Overview
Eastwards from San José and the coffee-growing highlands sprawl the banana plantations of the sultry coastal plains fronting the Caribbean Sea. Long isolated from the rest of the Latin-influenced country, this region has a predominately English-speaking, Afro-Caribbean culture: a very informal, relaxed atmosphere pervades. Here there are exquisite volcanic beaches at Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.
Accessible only by boat is the partly submerged Tortuguero National Park, with its network of canals, lagoons and swamps defined by a profusion of tangled tropical vegetation. It’s alive with several species of monkey, iguanas, sloths, river otters, poison dart frogs and hundreds of species of birds.
Holidays Caribbean coast
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Group - Discovery
Panama / Costa Rica / Nicaragua / El Salvador / Honduras / Guatemala
Alcion: Central America Discovery
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Private Journeys
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Private Journeys
Costa Rica
Family Costa Rica: Jungle walks and turtle spotting
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Private Journeys
Costa Rica
Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
Enjoy activities on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Great for kayaking, wildlife spotting and white-water rafting. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Accommodation
Discover our range of accommodation on Costa Rica’s relaxed Caribbean coast. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Where to go when - our guide to Caribbean coast

The weather in Caribbean coast is wide and varied
While Tortuguero in the north is perhaps the best known destination on the Caribbean coast, there are gorgeous hidden spots to visit all the way south to the Panamanian border. The equatorial climate means rain can fall at any time of year, while temperatures remain hot year round.
View our Caribbean coast weather guidePapagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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