Why the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica Is the Perfect Place to Live

Climate, Wildlife & Natural Beauty

Published

2 days ago

Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica between Cahuita and Manzanillo National Parks is one of the most scenic and tourist-friendly regions in the country, home to some of its best beaches — including Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra, and Manzanillo. This area offers a rare combination of ideal climate, extraordinary biodiversity, and safe, swimmable beaches.

Two protected areas help preserve the region’s natural beauty and ecological integrity:

Cahuita National Park – known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and calm waters ideal for snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge – where lush jungle meets the sea, with scenic hiking trails and untouched nature

These parks ensure the region remains clean, green, and alive — an ideal place for peaceful living or smart investment.

A Pleasant, Balanced Climate Year-Round

Costa Rica has eight distinct climate zones, and the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo enjoys one of the most mild and stable climates. Thanks to the Talamanca Mountain Range, this area is protected from harsh weather extremes — avoiding both the intense heat and dryness of the Pacific and the heavy rains of the central mountains.

Here, the weather is refreshingly warm and humid year-round, with sunshine, fresh ocean breezes, and short, nourishing rains that keep everything green — often without even needing air conditioning. While the Pacific side can get overwhelmingly hot and dry, the Caribbean stays naturally breezy and shaded, allowing for open-air living and better comfort.

Wildlife at Your Doorstep — Above, Below, and All Around

One of the most magical things about life here is how close you are to wildlife every day — no tours required. Just by walking around town or relaxing near your home, you may see:

Sloths lounging in trees, even close to cafés or beach paths
Three types of monkeys: howler monkeys (large and vocal), spider monkeys (agile and long-limbed), and white-faced capuchins (clever and curious)

Three types of toucans:
– Keel-billed Toucan, with its colorful rainbow beak
– Yellow-throated Toucan, large with a striking yellow-and-black beak (often called the “black toucan”)
– Collared Aracari, a smaller species with a fully black beak and a bright chest

Parrots flying in pairs above the jungle, the rare Great Green Macaw with its bright green feathers and red crown, and hummingbirds flitting between flowers and feeders are all part of everyday life here

Butterflies, frogs, iguanas, owls, and agoutis, small forest mammals commonly seen foraging by day

And yes, even jaguars live in the Talamanca jungle — but they stay deep in the forest and never come near people or homes. If you’d like to see one up close (safely), the Jaguar Rescue Center in Playa Chiquita is a wonderful sanctuary that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back into nature.

Safe and Swimmable Beaches — Unlike the Pacific

A common question from newcomers: Are there crocodiles like on the Pacific coast?

On the Pacific side, many rivers flow into the ocean and can harbor crocodiles, making swimming risky in some areas. But on the Caribbean side, especially near Playa Negra, Punta Uva, and Playa Chiquita, crocodiles are extremely rare in rivers, and never found in the sea. The beaches here are much safer for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

A Year-Round Feast of Tropical Fruits

Another everyday joy of Caribbean life is the abundance of tropical fruit available in every season. You’ll find:

Pineapples, papayas, bananas, mangoes
Guanábana (soursop), rambutan, cacao, citrus, avocados, water apples, and starfruit

Most of it is grown locally and sold by farmers along the roadside or in markets. Combined with bold Caribbean flavors — coconut rice, grilled fish, sweet plantains, and homegrown herbs — every meal feels fresh, nourishing, and authentic.

A Better Way to Live

The Caribbean coast offers more than just beauty — it offers a lifestyle that’s healthier, simpler, and more connected to nature.

Here, you’ll find:

Clean air, natural food, and space to breathe
A welcoming local and expat community
A peaceful environment protected by national parks
100% titled properties available for foreign buyers — ideal for homes, rentals, or future investments

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