El Camino de Costa Rica officially starts on the Caribbean coast in Limón, near the beach town of Manzanillo. Travelers often stay in Puerto Viejo to enjoy beaches, cacao tours, wildlife refuges, and Afro-Caribbean culture before beginning the hike. Check here more details of the Stage 1 of El Camino.
When travelers think of Costa Rica, their minds often drift to cloud forests, volcanoes, and Pacific surf towns. Yet, tucked on the opposite side of the country lies a coastline that is just as captivating, though far less crowded: the Caribbean. This region is where El Camino de Costa Rica begins, at Muelle Goshen, a quiet dock that marks the first steps of a 280-kilometer trail that cuts across the country, all the way to the Pacific. But before lacing up your boots and heading inland, it’s worth taking time to explore the treasures of this vibrant coastline.
The Caribbean is more than just a starting line. It’s a destination of its own, bursting with Afro-Caribbean culture, pristine beaches, lush jungle, and culinary traditions that will stay with you long after your trip. Whether you are visiting to embark on El Camino or simply to discover a side of Costa Rica that many travelers overlook, the Caribbean has countless gems you shouldn’t miss.
You should also read our article about the ending point of El Camino de Costa Rica: Quepos Costa Rica: Top Things to Do Where the Trail Ends.
Puerto Viejo and the rhythm of Afro-Caribbean life
No place captures the soul of Costa Rica’s Caribbean better than Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This laid-back town is infused with Afro-Caribbean traditions brought by Jamaican immigrants generations ago. Walking down its colorful streets, you’ll hear reggae and calypso drifting from beach bars, smell the spices of coconut-rich dishes, and see bicycles and surfboards leaning against palm trees.
Puerto Viejo is also a perfect base for exploring the surrounding beaches and reserves. The rhythm is slower here, inviting you to adapt, to listen, and to savor. It’s also a place with a vibrant nightlife, thanks to locally owned bars that reflect the laid-back lifestyle and a love for reggae parties.
Where El Camino de Costa Rica Starts (The Caribbean Travel Guide)
The Caribbean coast is lined with beaches that feel like paradise, each with its personality. Just minutes from Puerto Viejo, you’ll find:
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Playa Cocles: A hub for surfers, with consistent waves and a youthful vibe. The beach is framed by lush jungle, and lifeguards here make it one of the safer spots for swimming.
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Playa Chiquita: Smaller, more intimate coves make this beach perfect for those looking for tranquility. It feels like a secret escape, where tide pools form natural swimming spots.
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Punta Uva: Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, this is where turquoise waters meet soft white sand. Kayaking along the coast reveals hidden corners of reef and mangrove.
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Manzanillo: Located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, this beach feels untouched, with endless stretches of sand, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, as coral reefs protect the shoreline.
These beaches are not only breathtaking but also diverse. Whether you want to surf, solitude, or snorkeling, there’s a perfect spot for you.
Cacao farms and the story of chocolate
Long before coffee became Costa Rica’s global crop, cacao was king, particularly in the Caribbean. Today, visitors can explore small family-run cacao farms that keep these traditions alive. Walking through a cacao plantation, you’ll see how pods grow on the trunk of the tree, learn about the fermentation process, and, of course, taste rich, hand-crafted chocolate.
What makes Caribbean cacao unique is the blend of indigenous Bribri traditions with modern artisanal techniques. Many tours are led by local families who share not only their product but also their stories of resilience, community, and deep ties to the land. For many travelers, tasting chocolate here feels like discovering it for the first time.
Music, dance, and the calypso legacy
One of the most defining elements of the Caribbean is its music. While reggae is omnipresent, the region is also home to calypso limonense, a genre that originated in Limón province. With playful lyrics, rhythmic guitar, and infectious percussion, calypso tells stories of daily life, humor, and history.
Icons like Walter Ferguson, often called the “King of Calypso,” helped preserve and spread this tradition. Today, his songs remain anthems of the Caribbean, and younger generations continue to celebrate the music in festivals and community gatherings. For visitors, hearing calypso live is more than entertainment; it’s a cultural window into the identity of the region.
Gastronomy beyond the plate
Gastronomy here is a cultural immersion. Food on the Caribbean coast is not only about flavor but about memory and ritual. Unlike other parts of Costa Rica where gallo pinto dominates, here you’ll find coconut milk in almost everything, fiery chili peppers, and Caribbean spices.
Some of the highlights, these are the most traditional dishes:
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Rice and beans, a beloved dish made with red beans, rice cooked in coconut milk, and seasoned with Panamanian pepper. This recipe is more than just food; it’s part of the living heritage of the Caribbean, linking food to family and community.
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Patí: A pastry filled with spicy beef, perfect as a quick snack.
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Rondón: A rich seafood stew flavored with coconut milk, thyme, and peppers.
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Plantains: Served fried, mashed, or baked, plantains are staples in almost every meal.
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Coconut desserts: Candies and cakes infused with coconut are sold in markets and roadside stalls.
Each dish is an expression of the fusion of cultures: indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and mestizo. That makes this region so rich. Sampling local food is tasting the diversity of Costa Rica.
Cultural encounters with indigenous communities
Beyond the beaches and towns, the Caribbean is home to indigenous communities, particularly the Bribri and Cabécar peoples. Visiting with them offers a different perspective: traditions of farming, natural medicine, and spiritual practices that have been passed down for centuries.
Some tours allow you to learn about traditional cacao ceremonies, take part in weaving workshops, or walk through the forest with a local guide who explains the medicinal uses of plants. These experiences remind travelers that the Caribbean is not just about scenery, but about people and living heritage.
Logistics: Preparing for El Camino de Costa Rica
If your main goal is to hike El Camino de Costa Rica, the Caribbean coast is your starting point. The trail begins at Muelle Goshen, just outside the city of Limón. For international travelers, this means planning your time carefully:
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Arrive a day or two early to enjoy the beaches and culture before starting the trek.
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Stay in Puerto Viejo or Limón to acclimate, rest, and prepare your gear.
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Plan transportation from San José to Limón or Puerto Viejo; it’s a roughly four-hour drive.
By arriving early, not only do you ensure you’re ready to start the trek, but you also give yourself the gift of experiencing the Caribbean beyond the trail.
Why the Caribbean matters
The country’s Pacific coast sometimes overshadows the Caribbean of Costa Rica, but for those who visit, it becomes unforgettable. It’s a region of contrasts: jungles that spill into the sea, colorful towns alive with music, and communities that blend diverse histories into a unique culture.
As the gateway to El Camino de Costa Rica, the Caribbean deserves more than just a passing glance. It’s the prologue to the story of your journey, a place that sets the tone with rhythm, flavor, and warmth.
So before you take your first steps inland, take time to immerse yourself in these gems. Whether it’s tasting a homemade chocolate bar on a Bribri farm, listening to calypso at sunset, or watching waves crash on Punta Uva, the Caribbean offers memories that will travel with you, long after your footprints fade from the sand. If you’re ready to book, ask us for a quote.
Quick summary of El Camino de Costa Rica Starting Point: Puerto Viejo & Caribbean Guide
What to expect on the first leg of El Camino de Costa Rica?
The trail begins at Muelle Goshen on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, offering travelers a glimpse of lush landscapes and the region’s vibrant culture before heading inland.
Is the Caribbean the first stop on El Camino de Costa Rica?
Yes. The Caribbean marks the official starting point of the journey, making it a great idea to arrive a day or two early to explore the coast before beginning the hike.
What are the top things to do on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast before starting the trail?
Don’t miss Puerto Viejo’s Afro-Caribbean cuisine, cacao farm tours, and the region’s famous beaches like Punta Uva and Manzanillo. You’ll also find lively music and the distinctive flavor of calypso traditions.
What wildlife and outdoor activities are available in Limón?
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to monkeys, sloths, toucans, and sea turtles. Outdoor lovers can snorkel, kayak, surf, or hike through jungle trails where the forest meets the sea.
How do I get to the Caribbean coast?
It’s about a four-hour drive from San José to Limón or Puerto Viejo. Buses and private shuttles run daily, making it easy to reach the Caribbean and prepare for your adventure on El Camino.
