Costa Rica Southern Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica's Caribbean Coastal region stretches little over 90 miles between the borders of Nicaragua to the north, and Panamá to the south, while at the same time pressing in toward the continental divide.

The region 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..

Although the famous jungle train-said to have been one of the world's most scenic train routes-no longer connects Limón to San José, 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.

Passing through the town of Limón provides visitors with their first glimpse of the Caribbean. Serving as a gateway into the many towns and villages further along the coast, Limón 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 21 st 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.