The North Caribbean
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is a beautiful and diverse region that is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and tropical rainforests. The region has a rich Afro-Caribbean culture. This cultural heritage is reflected in the music, food, and language. Although in my experience this is more noticeable in the southern part of the Caribbean. The North Caribbean is best known for Tortuguero National Park, a beautiful coastal park which is also known as the "Amazonas de Costa Rica", but the region has more to offer.
Explore the northern part of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica
Explore Hotels in Sarapiqui in the North Caribbean often used as a stop between the South Caribbean and La Fortuna
Climate & Vegetation
The Caribbean region has a tropical climate that is characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall throughout the year. Precipitation varies by month, with the months of February and March being the driest. The rainy season in the Caribbean runs from May to December. However, there is a break from the rainy season during September and October. These months also being one of the driest, but this is all relative. The Caribbean is a more wet region where the differences between rainy seasons and dry seasons are less distinct. The high humidity and rainfall support lush vegetation, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, and palm forests. The region is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. Where the coastal areas of the south Caribbean region are characterized by black and white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, the waters and beaches in the north Caribbean are more rough.
Temperature and rainfall statistics are averages over a longer period of multiple years. The 'Average Days with Rain' statistic shows the average number of days per month that had rain, but this does not say anything about the duration of rain per day. Weather, especially rainfall, is difficult to predict and varies per year due to different influences. Visit the Seasons page for more information regarding weather and climate.
Defining the North Caribbean
Where you draw a line to divide the Caribbean region into north and south is arbitrary, but I decided to draw the line at Puerto Limón. Where you draw the line between the North Caribbean and the Northern Zone is also arbitrary, with for example places like Boca Tapada, but I decided to describe this destination on this page. I have mentioned Braulio Carrillo National Park both on this page as on The North Central Valley page, as it is located both close to the capital San José as in the Caribbean part of the country.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the larger national parks of the country, located north-east of San José. The vast part of the National Park is located in the Heredia province and smaller parts in the San José, Limón and Cartago province. The best known part of the park is the located in the San José province. This is because in this area, Ruta 32 the highway from San José to Guapiles and Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast, runs through the park. This part of the highway is already insanely beautiful and a true attraction, with nice views over the pristine forests of the park, one of the first natural wonders you will encounter when travelling from San José or Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Caribbean side.
If you have time to spare when travelling between San José and the Caribbean, you can visit Braulio Carrillo National Park at the Quebrada Gonzalez sector along Ruta 32. Due to the convenient location of the ranger station close to Ruta 32 and two relatively short hiking trails, it is easy to fit into your itinerary. From the ranger station, you can access the Las Palmas trail is 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long and will take approximately one hour. From the ranger station on the other side of Ruta 32 you can access El Ceibo trail. This trail is only 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long and will take approximately 45 minutes. The trail will take you to the Rio Sucio lookout point. Check the official website SINAC ACCVC BCNP for more information.
Credits and copyright for the photos of Ruta 32 at Zurqui and Braullio Carrillo: Familia Duarte Moya
Explore things to do
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo (Braulio Carrillo National Park). Visit the national park along Ruta 32 with some short hiking trails.
Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo. One of the main attractions near Guapiles is Rainforest Adventures Braulio Carrillo with a sky tram, canopy tours and hiking trails through the national park.
Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.
Work with Nature Private Reserve
A more off the beaten path destination is the Work with Nature Private Reserve. The reserve's mission is to protect rainforest that serves as an important buffer for the nearby Barbilla National Park and the Cabécar Indigenous Reserve. The rainforest in this region is under pressure. By adopting rainforest, the project ensures that both the National Park and the Indigenous Reserve remain untouched.
A visit to the reserve is possible and is on my wish list. You can plan a visit through the Work with Nature foundation. The reserve has several trails that take you through the rainforest that Work with Nature protects and studies. The walks are adventurous, with steep hills and muddy sections, but would be worth it.
On the map, which is from their website, you have an idea where they are located and how they can be reached. As you can see, the private reserve of Work with Nature is situated at a thin part of the so-called biological corridor that runs from north to south, showing the importance of preservation in this area.
Visit the Work with Nature website for more details about the reserve.
Interested in contributing by adopting rainforest? Check out Adopt Rainforest for more info.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a protected area located in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, at the Caribbean Sea. Tortuguero is home to diverse habitats, including rainforest, mangrove swamps, and lagoons, which support a rich variety of flora and fauna. The park is considered one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the world and is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and jaguars. The small town of Tortuguero is centrally located in the park and the main hub for tours and activities. There is much to tell about Tortuguero, which I have done separately on the Tortuguero page.
Pacuare Reserve
Tortuguero National Park is well known and the town of Tortuguero is developed with plenty of accommodations and restaurants. However, if you are interested in turtles and looking for a more off the beaten path destination, there are lesser known alternatives in the region. You might for example consider visiting or volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve. Now, do note that compared to Tortuguero, Pacuare is a back to basic situation with simple lodging and solar-powered electricity. The Pacuare Reserve is located in Matina and covers approximately 1700 hectares of tropical forest with 6 kilometers of coastline. The reserve's beaches are an important breeding ground for endangered leatherback turtles. From March to July the leatherback turtles come ashore for the breeding process and from June to September the baby leatherback turtles hatch. The Pacuare Reserve and surrounding canals are rich in wildlife. Pacuare can only be visited by boat, and you will need to arrange for your visit beforehand, check out the website for more details.
Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui, also known as Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, is conveniently located between La Fortuna in the Northern Zone and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita in the South Caribbean, and therefor ideal for travelers who do not want to make the drive between these two destinations in one go. Sarapiqui and the nearby La Virgin are not a boring sleepover to say the least. White water rafting the Sarapiqui river or kayak river tours are popular and are the main reason for people visiting the area. Zip lining, mountain biking and horseback riding also belong to the possibilities., but no worries if you want to take it easy, because Sarapiqui also has beautiful hiking opportunities.
Boca Tapada
Boca Tapada is located north of Sarapiqui, in the middle of primary rainforest, towards the border with Nicaragua. The area is still relatively unknown to mass tourism, which makes it the perfect place to admire beautiful, unspoiled primary rainforest full of birds and other wildlife. I do not have a lot of experience with Boca Tapada, but I would definitily recommend anyone to consider visiting this wonderful area. If you love nature and rainforest, Boca Tapada can only be amazing.
Explore Sarapiqui & Boca Tapada
Explore where to stay in Sarapiqui
Located at the entrance of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve is the Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge. Start your day with a good breakfast and plan your activities with the helpful staff that knows the area. A great location, from your lodge you can walk right into the rainforest. Check out Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge on Booking.com for great deals!
Explore things to do in Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui is famous for various rafting, kayak and river tours on the Sarapiqui river.
The Tirimbina Biological Reserve, is a small biological reserve near La Virgin with 7 kilomters of hiking trails which will take you approximately 4 hours. The reserve is also a great location for bird watching.
Explore where to stay in Boca Tapada
Maquenque Ecolodge. Enjoy your stay in Boca Tapada at this amazing Eco lodge. A luxurious stay surrounded by nature. Check out Maquenque Ecolodge on Booking.com for great deals!
Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.
How to get to the North Caribbean
For detailed descriptions and a map on how to get to the Caribbean, check the Routes & Roads page. If you are travelling by car from the direction of San José, learn more about Ruta 32 on the Ruta 32 to the Caribbean page.
Where to Explore next
Within the north Caribbean, you will find Tortuguero National Park.
South of the north Caribbean you will find The South Caribbean with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita National Park.
West of the north Caribbean you will find The North Central Valley with the nation its capital city.
Many people use the north Caribbean as a stopover on their way from the south Caribbean to The Northern Zone, which is also located west of the north Caribbean.
