Complete Travel Guide to Matina, Costa Rica

Matina Matina is a canton in the Limón province of Costa Rica. The head city is in Matina district. Positioned at coordinates 10.0°N, -83.25°E, Matina occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Matina place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 15.0 meters above sea level, Matina benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Matina creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 45329 residents, Matina maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Matina represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Matina reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Costa Rica, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Limón province, Matina contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Costa Rica’s regional character. The role of Matina in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Matina discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Costa Rica while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Matina

History Matina was created on 24 June 1969 by decree 4344 Cite error: The named reference `crevoterritorial` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

The historical trajectory of Matina demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Matina reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Matina remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Matina has an area of 772. 64 km² and a mean elevation of 13 metres. The canton includes the Caribbean coast between the mouths of the Pacuare River to the north and the Toro River to the south. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Matina, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. It lies between the Madre de Dios River on the northwest side and the Toro River on the east, and ranges as far south at the Boyei River in the Cordillera de Talamanca. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Matina, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. “Área en kilómetros cuadrados, según provincia, cantón y distrito administrativo”. _Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos_ (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 September 2020. Cite error: The named reference `divadm` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

The topographic characteristics of Matina result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Matina region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Matina area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Matina has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Matina demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Matina create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Matina reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Matina create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Matina determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Matina create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Matina demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Matina include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationCensusPop. The demographic composition of Matina reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 197310,489— 198414,723+3. 13% 200033,096+5. 19% 201137,721+1. 20% 202245,329+1. 68% Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos Centro Centroamericano de Población For the 2011 census, Matina had a population of 37,721 inhabitants. The demographic composition of Matina reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. “Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos” (in Spanish). Centro Centroamericano de Población de la Universidad de Costa Rica. “Sistema de Consulta a Bases de Datos Estadísticas” (in Spanish). Población total por zona y sexo, según provincia, cantón y distrito”. _Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos_ (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 September 2020. ]: Population *[±% p. The demographic composition of Matina reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ]: Per annum growth rate.

The cultural landscape of Matina represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Matina reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Matina continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Matina provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Matina demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Matina provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of Matina reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Matina often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Matina serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Matina demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Matina has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Matina focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation #Road transportation The canton is covered by the following road routes: * National Route 32 * National Route 803 * National Route 804 * National Route 805 * National Route 807 * National Route 813.

Transportation infrastructure serving Matina reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Costa Rica. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Matina.

Regional connectivity from Matina provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Planning Your Visit to Matina

Successful visits to Matina require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Matina often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Matina include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Matina extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Matina (canton)”.