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Caribbean Real Estate in Costa Rica |
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Edited by
Kenneth R. Saborio |
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Sunday, 23 March 2008 |
The Caribbean
region in Costa Rica stretches little over
90 miles between the borders of Nicaragua
to the north, and Panama to the south. This
region is made of lowlands mixed with rivers
and covered with rich banana plantations
and lush rainforests. Superb natural beauty
has made the Caribbean an investors' market
in Costa Rica.
Caribbean Real Estate
The Caribbean region is definitely becoming
a new hotspot in Costa Rica. Phone lines,
improved services and relatively low real
estate prices are constantly attracting
new developers to the region.
The Caribbean's northern area is accessible
by small plane or boat making Tortuguero
an essential destination for developers
in Costa Rica. On the south, the beaches
of Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Punta Mona and
Manzanillo are popular among real estate
buyers.
About The Caribbean
The Caribbean is forged of a mix between
dense jungle, high mountain ranges and the
sea itself. Columbus himself couldn't pass
through the region's natural barriers to
the Central Valley, and it wasn't until
1890 when the province was actually linked
by railroad, achieved after nearly 20 years
of hard labor.
The region continues to hold the highest
percentage of protected land in the country,
with exuberant vegetation and abundant wildlife,
characterized by local culture distinct
from any other found in Costa Rica.
Although the famous jungle train-said to
have been one of the world's most scenic
train routes-no longer connects Limon to
San Jose, a new road does, allowing visitors
to reach the region in about a 2-3 hour
drive. Crossing the central mountain range,
the differences are clear as the road descends
from cloud forest to Caribbean lowlands.
The distinct foliage of tree ferns and "poor
man's umbrella" are replaced by the "pejibaye"
and coconut palm as the coast draws nearer,
as well as evidence of agriculture, such
as plantations of ornamental plants or scattered
cattle along the road. For an educational
stop along the way, travelers can visit
E.A.R.T.H. -Escuela de Agricultura de la
Region Tropical Humeda- to see how banana
paper (one of Costa Rica's nontraditional
exports) is produced, or visit a banana
or pineapple plantation to understand how
these well-loved fruits are harvested and
processed for the international markets.
Tours to locations such as Standard Fruit's
Finca Esperanza in Siquirres are available
from both San Jose and from Puerto Limon,
and a trip out to the farm will answer any
questions visitors may have about the banana
industry.
Passing through the town of Limon provides
visitors with their first glimpse of the
Caribbean. Serving as a gateway into the
many towns and villages further along the
coast, Limon exemplifies the diversity of
Costa Rica's population. You are likely
to see any number of large cargo ships,
as well as the cruise ships that are starting
to use the port more frequently. Turn right
to follow the coast toward the many beach
destinations that surely are the goal of
most people's travels. The coastal road
passes through the innumerable banana plantations
that have helped from the history of the
region. But new forces are at work in Costa
Rica to reshape that history within a La
Amistad 21st century perspective of preservation.
Using large expanses of protected land such
as inspiration, many smaller private and
public reserves are working to create natural
corridors and preserve habitat for endangered
species. One such example is Reserva Selva
Bananito.
Located on the slopes of Cerro Muchilla,
this 840-hectare private reserve bordering
La Amistad extends from 100 meters to 800
meters above sea level, allowing for a wide
variety or microclimates and habitats. Funds
from the reserve go to support regional
conservation and education groups. Beautiful
lodging constructed of salvaged wood in
the Caribbean style provides tranquil evenings,
while daytime activities can include scaling
primary rain forest trees with a well-maintained
rope system, or volunteering your time at
the nearby Pacuare Turtle Reserve. This
reserve, founded by the Endangered Wildlife
Trust of England, is a newly registered
nesting site of a giant leatherback turtle.
Spending time in Reserva Selva Bananito
not only helps restore a visitor's personal
equilibrium: it supports the spirit or conservation
in the entire region.
Cahuita lies an hour down the coast road
from Limon. More like a village, this typical
Caribbean town has become a tourist destination
due to the national park that protects that
reef for 500 meters out from Cahuita Point.
Water averages about six feet in depth offshore,
and snorkelers will enjoy the extensive
reef system made up of numerous types of
coral and occupied by brightly colored tropical
fish. Local guides can lead you to the best
snorkeling spots, as well as give visitors
the option of viewing the wildlife from
a glass-bottom boat. The park also contains
a series of freshwater rivers and estuaries,
which are always good spots for observing
wildlife. The seven-kilometer trail along
the coast gives excellent opportunities
to spot the area's avian, mammalian and
reptilian residents. If you're looking for
a day of relaxation, Cahuita's beaches can
offer a quiet day in the sun.
Shaded by coconut palms, there are volcanic
black sand beaches or more sheltered cover
of white coral sand to choose from. In either,
you're sure to spot an iguana lazing nearby,
or hear the trees rustling with the movements
of monkeys as they go about their daily
business.
The Caribbean Ocean has undergone a "sea
change" by the time it reaches the shores
of Costa Rica. The gentle, turquoise waters
of Cuba and Jamaica give way to strong currents
and the "Salsa Brava", making our Caribbean
a place unto itself. Visitors often come
for just those reasons. The blend of cultures
and the grassroots conservation movements
in the area create an atmosphere quite different
from others in Costa Rica or anywhere else
in the Caribbean. Unique food, music and
beaches have brought a parade of curious
visitors into the region. The Talamanca
Ecotourism and Conservation Association
-or ATEC- has served the community very
well by training local guides and involving
the residents in educating tourist about
cultural values of the region. They can
offer visitors a range of tours, including
early-morning birding walks, night hikes,
snorkeling and dolphin-watching.
All along the coast travelers can find a
variety of beaches and lodging to suit their
tastes and budgets. Most hotels are built
in the small, typical Caribbean bungalow
fashion, which has created a low-density
form of development that has kept the area
rather quiet. Bicycles are available for
rent, and this is most likely the nicest
way to travel up and down the beach road.
Make sure you stop every now and then to
glance up at Cecropia trees, where there
is likely to be a sloth or howler monkey
returning your gaze!
Manzanillo is literally the end of line
on this stretch of coastal road. A great
spot for a lobster lunch or waiting for
the fishermen to come in, Manzanillo is
also the entrance to a refuge that protects
nearly 4,500 hectares of coastal waters
and beaches that serve as nesting grounds
for 4 species of turtles, including the
giant leatherback. An extensive reef system
rings the point, creating an effective barrier
to the rougher waters offshore, making this
an excellent diving and snorkeling. Equipment
and PADI approved dive masters can be found
at Aquamor. Kayak rentals -with or without
a guide- are also available for a quiet
day in the mangrove estuaries, looking for
birds, reptiles or elusive West-Indian manatee.
Travel Tips
There are several ways to get the coast.
Whether you rent a car or take the adventure
some option of buying bus passage, the route
is the same. Take the Turrialba road or
the San Jose to Guapiles highway, either
one will take you out straight to the coast.
Once there, it's just a matter of choice
whether you want to head east or west.
Climate
This area of the country is generally hot
and humid, and experiences quite a bit of
rain. Temperatures hover generally between
the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit. As much
as 400 centimeters of rain has been recorded
during one year. Since the coast has the
advantage of refreshing ocean breezes, the
weather is bearable, the heavy rainy seasons
span from May through August, and being
once again in December on through January.
If it�s cloudless skies you�re after, then
avoid these months for your Costa Rican
visit.
What to bring
Since the weather is extremely tropical
and changeable on this coast, it is a wise
traveler who packs hat, sunblock and raingear.
Clothing should be cotton and light colored.
Hiking boots are recommended for rainforest
activities.
Things to do
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Walking
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Horseback Riding
- Swimming
Places to go
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge - Remote
rainforest reserve with rocky coast that
includes small-secluded beaches.
Selva Bananito Reserve - Private reserve
where visitors can enjoy nature through
hiking, horseback riding and tree climbing.
Linked with a turtle nesting reserve.
Puerto Viejo Botanical Gardens - A tour
here is an experience in tastes and smell
as visitors learn about rainforest products
such as fruits, vanilla and other spices.
Rainforest Aerial Tram - Take a ride the
rainforest canopy.
Standard Fruit Co. Banana Tour - Enjoy a
banana plantation tour and learn the history
about this well-loved fruit.
La Selva Biological Research Station - A
private reserve that has long been the sight
of tropical scientific investigations. La
Selva offers informative tours and excellent
birdwatching.
Tortuguero National Park - A jungle on the
coast with a large number of wild animals
that can be seen while touring the canals
by boat. Home to the Caribbean Conservation
Corporation and site of Green Sea Turtle
nesting.
Barra de Colorado Wildlife Refuge - Primarily
visited by fishing enthusiasts for the world-class
tarpon and snook fishing found there.
Cahuita National Park - Beaches, coral reefs
and nature trails traverse the park.
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Costa Rica Specials
LEADER Realty
Phone/Fax: (506) 2226 6483
P.O. Box: 4766-1000 San Jose
E-mail: intercomcr@live.com
Barrio Vasconia, San Jose
Costa Rica
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