny with a little rain
**July and December are the months of heaviest rainfall
**Mid-August through the first part of November is summer with the least rain.

Check out our 5 day tour:

Day 1 - Early morning pick up (approx. 9:30 am) at your hotel to begin 3 hour drive to SELVA BANANITO LODGE, a family owned rain forest lodge located 20 kilometers south and 15 kilometers inland from Puerto Limon, adjacent to La Amistad Biosphere, Central America's largest protected expanse of virgin forest. The 840-hectare forest reserve next to the lodge covers almost two thirds of the family land. The property offers seven individual cabins constructed of beautiful salvaged wood, standing on stilts following Caribbean tradition with private tiled bathrooms and solar heated water. Each cabin features one queen size bed and one full size bed. To preserve more natural nighttime ambiance, the lodge uses no electricity. Selva Bananito Lodge offers the privilege of exploring a pristine natural environment in the intimacy of a small group, while also learning about human land use in the lowland tropics. Activities offered include: Spectacular bird watching in the fields and forests surrounding the property, tree canopy exploration with rope and harness, waterfall and cascades, horseback rides, and much more. (L) (D)

Days 2 - Day to enjoy Selva Bananito, included is your choice of a one day waterfall hike, introductory tree climbing, or horseback tour on the Reserve property. (B) (L) (D)

Day 3 - Ground transfer to ALMONDS AND CORALS LODGE TENT CAMP, located in a private section of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, 10 kilometers south of Puerto Viejo, and almost reaching the end of the Caribbean coast in Costa Rica. Based on a rare lodging concept, this unusual place is surrounded by thick vegetation crisscrossed by raised walkways. The "camp" features platforms that rise 2 meters above the floor of the rainforest. Each platform has a roof and mosquito netting to protect the tents inside. Lights, bathroom, hammock, beds, and electric fans are some of the amenities offered in this hamlet in the middle of the jungle. Kayaks and snorkeling await in a white sand beach located only two minutes from the lodge. Other activities include; canopy tours, horseback riding, hiking, surfing, and visits to nearby Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and Panama. (B) (L) (D)

Day 4 - Day on your own to enjoy Almonds and Corals (B) (L) (D)

Day 5 - Ground transfer back to San Jose at approx. 10:00 AM. (B)

Total cost:

• $ 745.00 per person based on double occupancy - High Season - 2008 (Nov 15 - April 15)
• $ 695.00 per person based on double occupancy - Low Season 2008 (April 16 - Nov 14)
• $ 785.00 per person based on double occupancy - High Season - 2008 -2009 (Nov 15, 2008 - April 15, 2009)

PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT RATES DURING CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY PERIOD (DEC 22 - JAN 3)

Package includes:

• 4 nights lodging
• All taxes
• All meals where indicated (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
• Ground transportation from San Jose to Selva Bananito, Selva Bananito to Almonds and Corals, and Almonds and Corals to San Jose
• Tours indicated

AND A GUARANTEED GREAT TIME!!!

	Punta Cocles is sandwiched between the beach and the tropical rain forests of the Talamanca Mountain range, the land is rich in a variety of exotic flora and fauna, and is considered one of the country's prime bird watching regions.
	Maribu Caribe Hotel is a first class hotel, located in a tropical and exuberant zone of Costa Rica, at a strategic point where from any angle, you can appreciate the marvelous and relaxing scenery of the Caribbean.
	Selva Bananito Lodge which opened its doors in December of 1995, is a secluded rain forest lodge situated 20 km south and 15 km inland of Puerto Limón on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica. It is owned and operated by the Stein family, who moved to Costa Rica from South America 24 years ago.
	Almonds and Corals Situated in the midst dense lush vegetation of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, therefore the grounds are dark even in the middle of the day. Passages on stilts connect the 20 tents to the office, restaurant and nearby white sand beach. Kerosene lamps light the walkway at night for the most romantic detail. Frogs provide company for an evening stroll