The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide
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The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide Overview of The Caribbean Lowlands The Caribbean has a cultural diversity that is different from the rest of Costa Rica. With its beautiful beaches, great surfing conditions, and pristine national parks, it is becoming one of the top attractions for adventurers. Less developed than the Pacific side, it has fewer roads and smaller settlements. About half the area is set apart and protected in parks and wildlife refuges. The capital of the region is the seedy port of Limon, which is generally avoided by tourists and used only as a transport hub. However, it is regaining popularity as a cruise port. Cahuita is a relaxed village neighbouring the Cahuita National Park, and here the Creole culture is particularly evident in the food and music. Further south is the even more tranquil hamlet of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, popular for its surfing and splendid coastline. In the north, the coastal National Park of Tortuguero is one of the most important breeding and nesting sites of the green sea turtle. The villages are laidback with an unhurried atmosphere common throughout the region. The majority of the people are extremely friendly, live close to the coast, and speak a lively form of English. They delight in showing visitors the natural beauty of the area and are eager to share their culture with others. There is plenty to see and do, but things are relaxed so take time to experience this rewarding side of Costa Rica. Key Facts Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Passport/Visa: All foreign passengers to Costa Rica must have return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Extensions of stay for those who are visa-exempt can be arranged on arrival. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Costa Rica within six days of leaving or transiting through any yellow fever risk areas. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely accepted. US Dollars can be exchanged in banks and many hotels, but currency other than US Dollars is difficult to exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as these unofficial outlets have been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in Colombia. Banks close anywhere from 3pm to 4pm. Major credit cards are widely accepted, although American Express and Diners Club might be more limited. ATMs are available in major towns throughout the country, but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy. Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs and three-pin (two flat blades with round grounding pin) plugs are in use. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/5 The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide Travel to The Caribbean Lowlands Health Notes when travelling to Costa Rica There are no vaccination requirements for Costa Rica. As a precaution, vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended for travel to Costa Rica. There is a year-round risk of malaria in some regions of Costa Rica and advice should be taken on which areas are currently risky places to visit. You should also check out what precautions and medication you must take to protect against the disease. Water in cities is generally safe but it is advisable to buy bottled water, especially outside the main towns where there is a risk of contamination. Dengue fever is one of a number of diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, especially during the rainy season; protection against insect bites is the best prevention. Medical services are reliable in cities and the standard of hygiene and treatment is very high. Safety Notes when travelling to Costa Rica There is no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, however there are incidents of violent crime, occasionally targeting tourists. There has been an increase in attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hired cars in San Jose. Belongings should be watched carefully at all times and in all places, particularly in bus stations and on public transport. Theft of, and from, cars is common. Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash and avoid moneychangers on the street. Strikes, protests and blockades have recently taken place without warning and further demonstrations could disrupt travel on main roads, particularly those connecting San Jose with the coast. Customs in Costa Rica Costa Ricans are conservative when it comes to family values, and roles between male and female are expected to be traditional. Machismo is a key characteristic of Costa Rica culture, although women are quickly becoming more empowered in Tico society. The population is largely middle-class, Catholic, and ethnically homogenous. Duty Free in Costa Rica Travellers to Costa Rica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 3 litres of alcohol; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. Perfume for personal use is allowed provided it is a reasonable quantity. Doing Business in Costa Rica Costa Rica has a formal business environment, where men and women wear conservative suits, appointments are made and meetings begin on time. Business projects can be slow, however, as Costa Ricans are conservative in their approach to new ideas and keen to avoid risk. Spanish is the main language, but most business people speak English. However, it is polite to have business cards as well as other promotional material printed in both English and Spanish. A lot of women have high profile jobs, although the business world, like the society in general, is still male dominated. Visiting businesswomen will be treated with respect once their ability and authority is clearly established. Hours of business are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with a two-hour lunch break from 12pm. Communication in Costa Rica The international access code for Costa Rica is +506. Costa Rica has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in Latin America. Internet cafes are available in the main towns while wifi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Tipping in Costa Rica Hotels add a 10 percent service charge plus a three percent tourist tax to their bills by law. In tourist and upmarket restaurants, a tip of 10 percent is usual. However, some establishments already include a 17 percent sales and service tax in the bill. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped but you can use discretion if it's been a long trip or there was intense traffic. People will often round off the fare to the nearest Costa Rican colón or US Dollar. Tour guides, on the other hand, are normally tipped. In general, if service has been particularly good, staff appreciate a five to 10 percent tip. Passport/Visa Note All foreign passengers to Costa Rica must have return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Extensions of stay for those who are visa-exempt can be arranged on arrival. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Costa Rica within six days of leaving or transiting through any yellow fever risk areas. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Page 2/5 The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide Attractions in The Caribbean Lowlands The main attractions of the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica are the beaches but this side of the country also offers pristine rainforests, plenty of wildlife watching opportunities, and some lovely, laid-back beach villages. The Caribbean charm is fully evident in Costa Rica and the slow pace of life, great music, and friendly locals make this coastline very relaxed. The southern Caribbean coast is the best for enjoying the beautiful beaches of the area. Favourite tourist beaches include Playa Bonita, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small but vibrant party town nestled in between the mountains and the coast, popular for its surfing, sun-worshipping, and nightlife. Cahuita National Park, also in the south, shelters the only coral reef on Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline and is a paradise for diving and snorkelling. On the hike through the jungle to reach the beach, you are likely to see numerous birds and monkeys. The town of Cahuita, just outside the park, is also a popular base for exploring the coast and is well-known for its local music scene. The northern coast is ideal for those in search of wildlife.