Carate: Coastal Views, Lagoon and History

Carate combines coastal views stretching to Corcovado National Park with a lagoon between rainforest and the Pacific. From Playa Carate, you can see the coast as far as the park; fresh and salt water mix in the lagoon at Pejeperrito Wildlife Refuge. A kayak tour and a guided walk offer different ways to experience the area. History also helps put the area in context: a simple settlement was established near the Río Carate in the late 1950s, following a gold rush before the Second World War. This makes it worth considering whether nature observation, a guided activity or the settlement’s historical development is of particular interest to you as you plan your trip.

Coastal Views and the Lagoon

From Playa Carate, views extend along the coast as far as Corcovado National Park. The lagoon at Pejeperrito Wildlife Refuge offers a different focus: it lies between rainforest and the Pacific, and fresh and salt water mix in its waters. This means a coastal view and a lagoon with two types of water are distinct natural attractions. If you would rather plan your trip around landscapes, these features can help you decide what interests you. The coastal view and the waterscape are two clearly distinct points of reference when deciding which you would like to shape your stay.

On the Water or on Foot

One provider offers a kayak tour in the lagoon at Playa Carate in Pejeperrito Wildlife Refuge. The water is said to be calm; the lagoon is surrounded by rainforest, and there are opportunities for birdwatching. The tour therefore appeals to travelers interested in the waterside scenery and birds. Confirm availability with the provider before your trip.

A provider also offers a guided walk in the Playa Carate area. It is considered suitable for families with children and for people looking for a shorter hike. While the kayak tour focuses on the lagoon, the walk offers a different activity in the area. Check availability for the walk before your trip, too. You can then decide whether you would prefer an activity on the water or a guided walk.

A Settlement’s History Across Different Eras

The area’s history adds a different time perspective. A gold rush took place before the Second World War; later, in the late 1950s, a simple settlement was established near the Río Carate. These are two events separated by a considerable period: the earlier gold rush and the later founding of the settlement. For travelers who want to understand a place’s development as well as enjoy its natural attractions, this sequence provides a specific historical point of reference.

Getting There and Choosing a Vacation Rental

Getting there is another factor to consider when choosing where to stay. From Puerto Jiménez, the road from Chacarita to Carate continues as a challenging unpaved track. It passes through rivers and rainforest and offers views of the coast. Road conditions can vary, so check the latest conditions before driving. If you are considering Carate as a vacation destination, weigh its nature and activity options against the journey there. When looking for a vacation rental in Carate, your preferred experiences and the type of access both factor into your choice of location.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sábalo, Barrigones, Montezuma, Coronado, Mogos, Cebadilla, Buenos Aires Canton, Espíritu Santo.

See the main travel overview: Puntarenas.