Travels to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Continuing my theme of culinary tours, I decided to pay a visit to one of Puerto Viejo’s newest gastronomic attractions – the Black Pepper Tour. Located in Rancho Chilamate less than six miles outside of town, the tour includes a sampling of black pepper-infused ice cream and lunch prepared with heaps of the savory spice.
Following signs from the main highway, I showed up unannounced at the black pepper farm of Don Carlos. I introduced myself to the hard-working family patriarch, who offered to give me a personal tour of the farm after he finished chasing …
Location: Northern Region, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui »
Activities: Botanical Gardens »
The word “bakery” sealed the deal for me. In a country filled with panaderias, all producing delicious scents of baking bread, cakes and cookies, the processed baguettes and dry cake have always been a disappointment (with the exception of tres leches, an addictively sweet dessert). I craved a moist cake; one with thick icing made from real butter and sugar, and figured Collin Street Bakery would deliver the goods.
I wasn’t quite sure of their connection with pineapples. I had, after all, signed up for their pineapple tour. But I was game for anything, as long …
Location: Northern Region, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui »
Activities: Pineapple Tours »
For more than half a century, major crops like coffee and bananas were transported from the Central Valley and Caribbean slopes to the coast via the Sarapiqui River. The scenic river originates on the Deception Depression between Barva and Poas volcanoes and flows 53 miles into the San Juan River, which continues into Nicaragua. At that time, the waterside community of Puerto Viejo was a one of the largest ports in Costa Rica.
Today, the river is plied by whitewater rafters and kayakers seeking the thrills of Class II-IV rapids. What began as a low-key destination …
Location: Northern Region, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui »
Activities: Bird & Wildlife Watching, Canoeing & Kayaking »
