costa rica’s hidden gem: the caribbean coast
TRANSCRIPT
Costa Rica’s Hidden Gem: The Caribbean Coast
By Jason Holland
International Living
Costa Rica Correspondent
International Living Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference November 2012
Caribbean Coast
How to Get There
From San Jose, take Highway 32 east towards the port city of Limon. Then hang a right and head south on Highway 36.
Drive time from San Jose is about four hours to Puerto Viejo.
What makes it unique
• A mix of cultures, including Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Tico, and nearly 50 different nationalities of expats
• Caribbean feel - and food!
• Bohemian vibe
• One of the least developed regions – no big chain restaurants or large resorts
• Jungle runs right to the beach
• Crystal clear water
Important Towns in this Region
• Limon
• Cahuita
• Puerto Viejo
de Talamanca
• Playa Chiquita
• Punta Uva
• Manzanillo
Getting Situated
Manzanillo
Puerto Limon
Cahuita
Puerto Viejo
Getting Situated
Playa Negra
Playa Cocles
Puerto ViejoPlaya Chiquita
Punta Uva
Puerto Viejo – Playa Cocles – Playa Chiquita – Punta Uva - Manzanillo
Getting Around
Let’s Take a Look…
Punta Uva
Puerto Viejo
Manzanillo
Cahuita
Things to Do
Live reggae and calypso
Ride your bike – the main mode of transportation
Snorkeling and Scuba
Go Out to Eat
• Caribbean cooking
• International cuisine
• Fresh off the boat seafood
Weekend trip to Panama – Bocas del Toro
Abundant Wildlife
Volunteer with a wildlife rescue
Hiking and wildlife watching
Real Estate
Playa Chiquita
• 2 bedroom/1 bath
• Walk to the beach
• In the jungle – loads of wildlife sightings
• 1,291 square feet$140,000
Real Estate
Cahuita
• 2 bedroom/2 bath
• Close to the national park
• Walk to the beach
$125,000
Real Estate
Puerto Viejo
• 2 bedrooms/2 bath
• Walk to the beach
• Open air design
• $120,000
Real EstatePlaya Cocles
• 5 bedroom/3 bath
• Steel frame with tropical hardwood
• In the jungle• Could turn into
a B&B
$199,000
Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate
Medical Care• Public clinics, as well as private doctors, in the
area – but they can only offer limited care
• Closest public hospital is in Limon
• Many people end up going to San Jose for treatment
• Not the place to be if you need constant care for a medical condition
The Expat Community
• Focused on the town of Cahuita and south along the coast.
• A major concentration around the town of Puerto Viejo and the road south towards the national park in Manzanillo.
• Many have started small businesses, like B&Bs, restaurants, shops, yoga studios and more.
Thank You!Any questions?
International Living Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference November 2012