One of Costa Rica’s most culturally diverse regions, the Caribbean coast has influences that range from Hispanic and Miskito Indian to Afro-Caribbean. There are some beautiful beaches and coral reefs to be found around Cahuita but the main attraction is the Tortuguero National Park. Accessed solely by plane or boat, two or three days roaming this dense network of canals, swamps and waterways by boat and on foot with your guide will provide an opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife. Sloths, iguanas, brightly-coloured butterflies, poison dart frogs, monkeys, crocodiles and even jaguars are just some of the animals that make up a biodiversity hot-spot that spans 19,000 hectares. The birdlife here is prolific too with the waterways home to numerous species of waterbirds such as spoonbills, cormorants and herons, with the call of toucans perched in the forest canopy above. From July to October endangered green turtles climb from the ocean and lay eggs on 35 kilometres of protected shoreline, alongside other nests dug by giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. Though this area is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica it remains an intriguing part of the country to visit, especially if you are a wildlife enthusiast.