Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui holidays

Carpeted with fruit plantations, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui bears more resemblance to the steamy and tropical Caribbean lowlands than the plains of the north. Despite significant deforestation, it still houses some of the best preserved primary rainforest in the country.

This is an excellent area for the wildlife and nature enthusiast with La Selva Biological Station, Braulio Carrillo National Park and Rara Avis private rainforest reserves all located nearby.

South of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, the area around the small town of Las Horquetas is home to the biggest heart-of-palm plantations in the world. This and banana cultivation make up the bulk of the local economy, alongside more recent ecotourism initiatives.

The river Sarapiqui is the focal point for the local inhabitants, and most cargo is still carried by river to the Nicaraguan border in the north and to the Tortuguero canals in the east. It is also a good river for white water rafting.