Yamangurl's travel to Costa Rica

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Jamaica by way of Costa Rica ?

Okay, I am not reeeally going to Jamaica; instead I am heading to the less traveled Caribbean side of Costa Rica, where there is a heavy Jamaican and Afro-Caribbean influence. This will be my first trip to Costa Rica and I am, as usual, traveling solo.

Many of you that know of me, know that I have been travelling to Jamaica for many years; in fact I am usually in Jamaica this time of year too. I decided to change things up this time; to expand my travel horizons and photo opportunities and head to Costa Rica. When, through my travel research, I discovered that a Jamaican influence existed on the Caribbean side of the country only, and when I realized that travel to CR from LAX was so affordable...well, here I am.

I have spent months researching online where I should stay, what I should see, safety issues, currency exchange, blah, blah, blah. I have had fun learning all this new stuff and I am enjoying the thought of being a newbie traveller to Costa Rica.

My travels will take me from Los Angeles, California to San Jose Costa Rica, where I will stay overnight before beginning my new adventure the following day.

On a 4 1/2 hour shuttle van to the east coast, I will head towards the Provence de Limon, where I will visit Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Playa Cocles, Manzanillo and I will possibly even head across the border to Bocas del Toro, in Panama.

At any rate, the camera gear will be in tow and I am salivating at the thought of digitally capturing all the flora and fauna Costa Rica is famous for, not to mention the local flavor.

I have intentionally not pre-planned any activities. Instead, I will awake each day and while I enjoy a cup of that wonderful Costa Rican coffee I will decide what it is I want to do and where I want to go. If anything at all.

I will be staying at a small hotel called Cabinas Guarana, a small property up the road from the beach that is owned by an Italian couple.

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From an online article about the caribbean side of CR:

The Caribbean If there is a region in Costa Rica where a local atmosphere can be sensed all around, it definitely has to be the Caribbean Coast. It has a particular history of immigrants from Jamaica, Trinidad and other West Indies islands, as well as Chinese descendants who came as workers during the height of the banana exports, when the railroad San José - Port Limón was built (1880's - 1940's). Furthermore, unlike other Central and Latin American countries, only 1% of Costa Rica's population is indigenous; most of which lives in the mountains of Talamanca (Western Caribbean).

The Caribbean has the splendor of the beaches and palm trees, but also the privilege of being one of the few places in Costa Rica - and Central America - where green turtles come every year to lay their eggs. Visitors can't help falling under the charm of the Calypso music, the local gastronomy (rice and beans dish, pati, and ginger drink), the little braids in women's and little girls' hair and the local "Creole" English (known as Mekatelyu).

Northern Caribbean: Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle, which finds its way onto the brown-sand beaches every year. Its territories protect not only the turtle-nesting beach, but also the surrounding forests, canals and lagoons. Everything in Tortuguero centres on the waterways; therefore, access is by boat or air only. It is an ideal place to observe wildlife. Its peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being in one of the most remote places on Earth attract nature lovers; the area has managed to develop a low-density tourism system.

Southern Caribbean: Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo Less than two decades ago Puerto Viejo could hardly be called a town. It has changed considerably since then, but the beaches are still free (no fees), the surf can be downright awesome, and everyone appears to be in a state of tropical bliss, enjoying the hammock culture in full swing. The unique Afro-Caribbean influence is reflected in the music, and food. Sights in this picturesque area include Cahuita National Park (great for snorkeling as it still has coral reef alive), Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife refuge, Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, Talamanca, and the Kekoldi Indian Reserve.