OHMCR The Best Costa Rica Travel Guide

The Cahuita National Park is located in Costa Rica’s Southern Atlantic Coast in the Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area in the province of Limon.  The area was originally created as the Cahuita National Monument back in 1970 and was later changed to a National Park in 1978.

The Cahuita National Park protects beaches and one of last living coral reefs in Costa Rica.  Several tourists and scuba divers visit the Cahuita Nacional Park every year for its pristine jungle that unfolds right on the beach, its Coralline Reefs as well as to observe the Green Atlantic Sea Turtle nest on its beaches.

The reef at the Cahuita National Park has been known to have 34 coral species until recently.  Scientists from the Ocean and Limnology Scientific Research Center (Cimar) of the University of Costa Rica recently completed a study of the coral reefs in Cahuita and found that although the quantity of live coral has increased, the variety has decreased.

At least 7 species of the original 34 were not found bringing the total amount of species down to 27.  Scientists are concerned that original and emblematic coral species have disappeared thus altering the delicate and coral ecosystem.  The area once occupied by the disappeared coral species has been taken by the stronger surviving coral species thus decreasing the possibility for the first ones to reappear.

Scientists have pointed out several reasons to why the coral reef has changed dramatically over the past 20 years.  Natural causes such as storms which produce strong currents can directly weaken and break the coral structures.  One of the most important causes is the warming of the ocean waters.  The elevated water temperature changes the chemical composition of ocean water thus making it difficult for the corals to feed and breathe.

In order to try to provide the proper conditions for the corals in Cahuita to be healthy again, scientists are trying to determine the water and environment conditions of some 30 years back in order to do what is possible to recreate it.

written by fernando \\ tags: Cahuita National Park, Cimar, corals in Cahuita, La Amistad Conservation Area, Ocean and Limnology Scientific Research Center, reefs in Costa Rica

When driving towards Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast from San Jose, the exploration begins from the moment you pass by the iconic Manolos Restaurant. The typical Costa Rican lifestyle begins to unfold along the winding road that takes you to the popular beaches of Punta Leona, Jaco and Quepos.

Although modernization has pretty much taken over some of the rural landscape, it is still possible to spot the traditional rural homes along the way. These homes are built half concrete and half wood. The bottom third of the homes are made of concrete while the remaining part is completed with vertical wood planks which reach up to the roof. Ochre colored corridors blend beautifully with the two-toned colored homes giving it a sense of freshness and relaxation.

During your trip it is also common to see the occasional father-son or mother-daughter vendors who pitch-up improvised stands made from tree branches or used wood and sell mangos, jocotes ( a tropical Spanish Plum or Purple Mombin) as well as home made orejas (typical Costa Rican dessert) drizzled with maple syrup or honey.

The first large town visitors will se is Atenas. Atenas boasts of its fame for having the most pleasant weather in the world. Many locals as well as foreigners have bought property in the area either to permanently reside or for vacationing. Once past Atenas, the road begins to ascend high into the mountains where on a clear day, one may catch the first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean far ahead.

The next largest town on the way towards the beach is Orotina. Orotina is well known for holding its annual Fruit Festival in which local producers are carefully picked for the quality of their fruit as well as their sustainable and eco friendly practices. On the main road, locals and tourists are able to buy all sort of fruits, nuts, sun dried bananas and refreshing jugo de pipa to calm your thirst.

As one continue’s from Orotina, you will notice how the weather becomes humid and hot as you get closer to the coast. A stop at the Tarcoles River Bridge is a must. As you peer over the bridge’s rail, you will be able to see the largest crocodile population in the country.

Once past the crocodile attraction, the first beach you will see to your right is Tarcoles. This is a small beach visited only by local residents and fishermen. Although Tarcoles is not the recommended place for swimming, it is the first sign that you are closer to your destination and that the sun, sand and surf awaits you.

written by Carolyn Ramer \\ tags: Costa Rican lifestyle, Jaco, Manolos Restaurant, Punta Leona, Purple Mombin, Quepos, Spanish Plum, Tarcoles River Bridge, typical Costa Rican dessert

In the Costa Rican food culture, beverages play an important part in the people’s preferences.  When having lunch or dinner, the majority choose to have a fruit beverage which is normally mixed in water or milk.

However, beer is also an extremely popular beverage among the majority of Costa Ricans.  Proof of its thriving market is the modern mega brewery plant the Florida Ice & Farm Company has in the province of Alajuela.

The brewery was founded in San Jose back in 1908 by the Lindo Morales brothers.  The name’s origin comes from where the beer was brewed back in the days.  The Lindo Morales brothers had a farm names La Florida in the town of Siquirres from which they also sold ice which was a common custom back then.

Today, the Florida Ice & Farm Company, better known as CCR for “Cerveceria Costarricense”, dominates the local market.  The CCR has also been vigilant of the beer preferences and tendencies which arrive to Costa Rica and quickly strike a deal in order to assure that they will control this market.

Recent negotiations of the Costa Rican government regarding Cafta has raised questions as to if the CCR will be able to compete with the new beer brands that will reach the country at competitive prices at which CCR representatives shrugged off the issue.  CCR is well aware of the local beer preference and do not fear imported beer as they are sure that they will not please the Costa Rican taste buds.

At 100 years of having complete dominion of the Costa Rican market, the Florida Ice & Farm Company are showing no signs of weakness.

written by Carolyn Ramer \\ tags: cerveceria costa rica, Costa Rican food culture, Florida Ice & Farm Company