Limon
Puerto Limón, or simply Limón, is the heart and soul of the Caribbean coastal province of Limón. This is the region's largest city, with a population of approximately 85,000, including the surrounding districts. The inhabitants are mostly comprised of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, giving the city a completely unique appeal in a country that is over 90 percent mestizo. Although not considered a very touristy city, Puerto Limón is not without its charm.
This bustling port-city is home to extravagant open-air markets that buzz with commerce, fascinating architecture, a beautiful city hall—north of Parque Vergas—and a handful of museums that can help visitors get better acquainted with the region. Immersed in palms and vine-consumed Fichus trees is Parque Vargas, near the town’s waterfront. Sloths use the park as a hangout spot and can often be seen inching from branch to branch, taking full advantage of the tropical trees that line the park.
Because it was built atop rocky headland, Puerto Limón lacks a proper beachfront. But Playa Bonita is a mere 4km north of town and is decent enough for swimming.
Getting to Puerto Limón is quick and easy. Highway 32 from San José leads directly to the Caribbean coast. The trip via car will take about 4 hours, or a bit longer by bus. Limón International Airport has daily flights to and from San José, and will soon offer flights to Bocas del Torro, Panama.
Incredible Stays
Manatus Hotel
Manatus Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel in Tortuguero National Park. It is located between the canal and the coast.
View DetailsTortuga Lodge and Gardens
The Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is on Costa Rica's northeast Caribbean coast, just offshore of the port town of Limon. Limon is a lively town with a distinct Jamaican influence in the ambiance and foods. The draw of Tortuguero is its slow-moving tropical rivers, astounding rainforests, and the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important nesting sights of the Green Sea Turtle.
View DetailsEl Encanto Bed & Breakfast
El Encanto Bed & Breakfast is located in the Caribbean town of Cahuita. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, El Encanto is made up of an assortment of cozy, well-equipped bungalows. Cahuita is a small beachside town with a distinct Afro-Caribbean feel.
View DetailsHotel Mawamba
Hotel Mawamba is located in Tortuguero, on a piece of land between a canal and the ocean, just a short walk from the beach. Tortuguero is a network of lake and canals and is accessible only by boat or air. Because of its remote isolation, this hotel offers an exclusive look at a tropical environment that serves as an important nesting ground for sea turtles.
View DetailsHotel Le Cameleon
Le Caméléon lies along the Caribbean coast in the small town of Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo is known for its distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, great white-sand beaches, and close proximity to the Cahuita National Park.
View DetailsHotel Cariblue
Hotel Cariblue is found on the Caribbean coast, in the village of Puerto Viejo. This region offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a completely different side of Costa Rica. You will find a beautiful mixture of indigenous, afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican cultures, expressed in the way of life, speech and food.
View DetailsLirio Lodge
Lirio Lodge is an eco-lodge on the banks of the Madre Dios River, which flows from the nearby Caribbean Sea. While you’re here you’ll have an unspoiled look at Costa Rica’s Caribbean landscape.
View DetailsCaribe Town Hotel
Caribe Town Hotel has created a maze of little houses on its jungle property. As you wander through the gardens you will come across a monkey or sloth as frequently as you encounter another human. If you make your way to the main house you will find guests taking advantage of the resort’s amenities and community atmosphere.
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