Celebrate Costa Rica Cultures Day & Carnival on Caribbean Coast

While Christopher Columbus is remembered in the USA in the upcoming October holiday, many other countries take a much broader perspective for their celebrations.

The USA observes Oct. 12 (or the Monday closest to it) as Columbus Day for the date that explorer Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492. Spain commemorates Oct. 12 is Hispanic Day. But the holiday in the Bahamas is known as Discovery Day, in Belize as the Day of the Americas, and the Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity in Argentina. Chile and Mexico celebrate it as Day of the Races, and Venezuela lauds the Day of Indigenous Resistance. In Costa Rica, Oct. 12 honors the Day of Cultures (Día de las Culturas), in recognition of all of the cultures that have formed the Central American country.

Christopher Columbus did land in Costa Rica, in what is now the Caribbean port city of Limón on Sept. 18, 1502 – his fourth voyage to the New World. However, his “discovery” was purely from the European side, since indigenous peoples had already been living in the area for at least 10,000 years.

The Spanish had the greatest cultural influence over the majority of Costa Rica, but on the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast it was former African slaves from Jamaica who developed that region’s rich cultural style. They along with workers from China and other Caribbean islands were brought to Costa Rica in the late 19th century to build the railroad connecting the Port of Limón with San José.

Limón and the southern Caribbean Costa Rica towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo have a thriving Afro-Caribbean community. Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture is so unique that it’s almost like going to another country to visit the area.

October holidays in Costa Rica include Carnival on the southern Costa Rica Caribbean Coast. The Limon Carnival will be held Oct. 19 to 21. People everywhere come to enjoy Caribbean culture with parades, concerts, lots of drums and even more dancers in a huge street party.

While the rest of Costa Rica is rainy this time of year, October is Costa Rica Caribbean Summer. Get great Caribbean Summer special deals at Le Caméléon Hotel on the gorgeous beach of Playa Cocles by Puerto Viejo Costa Rica. Through Oct. 31, you can receive 30% discounts on direct bookings from Sunday to Thursday; and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. If you stay 3 or more nights, Le Caméléon will give you a $50 credit to use in the restaurant or the Spa. Make last-minute reservations on their website and you can possibly find discounts of up to 50% off.

Article by Shannon Farley

Sunshine and summer warm Costa Rica Caribbean Coast in October

It may surprise you, given that the Central Valley, Central Mountain Range and Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are swimming under a rain cloud, that today on the Costa Rica Southern Caribbean Coast it was hot and sunny, with blue skies and calm seas.

Costa Rica Caribbean Summer is in full radiant glory. While most parts of Costa Rica are in peak rainy season in September and October, the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica has a unique microclimate giving the region from Tortuguero to Manzanillo the best weather during these months.

“The weather is so sunny, so hot now. The ocean is flat and there are no waves. It is perfect for kayaking and snorkeling right now in Puerto Viejo and the Cahuita National Park,” commented Sylvia Mendes de Silva, operations manager for Hotel Le Caméléon by Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica, but this time of year, when seas are calm, it is the time to go snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of the Cahuita National Park are the site of the largest and only mature coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.

Scuba diving also is excellent this time of year, with good visibility (20-30 meters or 60-90 feet) and no currents. There are more than 25 fixed dive locations in the Southern Caribbean, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep, fringing reefs and vertical walls over 140 feet.

Now is the season for dolphin tours and great sea kayaking along the coast. October brings the famous annual carnival celebration in Limon, happening this year from Oct. 19-21.

Costa Rica Caribbean Summer is the time for special deals at Costa Rica boutique hotel Le Caméléon, the only upscale hotel on the southern Caribbean Coast. Available from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, take advantage of 30% discounts on direct bookings at Le Caméléon from Sunday to Thursday, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. If you stay three or more nights, you can receive a $50 credit to use in the restaurant or the Spa. Make last-minute reservations on their website and you can possibly find discounts up to 50% off; restrictions apply.

Le Caméléon Hotel, on the gorgeous beach of Playa Cocles by Puerto Viejo Costa Rica, is an Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica. Le Caméléon offers chic, modern rooms and suites, and the La Sula Sea Lounge fronting Cocles Beach.

Article by Shannon Farley

Where to go during the secret Costa Rica Caribbean summer

 

Can you keep a secret? While the rest of Costa Rica will soon be covered under a gray umbrella of rain, the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast is about to shine under a beaming Caribbean summer sun.

Curiously, the Caribbean Coast does not follow the standard weather patterns of Costa Rica. Savvy travelers know that Caribbean Summer is in October, which is when the regional capital of Limon holds its annual carnival celebration, and is a perfect time to visit the beautiful beaches of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo.

Very different from the rest of the country, the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast’s Jamaican-African roots are accented by local reggae music, Creole patois spoken alongside Spanish, a laid-back attitude, and local cuisine like Jamaican spice cake, rice-and-beans, coconut shrimp, and papaya juice.

The Cahuita National Park is a top Caribbean attraction to visit during this time. Located on the coast south of the town of Cahuita, about 43 kilometers south of Limón and north of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park is one of the most scenic and beautiful regions in Costa Rica. The park was founded in 1982.

The Caribbean Sea here is crystal-clear and filled with multitudes of vividly colored tropical fish. Cahuita National Park has one of the largest mature coral reefs on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Snorkeling in the area is fantastic; you can swim right out from shore or go further out by boat. The magnificent underwater coral garden has 35 species of coral, including enormous Elkhorn Coral, Brain Coral and graceful Venus Sea Fans, and an abundance of marine life.

Coral reefs are home to more than 25 percent of all known marine species and are living creatures. When diving or snorkeling near coral reefs, be sure not to touch, stand or walk on the reef, or collect coral.

The white sand beaches of the Cahuita National Park are also great for beach walks and sunbathing. There are trails you can hike, where you might see white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, howler monkeys, raccoons, coatis, iguanas, land and water crabs, and birds like the green ibis, yellow-crowned night heron, boat-billed heron and kingfishers.

Where to stay on the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast

The fabulous upscale Le Caméléon Hotel on the gorgeous beach of Playa Cocles by Puerto Viejo Costa Rica is the place to stay on the Southern Caribbean Coast. The Costa Rica boutique hotel is currently offering special offers: Caribbean Summer special deal and Web Last Minute Offers.

An Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica, Le Caméléon offers private yoga classes, spa services, and the La Sula Sea Lounge fronting Cocles Beach. Their in-house concierge can organize snorkeling and hiking tours in Cahuita National Park, along with other tours and transportation.

Article by Shannon Farley

Puerto Viejo Costa Rica special vacation offers 2014

The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast has everything you're looking for on your holiday, whether rest and relaxation, romance, adventure, family time, fun with friends, or new beginnings like your wedding or honeymoon.

The southern Caribbean of Costa Rica has a decidedly relaxed vibe. Afro-Caribbean, Latino and Bribri indigenous cultures uniquely blend with customs of newer residents who have come to this paradise from all over the world. South of Limon, Costa Rica, the eclectic beach town of Puerto Viejo charmingly reflects this “melting pot” of lifestyles.

Warm sand in a rainbow of colors from gold to black, gray and white welcomes you to stretch out in the sun and soak in life’s radiance. Raucous parrots and vibrant toucans fly overhead and call out from the deep green forest. The Caribbean Sea is spellbinding with its spectrum of blue and turquoise; the rhythm of waves lulling you into a satisfying relaxation. Best yet, the sea is wonderfully warm, perfect for splashing, playing, surfing, snorkeling and a dozen other adventures.

You can go for long beach walks along the shore and coastal trails, or rent a bike and explore the little villages and neighborhoods. Perhaps, try out a new adventure – surfing, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or horseback riding. Or broaden your horizons by visiting a sloth sanctuary, jaguar rescue center, or indigenous reserve for a chocolate tour. This time of year, rain showers are a nice excuse for an afternoon nap or to indulge in a captivating novel from the comfort of a hammock.

The fabulous Le Caméléon Hotel on the gorgeous beach of Playa Cocles provides you with exclusive upscale lodging in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica. The Costa Rica boutique hotel sits in front of the sea surrounded by wild jungle, just 3 km from Puerto Viejo town center. 

Twenty-three ultra-chic rooms border the pool and lush tropical gardens. Decked out in impeccable white with striking touches of brightly colored accessories that change hue daily like a chameleon, rooms have all the comforts expected, such as A/C, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, rain shower, mini-bar, phone, iPod / iPhone docking station, and Yves Rocher amenities.

The Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica offers private yoga classes, spa services, reading/lounging areas, the elegant Le Numu Restaurant & Bar, and La Sula Sea Lounge beach club with its day-beds, hammocks, lounge chairs, bar and restaurant service right on Cocles Beach.

Le Caméléon Hotel is currently offering four steal-of-a-deal special offers:

Family Vacation Package

Web Last Minute Offers with up to 50% discounts

Three night stay for the price of two

Caribbean Summer special deal

Article by Shannon Farley

Puerto Viejo Costa Rica sloths steal the show in Sloth Week

The slow-moving sloths of Costa Rica are streaking into the limelight with their own weeklong online special program. Starting June 20, 2014, Animal Planet and Animalist will stream daily footage from the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica.

Cute and cuddly sloths of the Caribbean Costa Rica have been in the spotlight since last year’s program “Meet the Sloths” aired on Animal Planet. The two-hour special program will run again on June 21 at 8:00 a.m. EST. The story follows a year in the lives of five sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary.

Located on the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, just south of Limon on the way to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica, the Sloth Sanctuary rescues, protects and rehabilitates sloths. You can see sloths in person on a sloth tour.

“Sloth Week” will show six days of sloth-related Web content, sloth facts, the most adorable and interesting sloth videos and live cams. “So much sloth greatness, we gave them their own week,” reports Animal Planet.

You can visit the Sloth Sanctuary on a fun half-day tour. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday), tours start at 8:00 a.m. and go every hour on the hour; the last tour is at 2:00 p.m.

More top Caribbean Costa Rica tours

Turtle nesting: See giant Leatherback sea turtles, along with Hawksbill, Green and occasionally Loggerhead sea turtles, make their nests and lay their eggs on Gandoca-Manzanillo beaches.

Bribri Chocolate Tour: Learn about cacao’s long history in Costa Rica, its importance in the Bribri indigenous culture, and organic chocolate making.

Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting: For its sheer beauty and phenomenal class 3-5 whitewater rapids, the Pacuare River of Costa Rica is one of the world’s top whitewater river rafting adventures.

Cahuita National Park: Cahuita National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica, known for its white sand beaches fringed with endless coconut trees, calm and clear sea and spectacular coral reefs.

Where to stay: When visiting the southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, the place to stay is Hotel Le Caméléon. The vibrant Costa Rica boutique hotel fronts the dazzling, turquoise Caribbean Sea and golden sand of Playa Cocles – one of the area’s most beautiful beaches.

 Hip, modern and upscale, Le Caméléon features ultra-chic rooms, beautiful tropical architecture, and lush jungle gardens. The elegant Le Numu Restaurant & Bar is one of the area’s top restaurants; and the newly remodeled La Sula Sea Lounge beach club is the place to hang out by the shore and meet friends for a cool drink or a light meal.

Article by Shannon Farley