When planning a trip to Carmen, it is worth distinguishing destinations in the municipality of Siquirres from excursions in the wider region. In the town of Siquirres, a visit to the market is recommended; the church stands out for its round architecture. The canton of Siquirres also offers a banana tour. The described access routes to the Sendero and trips to the Lagunas del Tortuguero are regional outings with their own routes. This gives visits to local sites, an experience that should be arranged in advance, and river routes their own place in your plans.

Regional Routes and Waterways

A 2016 SINAC visitor management document describes two access routes to the Sendero. Both lead to Laguna Penitencia, where the trail’s main entrance is located. The first route goes via Guápiles, Cariari, Campo Dos, Cuatro Esquinas and Palacios to the La Pavona dock on the Río La Suerte; from there, continue by boat. The document lists public transport on both land and water for this route. As the information dates from 2016 and availability may change, check current connections before travelling.

The second access route goes via Guápiles, Cariari, Palmitas and Puerto Lindo; from there, travel by boat along the Río Colorado and a connecting route towards Tortuguero to Laguna Penitencia. For this access route, too, the description lists public transport only overland; boat transport must be booked privately. Another route towards Tortuguero goes via Siquirres, El Carmen, Maryland and Caño Blanco, then along the Río Parismina to Laguna Jalova. Public transport is available only overland for this route; the boat must be booked privately. Laguna Penitencia and Laguna Jalova are therefore reached by different access routes.

Culture in the Municipality of Siquirres

The market in the town of Siquirres is a recommended place to visit. The church in the same town is distinguished by its round architecture, which differs from that of other churches elsewhere in the country. These two recommendations give cultural plans different focal points: a visit is the main draw at the market, while the church’s distinctive architectural form is the highlight. Together, they offer a distinct contrast to the river and Sendero routes, where access and the stretch by water carry more weight.

Tours and River Landscapes

The banana tour in the canton of Siquirres is visited mainly by cruise ship tourists; other visitors book in advance with the operator. If you plan to take this tour, contact the operator beforehand rather than assuming you can visit spontaneously.

Another regional option is to travel downstream along the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers to the Lagunas del Tortuguero. The area is considered an excellent tourism destination. As a travel choice, this route differs from the journeys to the Sendero: here, the downstream journey itself is the defining part of the experience.

Discover more destinations: Parismina, Linda Vista, Búffalo, Cariari, Manzanillo, Colorado, Siquirres, Santa Marta

For the broader travel overview: Limón.