Costa Rica’s Hidden Gem: The Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica’s Hidden Gem: The Caribbean Coast

By Jason Holland

International Living

Costa Rica Correspondent

International Living Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference November 2012

Caribbean Coast

How to Get There

From San Jose, take Highway 32 east towards the port city of Limon. Then hang a right and head south on Highway 36.

Drive time from San Jose is about four hours to Puerto Viejo.

What makes it unique

• A mix of cultures, including Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Tico, and nearly 50 different nationalities of expats

• Caribbean feel - and food!

• Bohemian vibe

• One of the least developed regions – no big chain restaurants or large resorts

• Jungle runs right to the beach

• Crystal clear water

Important Towns in this Region

• Limon

• Cahuita

• Puerto Viejo

de Talamanca

• Playa Chiquita

• Punta Uva

• Manzanillo

Getting Situated

Manzanillo

Puerto Limon

Cahuita

Puerto Viejo

Getting Situated

Playa Negra

Playa Cocles

Puerto ViejoPlaya Chiquita

Punta Uva

Puerto Viejo – Playa Cocles – Playa Chiquita – Punta Uva - Manzanillo

Getting Around

Let’s Take a Look…

Punta Uva

Puerto Viejo

Manzanillo

Cahuita

Things to Do

Live reggae and calypso

Ride your bike – the main mode of transportation

Snorkeling and Scuba

Go Out to Eat

• Caribbean cooking

• International cuisine

• Fresh off the boat seafood

Weekend trip to Panama – Bocas del Toro

Abundant Wildlife

Volunteer with a wildlife rescue

Hiking and wildlife watching

Real Estate

Playa Chiquita

• 2 bedroom/1 bath

• Walk to the beach

• In the jungle – loads of wildlife sightings

• 1,291 square feet$140,000

Real Estate

Cahuita

• 2 bedroom/2 bath

• Close to the national park

• Walk to the beach

$125,000

Real Estate

Puerto Viejo

• 2 bedrooms/2 bath

• Walk to the beach

• Open air design

• $120,000

Real EstatePlaya Cocles

• 5 bedroom/3 bath

• Steel frame with tropical hardwood

• In the jungle• Could turn into

a B&B

$199,000

Weather and Climate

Weather and Climate

Medical Care• Public clinics, as well as private doctors, in the

area – but they can only offer limited care

• Closest public hospital is in Limon

• Many people end up going to San Jose for treatment

• Not the place to be if you need constant care for a medical condition

The Expat Community

• Focused on the town of Cahuita and south along the coast.

• A major concentration around the town of Puerto Viejo and the road south towards the national park in Manzanillo.

• Many have started small businesses, like B&Bs, restaurants, shops, yoga studios and more.

Thank You!Any questions?

International Living Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference November 2012