Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Vito
Although the Italian immigrants who founded little San Vito in the 1850s are long gone,
this hillside village proudly bears traces of their legacy in linguistic, cultural and culinary
echoes. As such, the town serves as a base for travelers in need of a steaming plate of pasta
and a good night's sleep before descending into the deep wilderness.
The proximity of the town to the Reserva Indígena Guaymí de Coto Brus means that in-
digenous peoples pass through this region (groups of Ngöbe - also known as Guaymí -
move back and forth across the border with Panama). You might spot women in traditional
clothing - long, solid-colored
nagua
dresses trimmed in contrasting hues - riding the bus
or strolling the streets.
Tucked in between the Cordillera de Talamanca and the Fila Costeña, the Valle de Coto
Brus offers some glorious geography, featuring the green, rolling hills of coffee plantations
backed by striking mountain facades. The principal road leaves the Interamericana at Paso
Real (near Rey Curré) and follows the Río Jaba to San Vito, then continues south to rejoin
the Interamericana at Neily. This winding mountain road offers spectacular scenery and a
thrilling ride.
