Lying along the aptly named rich coast of Costa Rica is one of the prime tourist destinations in the northeastern plains of the country. This ecotourism gem is called Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí—its surroundings located at the convergence of the Rio Sarapiquí and Rio Puerto Viejo. The whole region is well known for the forest parks, wildlife reserves, agricultural plantations and other ecotourism spots. If you want to enjoy nature with your friends and family, then the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings will be your sanctuary.

Take a Hike at the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve

Sprawled across 350 hectares of pristine land, the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve is one of the best sites that the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings have to offer. An hour away from San Jose, this reserve aims to protect Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and educate the youth. There are various walking tours and interesting field studies for visitors in the reserve.

If you’re more comfortable walking alone, Tirimbina has 9 kilometers of paved trails with views of the luscious forests and the Sarapiquí River. The brave hearts can cross the Puente Colgante, a 262-meter hanging bridge. Finally, the end of the bridge boasts of a small island where otters and kingfishers can be spotted.

A more interesting hike of the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings is the chocolate tour at the Tirimbina. Led by a trail guide, this tour reveals the wonders of mankind’s favorite food: chocolate. The cacao plot in the reserve will showcase the traditional cultivation of this gift from the Mayan civilization.

Brave the Rapids of Rio Sarapiquí

Flowing at the east of Puerto Viejo, Rio Sarapiquí was an important trade route along the Caribbean coast. Today, it is one of the hotspots for both nature-lovers and adventurers who want an experience of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings. Early morning boat trips will showcase the diverse river ecosystem including turtles, howler monkeys, alligators and various species of birds. White water rafting is an option for the thrill-seekers. Tours can also be extended up to Rio San Juan, which is a Nicaraguan territory, Oro Verde and Barra del Colorado.

Immerse in Pre-Columbian Culture

Aside from preserving the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings, the various centers in the region have also put up indoor facilities for archiving and research. An example of this is the Centro Neotropico Sarapiquí, a non-profit and private reserve. It has three exhibits, namely: the museum of pre-Columbian, an archaeological dig and a botanical garden. Some of the displays include shamanic elements, film archives, medicinal and edible plants and other materials that make the exhibit unique.

The Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí surroundings are bounded by time and decay. However, through the efforts of its locales, the unadulterated beauty of the place is always a top priority.