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:
- $950.00 per person based on double occupancy - Green Season - (April 16 - Nov. 14, 2012)
- $995.00 per person based on double occupancy - High Season - (Nov. 15, 2012 - April 15, 2013)
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!!!
Interested? For reservations use our Secure Booking Form or
for further information about Caribbean 5 days tour Click Here
And you'll be contacted within 24 hours!!
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