The South Caribbean part of Costa Rica

It is heart to the rhythms and beats of the Calypso music.  Everywhere you go, from Cahuita to Manzanillo, afro- caribbean music is in the air and when night comes and the  restaurants / bars / houses are lit with hundreds of candles, you know that there is no place quite like the South Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.  The houses are unique to this area with their bright sharply contrasting colors reminding us of the vivacity of the afro-caribbean culture.  The smell of coconut is never too far…. The specialties are fish with coconut, rice and beans cooked in coconut milk...

This part of the country is made up of Limon, capital of the Province of Limon, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Cocles,  Punta Uva  and Manzanillo.

The capital, Puerto Limon, is a very hectic place with lots of traffic, lots of people, lots of noise and pollution.  Anything and everything under the sun can be found here; you just have to know where to look.  All the major banks and supermarkets have branches located here.

Limon is a medley of ticos, rastas, chinese,  indian people and anything in between which makes it one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the country.  It is also home to the afro-caribbean carnival held every year in October.


Cahuita

located at 43 kilometers from Limon, exists since mid 18th century and is probably the most laid back village of  all the caribbean coast.  This small village boasts of one of the most beautiful national parks of the country and is the only one that  is totally managed by the locals.  Kilometers of white sand beach lace the park and the coral reef, though damaged during the 1991 earthquake Is rapidly returning to its former grandeur with many varieties of corals, seaweed, mollusks and brightly colored fish.

Cahuita is the place for afro-caribbean culture and music.  Calypso and reggae sounds are always floating in the air. In fact, Cahuita is home to the legendary Calypso composer/singer Walter Ferguson, who has been playing his guitar for the past eighty years or so. Because it is also a small fishing village, life is very tranquil to the delight of  the locals and expatriate community.  Many typical houses of vividly bright contrasting colors can still be seen .

 The village has many excellent restaurants and multiples of  hotels catering to all budgets.


Puerto Viejo

At 23 kilometers from Cahuita is considered to the swing place of the Caribbean coast.  Many bars, restaurants and hotels are located here and it is a major tourist destination.  Puerto Viejo is known for its beautiful beaches and exciting night life. Many new  hotels/restaurants open up regularly in the area in anticipation of the boom in tourism.


The Cocles / Punta Uva / Manzanillo

This area is more tranquil.  Beautiful Cocles Beach is home to an annual surfing competition and Punta Uva Beach with its many small bays and turquoise water is picture perfect.  Most top-end hotels are located in this area.  Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a must-see with kilometers of white-sand beach and abundant fauna and flora.  

It has been calculated that there are some 45 different nationalities living in the area between Cahuita and Manzanillo.  People from Italy, USA, Spain, France, Canada and various other countries are involved in a multitude of businesses although most of them are tourism related, like restaurants and hotels.

The Caribbean coast is a booming area and offers many real estate opportunities.  The prices are still very reasonable and dreams can be realized at affordable prices.