| North Caribbean Tourism Region |
| Destinations - Tourism Regions | |
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Average Temperature: 81°F with 87-90% humidity See Caribbean Zone Weather Region
North Caribbean Region: Best Known For..... Places to See in the North Caribbean Region Things to Do in the North Caribbean Region
The port city of Limon is a historic town noted for its ecclectic blend of cultures and cuisines. Afro-Caribbean, Asian, European and indigenous Costa Rican cultures mingle to create a unique atmosphere. Annual carnivals, restaurants specializing in Caribbean cooking and the distinctive blend of people make Limon an interesting stop on your journey. Just north of Limon, the tiny village of Tortuguero is located on a narrow strip of land between the Tortuguero River and the Caribbean Sea. The village’s 22 miles of protected beaches comprise the largest nesting site of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, from July through October, Tortuguero visitors can join a guided tour to observe some of the thousands of giant reptiles nesting on the beach. Lucky travelers may also glimpse tiny hatchlings making their epic journey to the sea. There are no roads leading into the village, only black water canals that are toured by boat. There is an abundance of wildlife and plant diversity in Tortuguero National Park's gallery forests and aquatic trails. More than 400 species of trees, 2200 species of plants, 375 species of birds, 125 mammal species and 124 species of reptiles are found here. Common sightings include tiger herons, green herons, great blue and little blue herons, toucans, anhingas and egrets. Sloths, basilisk lizards, green iguanas and caimans, as well as howler, spider and white-faced monkeys are also common. Although rarely sighted, tapirs, jaguars and manatees are native to the area. Roughly one and a half hour by boat from Tortuguero, Barra del Colorado has been voted one of the top ten places to fish in the world. Anglers come from far and wide to fish the 600-meter wide Rio Colorado. The area’s fresh water river system forms a unique habitat that attracts monster tarpon and two species of snook. It is the only place in Costa Rica where 100-plus pound tarpon can be taken year-round. Other than fishing, most folks associate Barra del Colorado with its wildlife refuge, a wetland area rich in biodiversity but extremely isolated and difficult to navigate. Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge is the largest refuge in Costa Rica, and includes over 50 kilometers of canals, rivers, lagoons and marshlands that connect with Nicaragua to the north and Tortuguero to the south. The landscape is comprised of hot and humid tropical forest, fluvial islands, channels and swamp lands. Non-anglers can rent kayaks and canoes from the lodges to tour the tranquil river system and canals along the Rio Colorado. The Northern Caribbean Zone has no distinct dry season. Typically, the driest months are February-March and September-October. However, the damp weather is what makes this region’s ecosystems so rich in biodiversity. Pack a raincoat, mosquito repellant and extra socks, and be prepared for an exhilarating experience. The weather will be the last thing on your mind.
The North Caribbean Tourism Region is Best Known For:Nesting sea turtles, sport fishing, bird and wildlife viewing and Afro-Caribbean culture
Hot Spots:Places to See:Beaches: Tortuguero's beautiful yet deserted beaches. Four species of sea turtle nest along these protected shores.
Other Protected Areas: Tortuguero Protected Zone, Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge, Cariari National Wetlands, Pacuare Matina Forest Reserve, Rio Pacuare Forest Reserve
Things to Do:Air Activities: canopy tours Land Activities: turtle tours, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching Water Activities: sport fishing (especially for snook and tarpon), boating, kayaking and canoeing
Read our North Caribbean Region Travel Blogs:Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado (October 2007, April 2006 , May 2006)
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