Discover Carmen: Routes and Culture

When staying in Carmen, it is worth distinguishing between regional routes and destinations: access routes to the Sendero lead to Laguna Penitencia, while other routes toward Tortuguero mention Laguna Jalova or the Lagunas del Tortuguero. In the municipality of Siquirres, a market, a church with rounded architecture and a banana tour add to the picture. When planning your trip, consider which destination and type of transportation you have in mind.

Access routes to the Sendero and how they differ

A 2016 SINAC visitor management document describes an access route via Guápiles, Cariari, Campo Dos, Cuatro Esquinas and Palacios to the La Pavona dock on the Río La Suerte. From there, a boat takes you to Laguna Penitencia, where the trail’s main entrance is located. For this route, the document mentions public transportation both by land and by water.

A second option goes via Guápiles, Cariari, Palmitas and Puerto Lindo. From there, a boat travels along the Río Colorado and a connecting route toward Tortuguero to Laguna Penitencia and the trail’s main entrance. Unlike the first option, public transportation is mentioned only for the land portion; travelers must book boat transport privately. Both routes end at Laguna Penitencia; the main planning difference is the water section. As the document dates from 2016 and public transportation availability may change, check connections before your trip.

Other routes and waterways

Another route toward Tortuguero runs closer to the destination via Siquirres, El Carmen, Maryland and Caño Blanco, then along the Río Parismina to Laguna Jalova. Public transportation is available only for the land portion of this route; travelers must book boat transport privately. Its destination, Laguna Jalova, differs from Laguna Penitencia at the Sendero’s main entrance.

A separate river excursion is the trip on the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers: downstream, it leads to the Lagunas del Tortuguero. The area is considered an excellent destination for tourism. For orientation, it is helpful to distinguish this river trip from routes whose itineraries explicitly combine land sections and boat connections to a specific lagoon.

Market, architecture and banana tour in Siquirres

In the town of Siquirres, a visit to the market is worthwhile.

The church in the town of Siquirres is also known for a distinctive feature: its rounded architecture differs from that of other churches elsewhere in the country. If you are interested in architectural styles, this design offers a specific architectural point of reference. The market and church thus offer different highlights within the municipality: one as a place to visit, the other for its distinctive shape.

There is also a banana tour in the canton of Siquirres, visited mainly by tourists from cruise ships. Other visitors book in advance with the operator. If you are planning to take the tour, check with the operator whether it is available on your dates and arrange your reservation directly.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Manzanillo, Cariari, Puerto Limón, Cocles, Linda Vista, Punta Uva.

For the broader travel overview: Limón.