South of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Introducing South of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

South of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, the legacy of United Fruit is still evident in the endless banana plantations that stretch as far as the Caribbean coast. To the west, the rugged hills of the Cordillera Central mark the northeastern boundary of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. Travelers on this scenic stretch of highway are either heading to points on the Caribbean Coast or in the Central Valley. However, it’s worth slowing down a bit as this area is home to a working biological research station, a world-class botanical garden and perhaps the most isolated lodge in the entire country.

About 4km and 10km southeast of Puerto Viejo are, respectively, the entrances to Estación Biológica La Selva and Heliconia Island. About 15km further is the village of Horquetas, from where it’s another 15km on a dirt road to the rain-forest preservation project and lodge at Rara Avis. From Horquetas the paved road continues for about 17km through banana plantations to Hwy 32, which connects San José to the Caribbean coast. The route to San José takes you through the middle of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo.

Last updated: May 19, 2009