THE CARIBBEAN COAST

This humid zone is notable for its Caribbean—predominantly Jamaican—roots, reflected in Rastafarian culture and spicy cuisine. The southern village of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo draw the surfing, backpacking, and tie-dye crowd seeking an offbeat cultural immersion and laid-back lifestyle. Most visitors settle in for a while and break their lassitude with spells to go snorkeling, ride horses, trek into remote Indian reserves, or gawk at the animals and birds in easily accessed Cahuita National Park. To the north, Tortuguero National Park, accessed by boat or plane, provides premium wildlife viewing; cut through with waterways, this watery world is explored by canal from dedicated nature lodges, many edging right up to a beach where you can witness marine turtles laying eggs. Anglers are gung-ho about Barra del Colorado, a down-at-the-heels place preeminent as a sportfishing center. Allow two or three days each at Tortuguero, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo.

Tortuguero National Park: Wildlife galore awaits in this watery world where everyone gets around by boat. The beach is a prime nesting site for marine turtles; the national park is absolute tops for birding and animal viewing; and the village is a funky charmer. (read more)

Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge: The big one that didn’t get away awaits you at this prime sportfishing spot near the Nicaraguan border. Several sportfishing lodges cater to anglers keen to tackle prize tarpon and snook. (read more)

Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge: Sloths are the prime draw, but this small refuge also has nature trails, plus canoe trips into an estuary abounding with wildlife. (read more)

Cahuita: Popular with the offbeat crowd, this small village has heaps of character. Several eateries serve spicy local cuisine, and Cahuita National Park offers great beaches, diverse wildlife, and a small coral reef. (read more)

Puerto Viejo: Drawing surfers and latter-day hippies, this somnolent village has tremendous budget accommodations. Activities include horseback riding and hikes to indigenous villages, and beautiful beaches ease south for miles. (read more)

Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge: This reserve spans several ecosystems teeming with animal life, from crocodiles to monkeys and manatees. Turtles also come ashore to lay eggs. (read more)