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 are also being one of the driest, but this is all relative. The Caribbean is a wetter 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 and crystal-clear waters, the waters and beaches in the North Caribbean are rougher. 

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 might be arbitrary, but for this website 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, since the Caribbean slope runs all the way to La Fortuna. I have mentioned Braulio Carrillo National Park both on this page and on the North Central Valley page, as it is located close to the capital, San José, 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 northeast 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 provinces. The best-known part of the park is 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 traveling from San José or Juan Santamaría International Airport to the Caribbean side of the country.

If you have time to spare when traveling 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, which 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 the El Ceibo trail. This trail is only 1 kilometer (0.62 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 for the photos of Ruta 32 at Zurqui and Braullio Carrillo: Familia Duarte Moya

Explore Braullio Carrillo

• ✧ 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.

✓: Based on experience | ✧: Based on research. Follow the links to check recent visitor photos and reviews on Tripadvisor.

Sarapiquí

Sarapiquí, also known as Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, is conveniently located between La Fortuna in the Northern Zone and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita in the South Caribbean. I have driven many times between Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and La Fortuna, which is a 4 to 5 hour drive. I usually only make a stop at Sarapiquí for lunch, but it is ideal for travelers who do not want to make the drive between these two destinations in one go.

Sarapiquí and the nearby La Virgin are not a boring sleepover, to say the least. Whitewater rafting the Sarapiquí 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 Sarapiquí also has beautiful hiking opportunities.

Boca Tapada

Boca Tapada is located north of Sarapiquí, 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 definitely recommend anyone to consider staying in this wonderful area. If you love nature and rainforests, Boca Tapada can only be amazing.

Explore Sarapiquí

• ✧ The Tirimbina Biological Reserve, is a small biological reserve near La Virgin with 7 kilometers of hiking trails which will take you approximately 4 hours. The reserve is also a great location for bird watching.
• ✧ Finca Sura is a family farm in Sarapiquí where you can experience the processes of farming pineapple, sugar cane and more.
• ✧ Sarapiqui is famous for various rafting, kayak and river tours.

✓: Based on experience | ✧: Based on research. Follow the links to check recent visitor photos and reviews on Tripadvisor.

Thinking about Boca Tapada? Maquenque Ecolodge is said to be an amazing Eco Lodge and is recommended by many travelers. Check out Maquenque Ecolodge on Booking.com for great deals!

Work With Nature

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 the rainforest, the project ensures that both the national park and the Indigenous reserve remain untouched.

Tortuguero

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 is the main hub for tours and activities. There is much to tell about Tortuguero, which I have done separately on the Tortuguero page.

Pacuare

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-basics 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.

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