Spending more time at home doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be a time to experience new activities with your family. Why not spend more time in the kitchen and enjoy delicious new recipes?

Who doesn’t love a trip to the Caribbean to enjoy its delicious cuisine? In today’s post, we want to take you on a Caribbean journey by making some of the region’s mouth-watering recipes in your own kitchen. Get out your notebook or take a screengrab so that you won’t miss a step.

Rice and beans with chicken and salad

* Thanks to Virginia Hudson Hudson from Puerto Limón for this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 package of rice
• 1 package of red beans
• 1 coconut, grated
• 1 bunch of thyme
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Scotch bonnet pepper
• Chicken

Salad ingredients

• Lettuce
• Beet
• Tomato

Preparing the rice:

Soak the rice and beans (separately) in water with a bit of thyme to soften them up. Then, boil the beans with the coconut for 15 minutes. Wash the rice and add it to the beans with a bit of salt. Finally, add a Scotch bonnet pepper and keep cooking until the rice and beans are soft and the pepper has burst.

Preparing the chicken:

Clean and season chicken with celery, bell pepper, onion and thyme, as well as any liquid seasonings you would like. Place vegetables in a pot, then fry the chicken until golden before adding it to the pot with the vegetables and adding the seasoning. Cook until vegetables are soft and some liquid has formed.

Preparing the salad:

Boil the beets, wash the lettuce and the tomato. Add a little vinegar and salt. Serve in portions.

Patí

*Thanks to María Elena Arce Morales from Batán, Matina for this recipe.

Ingredients

• Flour
• Lard
• Margarine
• Cold water
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for filling

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Thyme
• Bell pepper
• Scotch bonnet pepper
• Garlic
• Breadcrumbs

Preparation

Make a dough by mixing the flour and other ingredients, then form a flat circle. Close the dough over the filling and bake until golden-brown, 30-40 minutes.

Pan Bon

*Thanks to Reinaldo Reyes Miranda from Urbanización Pacuare, Limón for this recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 6 eggs
• 2 bars margarine
• 1 bar butter
• 1 tsp cake batter extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup caramel (see note)
• Lemon zest
• Rum to taste
• Raisins and dried fruit to taste
• Pinch of salt

Preparation

Beat the butter and margarine, then add the sugar little by little followed by the yolks of the six eggs until the consistency is creamy. Then, add the sifted flour, baking soda, cake batter extract, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves before mixing. Add the caramel and rum and keep mixing. Add the lemon zest to the egg whites, then beat until stiff peaks are formed, then fold into the batter until completely incorporated. In a bowl, add the raisins and dried fruit and a bit of flour and mix together before incorporating into the batter. Grease a baking tray with butter before adding the batter and placing in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.

Note:

You can soak the dried fruit and raisins in rum for over a month before making the cake. Make the caramel in advance by heating sugar gradually in a pan and adding room-temperature water when the sugar starts to turn brown. Stir to keep the sugar from burning, lower the heat and strain.

Hungry? We’re sure you are. All that remains is to try them for yourself! Let’s get to it! Let us know how it turned out on Facebook and share the photos :)

Costa Rica is not only defined by its incredible landscapes, the beauty of its flora and fauna, or its world-class beaches: there is something more that lies just under the surface in our country, which fills us with pride: our diverse, multi-ethnic heritage.

To understand the country’s multicultural beginnings, we need to go back to its historic roots. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1502 to the Caribbean coast brought the arrival of Jamaican inhabitants including people of Asian, Indian, Chinese and Italian descent, among others. Not to be forgotten are the Bribri and Cabécar indigenous groups, who inhabited the mountains of Talamanca, where they remain to this day.

That is why each time we approach the Caribbean coast we see the combination of delicious food, marvelous people, rhythmic dances and an African culture that remains vibrant.

According to the latest national census, 8% of Costa Ricans are of African descent, half of whom live in the province of Limón, on the Caribbean coast.

In the 1980s, Costa Rica decreed August 31 as the Día del Negro (Black Peoples Day), which was later expanded by degree to the celebration of the Día del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense (Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day). On April 26, 2018, Law no. 9526 was published in the National Gazette, declaring August the Month of the History of African-Descended Peoples in Costa Rica.

This date was chosen in commemoration of the First International Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World, which concluded with a ceremony in Madison Square Garden on August 31, 1920. The discussions at the conference culminated in the publication of the Declaration of the Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World.

An additional impetus for the country to come together in celebration is the commemoration of the International Decade for People of African Descent in 2015-2024, declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations, citing the need to strengthen local, regional and international cooperation regarding the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, as well as their full and equal participation in every aspect of society.

This year, for the first time, a National Agenda for the Commemoration of Afro-Costa Rican Culture was presented, the purpose of which is to promote the inclusion and visibility of the cultural contributions of Afro-Costa Rican people.
That is why the country is celebrating over 110 activities in a national agenda filled with conversations, documents, poetry, Caribbean food tastings, photographic exhibits and cultural activities.

An August 31st full of color and music

This year will see the 21st annual Festival of Black Culture in Limón, which seeks to strengthen and preserve Afro-Costa Rican values. Since 1999, this colorful festival has filled the Caribbean province with music, celebrations and plenty of flavor, to the delight of domestic and international tourists who visit the region during these dates. The activities are organized by the Civic and Cultural Committee of the Black Peoples of Limón. This group assumed the challenge of creating a project that would last over time and would not allow the traditions of this incredible culture to be lost. Though people can enjoy various cultural activities over the course of the month, it is at the end of August that most families come together to experience the African flavors up close. The activities culminate in the most important celebration, Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day, held on August 31. This is the day on which the Grand Parade de Gala is held. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m., leaving from Parque Asís Esna. Over the course of the parade, families can enjoy the best of the region’s music, dances, concerts and cuisine, as well as many more activities that mark this day, which is important for all Costa Ricans.

On our tour through the Caribbean, in addition to eating well and appreciating the multicultural environment, we decided to check out some of its most emblematic buildings and historic sites. Be sure to check them out as well when you visit the area.

1. Edificio de Correos:

the historic post office is located on Calle 4, between Avenida 1 and Avenida 2. Built in 1911, it was declared a Costa Rican Architectural Heritage Site in 1981. In 2012, its structure and the Ethno-Historic Museum on its second floor were restored. Throughout its history, it has served as the office for the Justice Tribunals, the Criminal Court and the Limón Police Station. In addition, it held the offices of JAPDEVA, the Colegio Nuevo and the Guardia Rural. The Post and Telegraph Office entered the premises in 1973, where it remains to the present. You won’t be able to miss it, since its Neoclassical and Neocolonial design is a clear product of the era in which it was built. In addition, it is very close to Parque Vargas, the Limón Municipal Market and most businesses, meaning you won’t have far to go to enjoy a good meal.

2. Escuela General Tomás Guardia:

the school building is also located in the heart of Limón on Avenida 2 and Avenida 3, less than 200 m from the Post Office Building. The building’s history began on February 12, 1877, when an agreement was made to build the Upper Boy’s Educational Institute, whose educational infrastructure changed over time, with a new building constructed during the presidency of Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia. Its sober brick construction is characteristic of school architecture in the mid-20th century. It was declared to be of architectural interest in 1989. It is green in color and is located close to the bus terminal as well as near restaurants and just 750 m from Limón’s Juan Gobán Stadium, if you’d like to pay it a visit.

3. Catedral Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de Limón:

A cathedral located between Avenidas 3 and 4, and Calles 5 and 6. A must-see if you’re going to downtown Limón. The first Catholic church in Limón was established in 1892. When the parish was created, it was named for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The old cathedral was demolished in 2001, and the new one was designed in a more modern style by Mexican architect Raúl Godar. The windows, bell and the monument of Christ from the original cathedral remain part of the new building. The church has a garden and plaza, perfect for a visit and some photos with your whole family.

4. Casa Misionera Bautista:

Located at the intersection of Avenida 6 and Calle 5 in downtown Limón. This building was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century in a Victorian style typical of the West Indes. The two-story building was meant for the offices and lodging of the Baptist church. The construction was built due to the interest of the Jamaican Baptist congregation to build a religious mission for the black population of the Costa Rican Caribbean. It was declared to be a historic architectural heritage building in 2002. Its melancholy facade and pastel colors are the perfect backdrop for a photo. In addition, it’s located practically in front of the Casa del Dominó, another one of the icons of the Caribbean province.

5. La Casa del Dominó:

Dozens of generations from Limón have come together over a game of dominoes amidst history and good conversation. The building goes back to the 1960s, when a building called “Casa Dominó” – The Domino House – was built so that railway workers could seek out a moment of leisure. The game was a favorite amongst the Jamaican workers who came to the country to work on the railroad. In 2017, the infrastructure was renovated to conserve the cultural legacy of Limón. Today, the gameplay continues with unchanged fervor. You need to see it for yourself, and perhaps even join in a game with some of the experienced players. There is lodging, restaurants and cafés near the house, so you won’t be lacking anything while you’re there.

6. Palacio Municipal: 

Located at Avenida 2 and Calle 0, to one side of Parque Vargas. The building dates to 1942 and it is said that the floor design was done by engineer Rogelio Pardo, while the facade was designed by José María Barrantes, one of the most prestigious architects during the first half of the 20th century. It was declared to be of architectural interest in 1990. If you visit it, don’t forget to go for a granizado (shaved ice) in Parque Vargas or see the sunset from the nearby seaside promenade.

7. Monumento a Pablo Presbere:

This monument is located in the garden of the Palacio Municipal, so you’ll be able to see it on a visit to the site. Pablo Presbere was a chief known for being a feared warrior in Talamanca due to the bravery he showed in the rebellion against Spanish invaders in 1709. If you want to take a tour in the area, take advantage of this visit to find one of the several tour operators nearby, who will take you exploring through the Caribbean by land and sea.

8. Antigua Capitanía de Puerto:

the Captain’s quarters demonstrate an Afro-Caribbean or West Indian influence, which you’ll notice as soon as you see it. You’ll find the building in a corner of Parque Vargas. Built in 1930, it was part of a group of buildings belonging to the United Fruit Company. The building functioned as an office for the Captain and Governor until 1986, and was declared to be historic architectural heritage in 1995. This is one of the most important buildings in Limón, making it worth a visit. Ask for permission to go up to the second floor, from where you’ll have a great view over the Caribbean Sea.

Head out to see the Caribbean and learn more about the history it contains. We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

The Caribbean keeps surprising us every time we visit it, so we asked locals to help us out by recommending places that may not be particularly well-known or popular among vacationers, but which offer intriguing scenery and are worth exploring.
So, take a look at this list and check them off on your next trip to the Caribbean.

Are you game?

1. Playa Bonita

Located 10 minutes outside of downtown Limón. It is known for its golden sand, strong waves and having few stones. This is a sought-after beach among surfers due to its waves, but it’s also a perfect spot for those looking to relax and work on their tan. You can find a variety of restaurants and lodgings near the beach with a view of the sea – perfect for a well-deserved holiday.

2. Playa Piuta

Located less than 4 km from downtown Limón. It is a good place to go with your family, since the sea is peaceful here. Here, you can enjoy Caribbean food with a side of sea breezes.

3. La Poza de Playa Bonita

Just behind Playa Bonita is an idyllic, hidden spot. The pool here is visited more by locals than by the tourists who come to the beach. You’ll reach here by heading along the coast until you reach a path that quickly becomes full of coral. We recommend that you go with someone who knows the area.

4. Isla Quiribrí or Isla Uvita

Popularly known as Isla Uvita, the region’s indigenous people named it Isla Quiribrí, which is now its name thanks to a decree of the Legislative Assembly. Earlier, Christopher Columbus had named it “La Huerta”. A 1985 decree designated it as a National Monument, which ranks it as Historic Architectural Heritage of Costa Rica. This island was the first part of Costa Rican territory where Christopher Columbus set foot on his fourth trip to the Americas, which is why it is of such historic interest for visitors. Go ahead and take a trip to Isla Uvita and enjoy its turquoise waters, biodiversity and natural surroundings that are typical of the Caribbean.

5. Catarata Volio and Bribri:

On the southern Caribbean coast are two enchanting waterfalls, perfect examples of what the region has to offer aside from the heat of its beaches. These two waterfalls are surrounded by nature and located less than 6 km from Bribri. We recommend that you use a 4x4 vehicle, since the road is unpaved and a bit rough in places. In addition, take a change of clothing and shoes, since you’ll have to pass through rivers before reaching the waterfalls.

6. Cacao tour

A tour rich with nature and discoveries awaits in the Talamanca region. Catato López’s medicinal plants and chocolate tour takes place in the Watsi Reserve, 3 km from Bribri. In addition, you can visit the frog sanctuary he keeps on his farm and learn about the history of his ancestors. Try the “miracle fruit” when you take the tour – you’ll find out what we mean.

Unique cuisine, mountains, beaches, history, unforgettable sunsets: the Caribbean awaits with its wonderful people and places. The Caribbean has plenty to offer, hurry up and find out for yourself!

If you think you know what an adrenaline rush feels like, just wait until you visit the Pacuare river. Are you brave enough to join us?

We left from San José at 7 in the morning and headed towards Turrialba. We took this route because we had to pass through the entrance of a well-known cattle farm that is located on the border between the province of Cartago and Limón.

When we arrived at the departure point for the tour an experienced guide known as “El Chino” welcomed us with a big smile. Randall Solano, known as “El Chino”, has been navigating the waters of Pacuare for more than 25 years. We put on our life jackets and helmets while the staff gave us a brief talk on water safety.

Yet again Costa Rica surprised us with its incredible tourist options for people of all tastes. We knew that we were in for an adrenaline rush, but we didn't know that we would also enjoy so many beautiful landscapes along the route.

The Pacuare River is in the Atlantic basin and is 133 km in length. Its headwaters form in the Cuericí mountains in the Talamanca cordillera, at nearly 3000 meters above sea level. The waters of the Pacuare descend from the mountains to the plains of the Central Caribbean and drain into the Caribbean Sea.

Category II, III and IV

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, so you have to come prepared to experience a real aquatic adventure. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water to hydrate yourself along the route.

About five minutes after starting the tour we hit some class II rapids, just enough to shake away our nerves and gave us a little more confidence.

Max was the other guide with us. Just like Chino, Max exuded professionalism, taking care of us the whole time and alerting us when we were approaching another set of rapids.

Before each rapid, Max would give us a quick briefing on the category of the rapid and the correct rowing technique to avoid any accidents in the water.

During the trip we also saw several species of birds, and waterfalls falling between the enormous rocks that line the canyon.

After an hour and a half, we stopped to check out lodge on the banks of the river. As soon as you enter and see the fantastic balconies at the lodge, you are going to want to spend the weekend there watching sunsets with a nice cup of coffee and a good book.

Fall in love with the lodge

The lodge is in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by the sound of birds singing and the roar of the river. The lodge or "ecolodge" was sustainably built with reclaimed wood and is located within a private reserve of more than 2000 acres. Here you can go hiking, take a canopy tour, go cayoning, enjoy horseback riding, do some community tourism or simply disconnect from everything and enjoy a relaxing rest in a hammock overlooking the river.

We left the lodge with the hopes of returning one day, but there was still so much adventure to be had, so we grabbed our oars and set out on the water. We were in for a wild time!

Forward 2, forward 3, forward stroooong! Max and Chino shout back to us that we still had to test our mettle on some category III and IV rapids.

After a delicious lunch prepared by our friendly guides (who, by the way, are excellent cooks!), they had a surprise in store for us...

A few meters down the river, we would find ourselves facing a category IV rapid. We truly experienced the saying "after a storm comes a calm". We paddled very hard across the category IV rapid, only to arrive at a beautiful waterfall that shook us about under its great power. Max steered the raft toward the fall and we were soaked!

After a few more rapids, we arrived at the long-awaited Pacuare canyon, where the channel narrows, the stone walls are impressive and the water is calmer, it was enough to just breathe in and admire the phenomenal landscape.

To close with a flourish, we passed under the Atlantic railway line at the precise moment that a train loaded with containers passed overhead. We reached the end of the tour with the sound of the train's whistle congratulating us for our accomplishment.

After 4 hours we can say that we dominated this amazing rafting adventure. We would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Have you bested the Pacuare River?

After a long week working, there’s nothing better than escaping the routine and enjoying some of the many awe-inspiring sights that our country has to offer.

We took this opportunity to go to the Caribbean, a region of abundant natural beauty, incredible people and a great variety of tourist activities for visitors.

Our journey began nice and early in downtown San José, with us heading towards Route 32.  In just a few minutes, we found ourselves surrounded by virgin rainforest and amazing vistas.

Once we crossed the Zurquí tunnel and left the Braulio Carrillo National Park, we made our first stop in Rain Forest Adventures Atlántico.

The first think that we did was go on a cable car ride through the rainforest. That tour took a little more than an hour, with our gondola passing along a system of suspended cables that took us through the forest.

It is incredible to be able to admire the amazing diversity of species that live together in our forests, the peace and mystery that those magical places hold in their heights. This is definitely a tour that you have to do.

Pure adrenaline!

We prepared ourselves for the zipline tour. This location is very popular for its 700 m (0.4 mile) cable, which takes you flying over the treetops and crossing a river.

Even though we were no strangers to ziplining tours, the combination of nerves and adrenaline were never lacking. The views were spectacular and, without a doubt, this zipline tour was one of the best we’ve ever done.

Rain Forest Adventures has no shortage of tours on offer, some of which include trails that lead you to waterfalls, which you can visit by day or at night. There is also a frog pavilion, a snake pavilion, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. For those who want to experience a night in the middle of the jungle, there is also lodging available.

Once we finished our delicious lunch, we continued with our trip towards Puerto Viejo in Limón province. This is the Costa Rican Caribbean destination par excellence.

This time around, we stayed at Hotel Villas del Caribe. This hotel is located in front of Playa Punta Uva and boasts all of the comforts needed for visitors’ enjoyment, as it is situated right int front of the sea. It gave us the opportunity to enjoy the beach before heading to downtown Puerto Viejo to enjoy an exquisite rice and beans with chicken.

In just a couple of days

This was an incredible weekend where in just a few days, we were able to admire the canopies of trees, feel the wind in our faces as we crossed from platform to platform on the ziplining tour, enjoy delicious food, and find out how the indigenous Bribri people process cocoa.

Costa Rica has thousands of hidden paradises. It depends on you to discover them, so get out there!

Costa Rica isn’t hurting for visitors, and with all those fellow travelers on the road, you might expect it to be difficult to get off the beaten path. But consider this: Costa Rica is home to a full 6% of the world’s biodiversity, and counting, as scientists believe there are still thousands of endemic species yet to be discovered. If you can’t find hidden, undiscovered spots here, you’re doing something wrong. Many of Costa Rica’s dreamiest, most remote destinations are at the far tips of the country, protected by national parks or seemingly barricaded as a result of daunting dirt roads. But the fact that they take time and effort to reach is exactly what makes them worth the trip. Put these five places on your itinerary, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing cache of quiet wonders.

1. Isla Cabo Blanco / Cabuya.

Photo: Luis Alberto Turpo Mendoza

First on your list: Isla Cabo Blanco. Just offshore of the southern tip of the Nicoya Península, this “isla” is essentially a massive white rock that pokes out of the Pacific Ocean. Although the jagged islet has basically zero vegetation, it’s home to the country’s largest population of brown booby seabirds (and gets its name from the guano that speckles the outcropping). You can hire local fishermen to ferry you from the mainland to this ultra-remote island to snorkel, fish, or watch for whales.

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve protects the island along with a small chunk of mainland coast, which, in contrast, has all the vegetation — and all the animals. It’s home to magpie jays, blue morpho butterflies, sulfur-winged parakeets, armadillos, coatis (pizotes), and several species of wild cats. Those are a few you might miss, but you definitely won’t miss the howler monkeys swinging through the jungle canopy, shrieking so loudly you can hear them from miles away. Unlike Manuel Antonio National Park farther south along the Pacific Coast, which sees loads of visitors year-round, this nature preserve is quiet and mellow. You can stay in the tiny town of Cabuya or head over to nearby Malpais. The latter is a laid-back surf town so beloved by Ticos that it has a popular brand named after it. You’ll have to take a bus back to Cabuya to access the park, but the road is scenic and the solitude is worth it.

2. San Gerardo de Dota.

Photo: Julián Monge-Nájera

Less than three hours south of the capital, this rural village in the Talamanca mountains is virtually devoid of tourists and tourist infrastructure, save for a few ecolodges and sodas (small restaurants). But San Gerardo de Dota is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can spot the rare resplendent quetzal — for perspective, another of its habitats is Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which sees an estimated 250,000 tourists annually. Though its reputation has been growing among birdwatchers in recent years, San Gerardo de Dota remains off the map for most international visitors.

In addition to the remarkable avifauna (200 bird species beyond the quetzal!), the surrounding Los Santos Forest Reserve has a smorgasbord of verdant, mist-covered hiking trails. Towering at 12,000 feet above sea level, the mountains layer ecosystems like pancakes, with giant stands of oak above and tropical jungles below. You might catch peccaries dashing about the lowlands, and the nearby Río Savegre provides stellar trout fishing.

3. Punta Manzanillo.

Photo: Leonora (Ellie) Enking

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is different from anywhere else in the country. Here, you won’t find gallo pinto (a traditional Costa Rican breakfast) on the table — this region is known instead for its spectacular Afro-Caribbean flair. The food is spicier, the music is louder, and the water is warmer.

Start out by heading as far south as the road can take you. At the very bottom of the country’s Caribbean coastline, you’ll find a quiet beach located inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This is Punta Manzanillo, and it will stop your heart for a quick second. The water glows sapphire, and the sand is lined with almond trees. There are sloths, monkeys, toucans, and tropical fish. Inside the reserve, palm swamps protect endangered tapirs and hordes of other wildlife. A more exotic version of Eden, really. When you’re done exploring the refuge, sit in one of the little sodas and dig into some yuca frita (fried yuca root), or try the rondón soup, a local staple.

4. Ostional National Wildlife Reserve.

Photo: Laranapeleona

Adjacent to the striking-in-its-own-right Las Baulas National Marine Park, you’ll find Ostional Wildlife Reserve. It’s here that the arribada (“arrival”) occurs every year, a phenomenon that sees hundreds of female olive ridley sea turtles pulling up onto the coast over the course of several months. They come in pods, typically appearing a few days before the new moon when night is darkest. Hundreds congregate offshore for several days, building up their numbers. And then, all at once, and as if by some secret language, they begin coming ashore to lay their eggs. The first swarm always arrives at night — hundreds at a time — and then the others proceed in steady streams over the next few days.

Although there are indeed tours that go through here, it’s not a place that’s saturated with tourists, likely because the spectacle takes place under cover of darkness. You can catch an arribada any time between July and December; however, peak season is August to November. Note: The turtle’s nesting environment is preciously fragile, so it’s essential that you go with a knowledgeable tour guide. Not only will you be in trouble for sneaking in, you run the risk of stepping on eggs or damaging the delicate ecosystem. Be smart, and be respectful.

5. Playa Matapalo.

Photo: Federico Mata

Located at the southern tip of the rugged Osa Península, Playa Matapalo is a breezy, low-key surf beach at the end of the road. It’s a six-to-seven-hour drive from San José, which keeps the beach-going crowds away (most flock to Tamarindo or Jacó instead).

There’s hardly anything to do in Matapalo, which is exactly what makes it so special. There’s no need to book tours here or join group activities — this is a spot that feels far from the rest of the world. A place you visit to read a book on the beach or watch the tide come in…and then watch the tide go out. It’s near Corcovado National Park but not inside it, which means you can also enjoy the area’s splendor without having to get a park pass. If you want to take a day trip inside, you’re only half an hour from the park office. Sometimes, the best spots in Costa Rica are hidden in plain sight.

Matador URL: https://matadornetwork.com/read/5-places-costa-rica-wont-find-guidebooks/

By: Rachel Cavanaugh

The Caribbean is full of riches, one of which is the Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve, a treasured secret in the province of Limón. Here, you can see exuberant, unspoiled tropical forests with an incredible variety of vegetation and rivers with numerous waterfalls.

It is located approximately 60 km south of Puerto Limón and to the southwest of Valle de la Estrella. The indigenous reserves of Talamanca, Tayni and Telire are found close by.

If you’re wondering about the origin of the name, there’s a story behind it: the word hitoy comes from the indigenous Bribri language, meaning “wool,” while cerere means “clean water.” Literally, it is the place of clean water by the woolly moss. UNESCO declared this reserve to be a World Heritage Site in 1993, and it belongs to La Amistad-Caribe Conservation Area.

Over 40 species of mammals live in Hitoy-Cerere, including monkeys, deer, possums, squirrels, agoutis and jaguars. You may even encounter endangered species on your visit, such as the silky anteater, the three-toed sloth, ocelots, tapirs and river otters. In addition, the reserve provides habitat to over 300 species of birds. Birdwatchers have a chance of spotting a spectacled owl, Montezuma oropendula, kingfisher, toucans and vultures.

Some of the amphibians, insects and reptiles you might see in the reserve include scarab beetles, bullet ants, spiders, metallic-colored wasps, butterflies and dragonflies. It is also home to frogs and toads, including the dark poison dart frog, snakes, lizards, iguanas and geckoes. The reserve has a rich flora as well: trees covered with moss, orchids, lichens, ferns and epiphytes are a common sight. Palms and wild vegetables also grow here, while strong vines can be found hanging from trees.

To get to the Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve from San José, take the main highway from San José to Limón, then turn south toward Cahuita. The reserve is not far from the town. In the reserve, you can also find guide services.

It’s best to visit during the dry season between February and April, since the conditions on the trails are better and you can take in more of its biodiversity.

Hours of operation: Seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission: Costa Ricans: ₡1000 Foreigners: $5

More information: 2206 5516

Services offered in the reserve: assistance to users, trails, restrooms, parking area and visitor information.