The Atlantic Coast, shorter than the Pacific, offers long, uncluttered beaches, high forested mountains, coconut palms, plantations of cacao and bananas, national parks and wildlife refuges, sleepy villages, and a commercial port. Mountains, coastal plains, and marine areas contain a rich mixture ofspecies and habitats to explore.

The cultural landscape is unique-nowhere else in Costa Rica do Black and Indian influences leave such an imprint. While Aftican Americans countrywide make up about 3 percent of the population, the percentage in Limon province is about one- third. This culture adds to the flavor of the Caribbean zone and, because many speak English, broadens communicai ions for monolingual English-speaking tourists. It is, however, a Creole English whose expressions can surprise and delight.

Indian influence in the Caribbean is more heavily felt as you go farther south to the Talamanca coast-land of the Bribri and Cabecar Indians. There are three main Indian reserves: KekoLdi, Talamanca-Bribri, and Talamanca-Cabecar.

Two land routes bring travelers to this area: the highway through It Braulio Carrillo National Park and the older road from San Jose through Cartago and Turrialba . The two highways join at Siquirres for the final lap into Limon. Air and boat travel bring visitors to the Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero areas.

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