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15 Fun Things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

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Puerto Limón, Costa Rica is one of the largest cities in Costa Rica and definitely worth your time to explore! It’s a beautiful port city, also known as Port Limon, located on the eastern coast of the country. Limon is also a destination location for many cruise ships, so there are always things happening at Port Limon. 

As the capital of Limón Province, Puerto Limón is the hub of activity and has a good mix of tourism and culture. All around the Limón Province, you will find everything Costa Rica has to offer from ziplining to river cruises, great food to amazing beaches, and everything in between. There are so many things to do both culturally and recreationally in Puerto Limón that you will not want to miss this amazing Caribbean city!

In this blog, we have gathered up the top 15 things to do in Puerto Limón that will give you all the best parts of Costa Rica in one centralized location! 

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our list of absolute favorite things to do in Limón!

• Snorkel the reef at Cahuita National Park.
• Go ziplining through the rainforest canopy!
• Relax in the sun and the sand at Playa Bonita.
• Spend the day on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Pacuare River.
• Search for sloths at Vargas Park.

Things to do in Limón, Costa Rica

1. explore cahuita national park .

When visiting Costa Rica, spending time in nature is a must! A hike in Cahuita National Park will show you some of the best of the wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer . Spot monkeys in the trees, snakes, and lots of rare birds of Costa Rica .

Cahuita National Park is located just south of Cahuita town around 45 minutes south of Puerto Limón. The park is open every day from 8 am to 4 and the park asks for a $5 USD entrance donation (cash only) per person to keep the park beautiful and preserved.

Exploring Cahuita is done by walking the 5-mile (8-kilometer) hiking trail (one way) through the park. Visitors can walk as far as they want before turning around. Along the trail, there are stunning beaches to explore as well as lots of wildlife.

One of the main attractions of the park, and the reason it was created in the first place, is the snorkeling on the reef. With that said, the reef was damaged during an earthquake in 1991 which lifted the seabed 10 feet (3 meters.) You need to book a tour in order to snorkel the reef as a permit is now required.

While you can visit and explore this park on your own, there are multiple guided tours you can choose from to have a more in-depth experience.  This tour will give you an amazing wildlife experience  along with the fauna of the park. It includes transportation to and from your hotel and even snacks! 

If you have your own transportation and can meet the guide at the entrance,  this tour is an excellent walking tour of the park .  

2. Explore Veragua Rainforest

Veragua Rainforest  is located about an hour west of Limón and is one of the best places to see a sloth and other wildlife near Limón. Along the hiking trails through the park, you can see amazing biodiversity including frogs, butterflies, monkeys, and of course, sloths.

There is also an ariel tram that takes you up into the trees and up close with all the amazing animals living there!

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, and standard admission which includes the walking trails and aerial tram, is $62 USD. If you have your own vehicle, you can just drive out to the park and purchase your ticket, exploring on your own.

This guided tour costs $153 USD  and will provide transportation from Puerto Limón, your entrance ticket to the park, and a ride on the aerial tram. You’ll also get to explore the stunning trails that wind their way around the forest and visit a waterfall. The best part is, with a guide, you’ll see a lot more wildlife!

3. Cruise the Tortuguero Canal

The Tortuguero Canals are known as Costa Rica’s Amazon. A part of Tortuguero National Park , these canals are a true maze of waterways that run down the coast of Costa Rica. They are rich with wildlife and the views are spectacular.

The park was set up in 1971 to protect the rare wildlife here which includes the Green Turtle and the best way to travel these canals is to take an open-air boat tour. 

This tour  will provide transportation both ways to and from Port Limón. It also includes a guide that will be able to point out the amazing animals that live along the riverfront. Tours start at only $107 USD and start running early in the morning until late. 

If you have your own transport to Tortuguero then you can simply purchase tickets for the boat tour and meet at the Almonds Dock.

4. Go ziplining 

If you want to get up close and personal with the rainforest surrounding the Tortuguero Canal, take a zipline and canopy tour! A trip to Costa Rica is not complete until you are soaring through the canopy of the rainforest, and Tortuguero Canal is one of the most beautiful places to experience it. 

This tour is a great combination adventure  of both the Tortuguero Canals river cruise and zip line tour. It’s perfect for those short on time. You will see animals in the rainforest and the water as well as get a great introduction to the area. The tour starts at 8 am and leaves from Puerto Limón.  

5. Relax at Playa Bonita

The name itself, Playa Bonita or Beautiful Beach, should convince you to visit this amazing beach. It is located on the north side of the Limón region in a little inlet that allows for great surfing, relaxing on the beach, or playing in the sand. 

This beach can be reached by taxi if you plan to visit on your own and spend as much time as you would like. If you are looking for a quick visit to the beach but still be able to walk on the sand, you can  take a combination tour like this one  that will give you the best of the beaches as well as the entire Puerto Limón including a banana plantation. The tour costs around $60 USD and lasts upwards of 4 hours.

6. Go snorkeling 

One of the most unique spots in Limón, Costa Rica is located just off the coast, and snorkeling is the best way to see it all. Cahuita, Playa Bonita, Playa Cieneguita, as well as others along Puerto Limón offer excellent snorkeling spots and scuba diving where you will get the chance to see beautiful coral reefs, amazing fish, and other wildlife. You may even get to encounter turtles swimming by!

If you travel further south to Puerto Viejo , you can take a snorkeling tour out to see a shipwreck sight. It is a beautiful and adventurous way to get in the water and get in touch with nature. 

This specific Cahuita National Park snorkeling tour  is an excellent option if you are looking for a basic, private snorkeling tour that is safe and has all the gear included and will take you to see amazing coral reefs and creatures.

It’s a private tour too so only your group will go which means you’ll have more opportunity to learn from your guide and ask questions.

Related Read: Want to spend more time in Puerto Viejo? Check out the best hotels in Puerto Viejo !

7. Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting down Pacuare River is a must-do for adventure seekers. This river is located about 60 minutes north of Limón and is accessible by taxi or through a guided tour. 

The Pacuare River is considered one of the most scenic and beautiful rivers in all of Costa Rica and offers a range of rapids all in one trip. You will get to see lots of wildlife and amazing plants while on your trip down the river, as well as paddle over level III-IV rapids. 

It should come as no surprise that this is one of the best places to go whitewater rafting in all of Costa Rica !

Check out this tour  for an all-day whitewater rafting adventure priced at $132 USD. You will travel over 18 miles of river, and transportation from Limón is included in the package.

8. Visit a Banana Plantation

Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest exporters of bananas , which means there are many places to see them growing and harvested. There are several plantations near Limón. 

You can visit one on your own or  tour a plantation with a guide like this experience . It includes a cruise on the Tortuguero Canal with a tour through the Del Monte banana plantation along the way. You can learn about how bananas are grown, watch how the very skilled workers harvest the bananas, and even purchase fresh bananas to enjoy! 

9. Head to Puerto Viejo

This cute town is located down the coast from Limón and is excellent for spending a day in town, on the beach, or both! Puerto Viejo arguably has some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Costa Rica! 

From the black sand beach of Playa Negra to the crystal blue waters of Playa Puerto Viejo, it is a must-see when visiting Limón Province. But Puerto Viejo offers many more things to do than just beaches ! 

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting a wildlife refuge (more on that below, #13 in this blog) as well as snorkeling among the amazing sea creatures. For those a bit more adventurous, Puerto Viejo offers amazing surfing and even a dive into a sunken ship off the coast. 

There is so much to do in Puerto Viejo you may need to make it a separate trip!

10. Make chocolate the traditional way

When you think chocolate, you probably don’t think of Costa Rica first, but you will now! Costa Rica has a rich culture and many indigenous tribes throughout the country. You can escape the more touristy areas of Costa Rica and visit a village of the Bribri tribe to learn how to make chocolate in a very traditional way. 

This experience will get you to the village and back , as well as experience making chocolate, and learning all about the Bribri tribe including their language and lifestyle. It is a unique and very memorable way to experience the culture of Costa Rica. 

11. Visit Vargas Park

This park is located just off the coast in Limón near the port itself. While it is not a very large park, it is a great balance of culture, tourism, and wildlife. It is free to enter and does not close, but you will want to go during the day. This is when food vendors are there, and you are more likely to see sloths hanging in the trees. 

Enjoy a walk around the park, take pictures in the iconic gazebo or with the many other art installments, or just sit on one of the many benches and enjoy searching for sloths. You may have to convince a local to help point them out to you though, as they can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what you are looking for! 

This park is a great choice if you have an hour or two of extra time in downtown Limón. 

12. Eat at amazing restaurants in Limón

Since this region of Costa Rica is located on the coast it has been influenced by Jamaican culture so in turn, a lot of the food here is much different than in the rest of Costa Rica. Dishes are made with unique spices and Caribbean cooking methods.

If you want true Costa Rican food, there are many small restaurants called “sodas” are located on almost every block in Limón. These hole-in-the-wall places will serve you amazing Gallo pinto, Casado, plantains, chicken, and Arroz con Leche for a very good price. 

Some of the most amazing restaurants include:

Taylor’s Restaurant – This restaurant is a local favorite, and you can find all the typical Costa Rican foods here along with Caribbean dishes. It is open every day from 7 am to 6:45 pm and is highly rated. 

Maestros Wine & Grill – It has a cozy feel to it and offers a wide selection of wine and food. This upscale restaurant is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 10 am to 10 pm on Wednesday, 10 am to 11 pm on Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 10 pm on Sunday.

13. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

Animal lovers or not, you will love to see amazing wildlife up close and in person at the Jaguar Rescue Center . Here, they care for all types of animals from sloths to toucans! 

You can learn about how they live, what dangers are facing these animals, why they are in the center, and how they are working to get these animals back in the wild. The aim of the game at all wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica is to release the animals back into the wild – and that’s just what they do at the Jaguar Rescue Center.

You can get there on your own by car or taxi from Puerto Viejo. Their 1.5-hour public tour costs just $24 USD and happens each day the center is open at 9:30 am and 11:30 am sharp. Private tours happen at 2 pm daily and cost $75 USD. Here is their website to learn more about their amazing work. 

You can also book a tour  that will provide transportation. This is a great choice for a few hours tour that includes pick up and drop off at Port Limón. Personally, it is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Limon.

14. Go shopping

As with any large city, there are always great places to shop and explore in the city itself. Limón offers a large central market that includes several different vendors, both food and other goods. 

You can barter for a good price and find amazing things from this market. There are also several little shops and boutique stores located all around town to explore. Spend some time and find amazing, handcrafted souvenirs walking from shop to shop in the streets of Limón. 

15. Go on a guided night tour

There is so much to see in Limón…even at night! There are amazing species of wildlife that only come out at night in the rainforests. Frogs, insects, and even big cats can be seen during a night tour. 

This guided tour  is a great option for a night tour leaving from Limón and costs just $45 USD. Any night tours should be done with a guide to make sure you stay safe and avoid getting lost in the rainforests!  

Getting to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Puerto Limón is about a 3-hour drive from the capital of San Jose. You can get there easily by bus or even taxi, depending on how much you want to spend. 

The cheapest way to get there will be to take the public bus from San Jose. The quickest way to get to Puerto Limón is to fly, as Limón is home to one of the four airports in the country. You can fly directly from locations outside of Costa Rica or take a short flight from San Jose to Puerto Limón. 

Another common way to get to Puerto Limón is to go by Cruise Ship. Port Limon is a major stopping point for many cruise ships and is a part of many affordable packages. Ships stop all along the port and vary in how long they stay and give you time off the boat. You can still experience a lot of what Limón has to offer with even just a day to explore and enjoy!

Note: Puerto Limon isn’t the safest place in Costa Rica , so you should take extra precautions while here.

Where to Stay in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica 

In Puerto Limón, there aren’t that many options for places to stay. To be honest, most people visit for the day from their cruise. However, if you are planning on spending a few nights in Puerto Limón, you can find an ideal place to stay. 

Casa Caribe – $

For budget travelers,   Casa Caribe  is a top choice if you don’t mind staying in a self-check-in apartment. They are clean, comfortable, and have great reviews.

The property is within walking distance of Playa Bonita, so the location is excellent. Options at Casa Caribe range from shared dorm rooms to private rooms and larger apartments perfect for a group. Rooms begin at around $60 USD per night. You can book on Booking.com or book on Hotels.com .

Hotel Playa Westfalia – $

If you have a rental car,  Hotel Playa Westfalia  is a good option. It’s located 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) south of Puerto Limón, but that means you’re closer to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

The hotel is also located right on the beach and has a pool! The rooms are air-conditioned. Plus, the hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar. Room rates at Hotel Playa Westfalia began at $74 USD per night. You can book this hotel on Booking.com or Expedia .

Stay in Cahuita Instead

Other than the couple of hotels mentioned above, most other options are either very similar to the above or not suitable to recommend. Instead,  consider staying in Cahuita ! You can find lots of nice places to stay there, such as  Wildlife Lodge Cahuita ,  Bungalows Aché Cahuita , and  Passion Fruit Lodge . 

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica might not be the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see. As you can see from the list above, there are a ton of awesome things to do in Puerto Limón!

Thanks so much for reading! If you liked this blog then you’ll love some of our other guides. So, check them out below, and don’t forget to let us know if you have any questions about your trip to Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Best places to go kayaking in Costa Rica

Top ziplining tours in Costa Rica

Things to do in Jaco

Sunday 29th of January 2023

We are heading to Costa Rica for the 2nd half of February. Staying in San Jose and hope to do some bus tours to Arenal and possibly Limon. 3 of us, I don't see any packages with banana and coffee tours, etc. We were hoping for a 6-hour round trip and 6-8 hours of some sight seeing activities/highlights. Any recommendaitons?

Costa Rica Travel Life

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

That's fantastic. How long are you visiting for?

I am actually just in the process of writing a guide to the best coffee tours in Costa Rica and 3 of them are around San Jose. There is one that visits Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and a coffee plantation. You can view it here - https://www.viator.com/en-NZ/tours/San-Jose/Coffee-Tour-Poas-Volcano-and-La-Paz-Waterfall-Day-Trip-from-San-Jose/d793-36560P5?pid=P00057689&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=Coffee-tours

Also, check out this post - https://costaricatravellife.com/day-trips-from-san-jose-costa-rica/

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks Bailey

Monday 24th of October 2022

My girlfriend and I have 6 days in costa rica to explore Limon. Should we stay there all 6 days in Cahuita? How can we maximize our time?? We want to go to the beach, national park, and also want to explore the bars/clubs/nightlife. Stay in Limon all 6 days or should we do 3 days there and 3 days somewhere else nearby? Thanks!

Great question. I would split your time between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. With 4 nights in Puerto Viejo and 2 nights in Cahuita. I would not stay in the city of Limon at all. Use the time in Cahuita to take it easy and explore the national park/ have some quiet beach days.

Then, Puerto Viejo offers great bars and restaurants as well as beautiful beaches and, of course, the Jaguar Rescue Center. If you check out our Puerto Viejo blog, you'll find tons to do. It's a lively place with lots of fun people to meet and share drinks with.

I hope this helps!

Jamie Cartmell

Saturday 3rd of September 2022

We will be in Puerto Limon for a day in January 2023. Which park/river will give us the most animal watching experiences? We would li9ke to see monkeys, sloths, birds,etc. Thanks!

Tuesday 27th of September 2022

The best place would be Cahuita National Park.

Thanks Daniel

• Knowing Costa Rica

Limon Province

The caribbean province is a natural paradise, formed by a combination of dense jungles, imposing mountains, and paradisiac beaches. Limon has the highest percentage of protected land in Costa Rica, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its vegetation is exuberant as are the cultures throughout the province.

The road to Limon from San Jose crosses the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park where beautiful journey to the lowlands of the caribbean begins.

Perhaps the most exuberant region of Limon is Tortuguero National Park, at the north part of the province. The park is a vast extension of protected land and the most important of the Atlantic coasts for the spawning of the green turtle. The city of Limon is the point of arrival for visitors. It is a port, which is essential in Costa Rica’s economic life and the greatest living example of the multicultural meeting experienced in this region throughout history.

Traveling south, at an hour’s distance, we find Cahuita, a typical caribbean villa. This town has become “a must” for visitors, for it represents the essence of a culture, and the beauty of Cahuita National Park, which protects an important expanse of coral reefs. The quiet waters in this spot are a plus for lovers of snorkeling. The underwater scenery is marvelous, with a wide chain of coral reefs, composed of different types of coral and occupied by an immense variety of tropical fish.

Another important city is Puerto Viejo, barely 30 minutes from Cahuita. A combination of music, beaches and food are the elements attracting thousands of tourists year by year.

Along the coastal area, travelers find a good number of options for lodging. The vast majority of hotels and cabins are small and formed of traditional bungalows, a unique type of construction of the caribbean.

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is located just at the end of the coastline, almost at the border of Panama. This refuge protects almost 4,500 hectares of beaches and sea, for the spawning of four species of turtles. In Manzanillo, kayaks are available to glide through the gentle mangroves in search of birds and reptiles characteristic of the area.

The province of Limon possesses a unique culture in Costa Rica, a way of life that may be fully appreciated during the traditional carnivals held each year. *** Information courtesy of Destinos magazine

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Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is the biggest city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the capital of Limón province, and a hardworking port that sits removed from the rest of the country. Cruise ships deposit dazed-looking passengers here between October and May, but around these parts, business is primarily measured by truckloads of fruit, not busloads of tourists. Aside from the cruise crowd, Limón can be a good base for adventurous urban explorers.

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Experience the real Puerto Limón. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Playa Bonita

Located 4km northwest of Limón, Playa Bonita has a pleasant sandy beach and a couple of happening bar-restaurants. .

The sea wall offers pleasant views of the rocky headland and the mesmerizing waves crashing against the concrete jetty. After dark this is a popular make…

Parque Vargas

The city’s waterfront centerpiece won't ever win best in show, but its decrepit bandstand, paths and greenery are surprisingly appealing, all shaded by…

A retro architectural landmark in the center of town.

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Limón, Costa Rica: Things to Do & Where to Go

Limón is Costa Rica’s eastern-most province and encompasses the entire Caribbean Coast from the San Juan de Sur River in Nicaragua in the north all the way to the Sixaola River to Panama in the south. The province covers an area of 9,189 km², and has a population of just under 400,000 people.

Limón’s territory is situated in the country’s Caribbean lowlands and includes coastal beaches and mangrove swamp areas. The Cordillera de Talamanca (Talamanca Mountain Range), which is considered the most undiscovered area in all of Costa Rica is located in the southwestern portion of Limón and includes some points of high elevation within the foothills and mountains of the relatively unexplored and undiscovered area. Within the province, there are six cantons, or counties, that make up Limón. Each one of these cantons is unique and boasts its own cultural identity.

The History Behind Limón, Costa Rica

Limón is rich in history and played a huge role in the agricultural revolution of Costa Rica. On his fourth and final voyage to the Americas in 1502, Christopher Columbus was the first known European to visit Limón. He stepped foot on the Island of Uvita, located less than a mile off the shore of present-day Puerto Limón , Limón’s capital city. The Spanish tried but eventually gave up the idea of colonizing the Caribbean lowlands and instead chose to explore the central valley and Pacific regions.

Limón’s Economic & Agricultural Development

The United Fruit Company laid the foundation for the current local economy and agriculture that exists in Limón. Major banana producing corporations and export companies like Dole and Chiquita have operations in Limón where the crops are grown, packaged and shipped to consumers. Although the initial fruit company has long been dismantled, banana and plantain exports remain one of the region’s top sources of income, as well as the ports of Limón, and tourism.

Getting to Know Puerto Limón, The Capital

Puerto Limón, which is more commonly known simply as Limón, is the capital city and main hub of the province. The capital city of Puerto Limón has a population of about 70,000, which includes the outlying towns and surrounding areas.

The city is a very diverse and multicultural community. Much of the community’s roots date back to Jamaican and Chinese laborers who worked on the railroad projects that connected San José to Puerto Limón. These laborers then stayed in the area, which is what gives it much of its cultural identity to this day. The predominantly Afro-Caribbean community speaks Spanish and Limonese Creole, locally known as Mekatelyu.

Puerto Limón contains two port terminals, Limón and Moín. These two ports are where the vast majority of Costa Rican exports and imports enter and exit the country. They are also home to the ever-increasing cruise ship industry.

Popular Destinations in Limón

Perhaps the most popular destination in Limón is Puerto Viejo (Old Harbour), which is known for its easy-going, beach-based tourism. It is home to the famously long surf break, Salsa Brava (AKA “intense sauce”) as well as lots of internationally inspired Caribbean fusion restaurants. Surfboards and laid-back partying are the two main activities in the center of town. Renting bikes is one of the most common forms of transportation, and it’s very inexpensive.

Just north of Puerto Viejo is the somewhat more traditional small town of Cahuita , which is home to Cahuita National Park, a protected area that extends along the coastline with sandy trails and exclusive beach access.

South of Puerto Viejo is the beachfront strip of town known as Manzanillo , which is protected along with the jungle and ocean that surround it as part of the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo. In between Cahuita to the north and Manzanillo to the south, there are a number of Caribbean-inspired restaurants, bungalow-style hotels, sloth and wildlife refuges, and, of course, palm-tree lined beaches.

Another fabulous destination is the laid back coastal village of Punta Uva .

The Culture of Limón, Costa Rica

Limón is considered one of the most unique and culturally diverse of Costa Rica’s provinces due to it being the home of significant Afro-Caribbean and indigenous populations. Reggae and calypso music are ubiquitous in the region and several international talents have their roots in the province. Mekatelyu is a reggae fusion band that has toured internationally to great acclaim. And even in his 80s, the world-renowned folklorist Walter Ferguson continues to sing his humorous calypso songs in the small town of Cahuita on weekends.

You will also find the largest amount of Chinese people living in Costa Rica throughout Limón. This dates back to the days of the United Fruit Company and the bridge building skills and techniques of the Chinese that were called upon in this region to complete the railroad. As a result of all of these influences, it’s not uncommon to see signage in Limón in Chinese, British English, Maketelyu, and Spanish.

Festivals in Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón plays host to a major festival during the 2 nd week in October . The festival is called carnaval and pays tribute to local community leader and activist, Alfred Josiah Henry Smith (known as “Mister King”). Mr. King organized the first inaugural carnaval in October 1949. The event celebrates Columbus Day or Día de la Raza on October 12. Activities include parades, food, music, dancing, and, on the last night, a concert headed by a major Latino/Caribbean music act in the central park known as Parque Vargas.

Local Cuisine in Limón, Costa Rica

Local cuisine incorporates lots of ingredients native to the region such as coconut, plantains, and pineapple. The famous “rice and beans” is a dish of coconut infused rice and beans with a chicken leg all smothered in a coconut-infused brown sauce, accompanied by fried sweet plantains. Another likely menu option is the fresh catch of the day served fried or in a stew of coconut milk called “rondon.” These dishes are most often served with a fresh-squeezed limeade or a glass of cacique (a clear rum) with a lime wedge.

Climate & Weather in Limón

Limón’s climate does not adhere to the dry-wet season cycle of the rest of the country. It rains throughout the year, though the driest months tend to occur in September and October .

Considering a Trip to Limón?

We have two itineraries that include visits to parts of Limón. Our Secluded Caribbean itinerary is perfect for honeymooners looking to explore off-the-beaten-path, unique destinations. Second, our Tico-Panama itinerary is perfect for adventure vacationers who want to see a bit of Panama and a bit of Costa Rica’s Caribbean side.

Let us know where you’d like to go and we’d be happy to put together a memorable vacation itinerary for you.

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Limon Snapshot

• Summary: A popular cruise ship port-of-call; hosts Carnaval festival every October; known for its lively Caribbean culture.
• Landscape: City, Ocean
• Attractions: Bocuare Jungle, Tortuguero National Park, Veragua Rainforest
• Activities: Adventure tours, bird & wildlife watching, shopping
• Caters to: day trippers, families, independent travelers
• Quick Facts: 88 miles east of San Jose ; Sea level ; Hot and humid with sporadic rain showers ; 72-82ºF

Towering willow and palm trees blow in the wind along the sea wall beside Costa Rica's most important port, Limon. Walk the shady paths meandering through Vargas Park's creamsicle central pavilion, to the boardwalk impressed upon the cerulean Caribbean coastline, and watch as ships sail across the horizon. Like a gateway Costa Rica's Caribbean beaches and rainforests, hundreds of cruise and cargo ships pass through every year.

Most ships stop briefly in port for guests to stroll down the blue, yellow, orange and green checkered sidewalks along the market street – Avenida 2 – toward Vargas Park. The street is filled with vendors hawking fresh fruit, coconut water, ice cream, sliced mango and sun glasses. Behind the vendors, light, flower-printed dresses hang in the mouths of small open-air businesses selling wares to locals and tourists alike. Toward the end of the street, visitors encounter Vargas Park's shade-dappled pathway offering a place to sit down and enjoy the Caribbean pace of life among yellow, blue and green cement park benches.

Though it's close to the ocean most of the town's waterfront is devoted to shipping, so you'll have to travel outside of Limon to find the beaches. Two miles north of Limon visitors can swim in the waters of Playa Bonita (Pretty Beach) while surfers should head half a mile offshore to Isla Uvita (Uvita Island), home to big waves and one of the country's best lefts.

Every October Limon hosts Carnaval, one of Costa Rica’s largest celebrations. Visitors from around the country come to enjoy street food, costumed parades, live music, and late-night partying.

Downtown Limon features most modern services and amenities including pharmacies, grocery stores, shopping, banks and ATMs. The hospital is at the northern edge of town; Wi-Fi access is available in some hotels and restaurants.

While the coast is beautiful and the history is rich, Limon is among the most impoverished of Costa Rica's cities, with a visible homeless population that sleeps on cardboard beds in the streets. Theft and drug-related crime is not uncommon. For those planning a visit, make sure to take safety precautions – don't leave belongings unattended, don't carry large amounts of money or wear flashy jewelry etc., especially after sunset.

Brief History:

Limon’s modern history began in 1502 when a hurricane forced Christopher Columbus to anchor his damaged ship just off the coast of Costa Rica. While the crew made repairs, Columbus ventured onto the mainland from what would later be called Puerto Limon. Following this first contact, the Spaniards generally ignored the Caribbean coast, instead favoring the fertile soils of the Central Valley.

By the mid-1800s, Costa Rica’s coffee export was on the rise, and the country needed a shipping point to the overseas market. Limon, with its deep natural harbor and convenient location, became Costa Rica’s first major port. Between 1867 and 1890, Costa Ricans, Chinese and Jamaicans worked together to build a railroad that connected the San Jose and surrounding areas – home of the coffee crops – to Limon.

After completion of the railroad, many of the Jamaican laborers settled in Limon and along the Caribbean coast, engaging in subsistence farming and working on cacao farms. Today, the Afro-Caribbean cultural influence remains strong in Limon with many locals speaking English or a dialect of English known as Patois.

Attractions:

Bocuare jungle.

Nestled in the Estrella Valley approximately 75 minutes southwest of Limon, Bocuare Jungle offers an exciting combination of cultural and adventure tourism. The company’s whitewater tubing down the Estrella River is a favorite among adventure-seekers, while a tour of its grounds, including a botanical garden, hummingbird garden, and a scenic pond brimming with boat-billed herons, provides insight into Costa Rica's ecology. (9 a.m. to whenever you’d like to leave. 2759-1344).

Rainforest Aerial Tram

Visitors driving to Limon from San Jose can stop by the aerial tram adjacent Braulio Carrillo National Park for an adventure among the rainforest canopy. Guests will find this privately-owned reserve, home to an aerial tram, exhilarating canopy tour, frog pond, butterfly garden, and serpentarium. The aerial tram also popular among cruise passengers– glide hundreds of feet above the forest floor and get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Sun. 2257-5961).

Take a canal ride through Tortuguero National Park, created to protect green sea turtles and their nesting habitats. Learn about the native Costa Rican flora and see some incredible wildlife, including sloths, toucans, spider and white-face monkeys. (Approximately 2.5 hours by boat north of Limon).

Veragua Rainforest Reserve

This park has a reptile house, interactive ranarium, hummingbird garden, butterfly garden, treetop aerial tram, and waterfall. The aerial tram travels hundreds of feet in the air, passing by a roaring cascade and through nearly silent rainforest. Half and full-day tours are available. Veragua Rainforest is one hour from Limon. (8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues-Sun. 2296-5056).

Getting There:

Air : Limon has a small airport two miles north of town. There are no regularly scheduled flights available, but local airlines offer charter flights to and from San Jose, Quepos/Manuel Antonio, and Tortuguero.

Bus : San Jose to Limon: $6.25; every hour 5:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; 3.5 hours. Departs from the Terminal del Caribe at Avenida 13 and Calle Central. 2222-0610 / 2221-7990 / 2221-2596 Car : From San Jose, the 88-mile journey takes between two and three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Take Route 32 out of San Jose, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Follow the signs to Guapiles, Siquirres and Limon/Puerto Limon.

Limon in Pictures

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Sunrise Beach Playa Bonita Limon - Costa Rica

Limon Port Boats - Costa Rica

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Limon Travel Guide

Limon weather, current conditions.

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The Travel Bunny

Budget travel blog • Travel more, worry less

Visit Limón Costa Rica: 5 best attractions in Limon

Costa Rica’s famous east coast, which includes locations like Cauhita, Puerto Limón, Tortugeros, and Barra del Colorado, is very different from the west coast.

To visit Limón Costa Rica on vacation , you can get there by plane or drive on Highway 32 from San José and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. You also have the option to continue north and pass by the Volcano Barva, followed by Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqui, or go south and pass the Braulio Carillo National Park and straight down to Limón. For Costa Rica Visa Requirements visit Natvisa.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, The Travel Bunny will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!

Best time to visit Limón Costa Rica

If you want to avoid the rain, the best months to visit Limón Costa Rica are February-March and August-October . But whenever you choose to visit this wonderful Costa Rican destination, you’ll be warm, because the temperatures always stay in the high 20s (°C). The rains do come with an advantage: the clouds provide a bit of shelter from the scorching sun.

Is Limón Costa Rica safe to visit?

Crime has been reported to be slightly greater on the east coast, so be cautious. It’s best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. That’s why I suggest you get travel and medical insurance just to be on the safe side.

What to see when you visit Limon Costa Rica

Cahuita national park.

Cahuita National Park has over 1000 hectares of land covered with lovely mixes of coconut palm trees, lush forests, and animated mangroves. This national park also has over 14 kilometers of beaches and there are snorkeling spots all along the coast, accessible to all travelers.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in the south is definitely worth seeing. You should go all the way to Punta Mona (Monkey Point), which is supposed to have been named by Columbus himself.

Book the Gandoca-Manzanillo Rainforest hike with Terraventuras from the video for the full experience.

Tortuguero Canals by boat

Plan a trip to Tortuguero and book a canal cruise, too. Because it’s a lengthy journey, you’ll most likely need to set aside 1-2 days for it. For a better experience, make sure you pack some extra dry clothes (in case it rains), bug repellant, and clean drinking water.

While you visit Tortuguero, you might get lucky and also see sloths and a sea turtle or two!

Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure

The Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure, located less than an hour from the ancient Caribbean port of Puerto Limón and with stunning views of the Talamanca Range’s infinite mountains, offers guests to discover the natural marvels of Costa Rica’s breathtaking tropical rainforest.

Here are two tours I recommend booking for when you visit Limon Costa Rica:

• Veragua Rainforest Tour
• Veragua Rainforest Visit & Tortuguero Canals Trip

Parque Vargas in Puerto Limón

With its towering beautiful palms and other tropical trees, flowers, and animals near the seaside, Parque Vargas in Puerto Limón is a delightful place to appreciate the beauty of the tropics.

Discover the beaches near Limón Costa Rica

Two beautiful tiny beaches are located four kilometers north of Puerto Limón. Playa Bonita is a beautiful beach with fine yellow sand, palm palms, and a few hotels. However, the water is not ideal for visitors. The other is Playa Portete , with a dock where local fishermen return with their catches. at a pier at Playa Portete.

Going south, you’ll come to the most popular spot: Cahuita.

Cahuita is a huge community with tens of thousands of residents and it’s also a popular destination for backpackers. A peaceful environment, white sand beaches flanked by coconut trees, and a serene Caribbean way of life attract a lot of tourists. (If you’re planning to stay there for a few nights, keep in mind that finding accommodation in Cahuita can be difficult, so book in advance!)

Cahuita is also home to a number of smaller beaches. Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva are all close by. However, Talamanca, much further south, is the best beach to visit.

Here’s what I recommend for when you visit Limon Costa Rica:

• Visit Punta Uva Beach & Jaguar Animal Rescue Center
• Visit Playa Bonita, Tortuguero & other Limon highlights

The food in Limón

The cuisine on the east coast ranges from regional delicacies to traditional Costa Rican food, Caribbean cuisine, but also French and Chinese cuisines. Stay adventurous, but keep in mind that not all foods are suitable for all travelers!

Of course, to discover the taste of Costa Rica when you visit Limon, you should go on a cocoa plantation, learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, and even learn how to make chocolate yourself!

Puerto Limón’s nightlife

There are always open pubs and cantinas around the major parks at night in nearly all Costa Rican towns. There is no exception in the case of Puerto Limón. However, travelers (especially female solo travelers) should avoid going out alone after midnight.

Take Salsa & Bachata Dance Lessons in Costa Rica + learn where to go out to practice your moves, too!

See the best of Limon in a short time

If you’re short on time when you visit Limon Costa Rica, I recommend booking a Limon highlights combo tour. Most of them combine visits to Cahuita National Park, boat tours on Tortuguero Canals, cocoa or banana plantation visits, trips to the beach, and Limon city tours, among other attractions.

Here are some of the best tours to visit Limon Costa Rica:

About the author

Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.

Read more about Mirela Letailleur

Other blog articles to discover Central America 30 best things to do in Costa Rica on vacation Best Guatemala food that you don’t want to miss

9 Best Beaches In Límon, Costa Rica You Should Visit On Your Next Trip To Central America

Known for its beautiful Afro-Costa Rican culture and the beauty of its landscapes, it is worth finding out what are the 9 best beaches in Límon, Costa Rica,

Brunno Braga • May 10, 2022

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for the TN family. This small country located in Central America offers a hospitable climate, good food, a warm climate and beautiful landscapes. More precisely in Limon, located in the Costa Rican Caribbean area. Known for its beautiful Afro-Costa Rican culture , its delicious gastronomy and the beauty of its landscapes, it is worth finding out what are the 9 best beaches in Límon, Costa Rica.

In its more than 9 thousand kilometers of extension, this province located in the eastern part of the country, offers beaches that range from calm and light blue waters, perfect for relaxing, to beaches with excellent waves.

Also known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, Límion is distinguished for being one of the cities with amazing cultural and natural wealth in the country.

Let’s find out why:

1. Punta Uva

Known as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica and the best beach in the province of Limón, Punta Uva offers a combination of a perfect landscape of Caribbean palm trees with a calm sea.

An ideal destination for travelers who want to be surrounded by nature and get away from urban life. Nearby there are lodging options. It is also near the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge where it is possible to see monkeys, sloths and various types of birds pass.

2. Cahuita Beach

Cahuita i s another very popular beach in Limón. Located in the Cahuita National Park, it offers turquoise waters and abundant wildlife. It is situated in a vibrant community in the South Caribbean, holding a beautiful coral reef, perfect for snorkeling activities.

Cahuita beach is also close to the Sanctuary of Sloths of Costa Rica.

3. Puerto Viejo Beach

Although it is a small beach compared to other beaches in Limon, Puerto Viejo is one of the busiest places in the city, with a wide range of Caribbean cuisine. In addition, from the area, you can easily move to the nearby beaches. In Puerto Viejo beach, it is easy to find hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars and stores.

4. Manzanillo Beach

Manzanillo is a paradisiac beach with white sand and a blue sea. It is a fairly remote place, with a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can go hiking, kayaking and even diving.

Manzanillo beach is i deal for people looking to get away from the tourist crowds.

5. Cocles Beach

Cocles beach stands out among the 10 best beaches in Limón for being a perfect destination for surf lovers. Its waters are beautiful and it is close to Puerto Viejo. In addition, visitors can easily hotels and restaurants in the area. Cocles beach is also very instagrammable for its unique beauty. 

6. Playa Chiquita (Chiquita Beach)

Playa Chiquita (Chiquita beach) is a quiet and beautiful destination. The beach is ideal for swimming and soaking in the sun. Because it is located in an isolated area, Playa Chiquita makes an excellent base for launching hiking trips to nearby towns and nature areas.

Snorkelers will enjoy the intense blue color of the water and the variety of sea life.

7. Round Rock Beach

Round Rock Beach is a very popular destination, but it definitely deserves its place among the best beaches in Limón, due to the beauty of its exotic landscape.

Its sand is black and its waters very calm. Round Rock Beach is not a large beach, but  the view is worth a visit.

8. Playa Negra (Black Beach)

As its name says, Playa Negra has black sands and requires taking some precautions due to dangerous tides. The exuberant vegetation that surrounds it and a coral platform that is located in the southern area make the beach a must-go place to visit in Limon.

9. Playa Bkanca (White Beach)

Located within the Cahuita National Park, Playa Blanca is another beach that seduces its visitors with the beauty of its landscape with pure white sands and transparent blue waters, completely clean. It is recognized for being the first marine park in Costa Rica, it is home to many coral reefs. Some parts have big waves and others offer calm waters.

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6 Activities That Prove Limón, Costa Rica, Is Home to Epic Jungle Adventures

Costa Rica is one of the most-visited countries in Central America, and it’s not particularly surprising as to why. The country is abundant with mostly untouched natural areas, from waterfalls to national parks. There are natural hot springs, huge caves, and no shortage of places to relax on lush, tropical beaches . There’s a lot to love.

That makes it even more surprising that so many travelers tend to overlook the nearly 200 miles of coastline on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Not considering a visit to the Caribbean coast means missing out on some of the best nature experiences in the country, like Tortuguero National Park, famous for its sea turtle hatchlings. Limón, Costa Rica, is home to centuries of rich Afro-Caribbean culture, and good music and better food aren’t hard to find.

How to get to Limón, Costa Rica

Limón isn’t difficult to reach, as it’s only three hours from the capital city of San Jose. You can fly into the Limón, Costa Rica airport, or arrange a car to make the drive. You can also take the scenic route by renting a car and making the drive along Highway 32.

However you choose to get there, there’s an abundance of outdoorsy things to do in Limón. From bean-to-bar chocolate making with the Indigenous community to hiking a volcano in Tortuguero, these are the six best outdoor experiences to have in Limón, Costa Rica.

What is Limón, Costa Rica known for?

Photo: Jeroen Mikkers /Shutterstock

Costa Rica has coastline on both the Pacific and Atlantic (or, more specifically, Caribbean) coasts. And Limón, Costa Rica is the biggest city on the Caribbean side, which generally has warmer and calmer water as it’s bit more protected. That makes Limón an ideal basecamp for travelers who want to fish, snorkel, or relax in the usually gentle surf of the area’s top beaches. But because it is the largest city in the area, plenty of companies offer everything from national park tours to guided jungle hikes to canal and boat tours.

In general, Costa Rica’s west coast is more developed than the east coast, which gives Limón, Costa Rica, a good blend of tourist infrastructure and offerings while still retaining a laid-back, semi-traditional feeling.

And yes, Limón is near the large Costa Rica Sloth Sanctuary , which cares for injured and abandoned sloths while advocating for habitat protection and conservation.

• Visit the BriBri Indigenous community
• Plan a beach day In Puerto Viejo
• Travel through an old-growth forest
• Ride in a gyroplane
• Wildlife watch in Tortuguero National Park
• Hike Cerro Del Tortuguero

Six outdoorsy things to do in Limón, Costa Rica

1. visit the bribri indigenous community.

Photo: Joseph Jacobs /Shutterstock

There’s a lot of history in Limón, and you don’t want to overlook it. Visiting an indigenous community and learning about their sacred plants (including the ceremony and processing of cacao) is a must-do in the region. The BriBri community lies in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains and dates to pre-Columbian Costa Rica. Today, visiting their community is a complete sensory experience, with the scent of chocolate in the air.

At the Watsi reservation near Limón, Costa Rica, generations of BriBri live together, sustaining their livelihoods solely off of the cacao plant. The visitor experience begins with a medicinal plant tour through their garden, where every plant grown is used either in sacred ceremonies or for cooking and crafting. Tree fibers become necklaces and whistling instruments, and the palmito (heart of palm) plant is mixed with coffee and boiled to make a snack most often paired with coffee. When someone dies in the BriBri culture, the Palmito plant is eaten during the ceremony without any salt. They believe that salt came to their land with colonization, so eating it in a traditional way is a small way to reject the influence of the Spanish.

Cacao, of course, takes up most of the space in the gardens. It’s bitter when plucked straight from the tree and goes through a multi-step process to become edible. The process — which only women are allowed to do — begins with roasting the cocoa beans over a wood-fire stove for about ten minutes. After roasting, the beans are cooled and crushed by hand with a large boulder. Women then remove the shells and grind the beans before melting them into a thick paste. They then add boiling water and sugar to make a hot chocolate-like drink. For centuries, the BriBri have been consuming cacao and using it for body-care products — you’ll walk away from the Watsi Reservation with a solid understanding of its importance.

2. Plan a beach day In Puerto Viejo

Photo: Costa Rica Tourism Board

Visiting the Caribbean side of Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without planning a beach day. And Puerto Viejo , a laid-back town near Limón, has some of the area’s best beaches. You’ll feel the Afro-Caribbean influence right away, thanks to the frequent sounds of reggaeton playing in the streets and the many bars and restaurants serving authentic Caribbean dishes. Be sure to try rondon (pronounced like “run down”), a coconut milk-based soup with fresh Panamanian chili, whole veggies, and seafood.

One of the best beaches near Limón, Costa Rica, is Playa Negra, a black-sand beach with calm water and small waves. Surfers (or avid people-watchers) should head to Playa Cocles, a white-sand beach with consistent swells for intermediate surfers. Playa Punta Uva has crystal-clear water and tall palms, and Cahuita National Park is the area’s best spot for snorkeling.

If you’re looking for a private retreat, Aguas Claras may be a perfect choice. The popular boutique hotel sits just beyond a lovely, unspoiled stretch of beach loved by locals and runs Da Lime, a hip beachfront club.

No matter which beach you choose, cycling around Puerto Viejo is an easy way to get around. It’s easy to find bike rentals along the main street.

3. Travel through an old-growth forest

Photo: Marianna Ianovska /Shutterstock

What was once land for logging is now a haven for sustainable travelers. Selva Bananito Lodge is a third-generation, family-run eco-lodge tucked in the jungle at the foot of Limón’s Cerro Muchilla (Muchilla Mountains). The Wi-Fi is weak and the no-frills rooms are understated. For some, those may be cons, but for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those who prioritize sustainable travel, it’s a haven.

Staying at this eco-lodge means being surrounded by nature. You can expect to wake up in the mornings to the sound of birdsong as a crisp breeze passes through your open-air, reclaimed-wood cabin. The lodge is an island in the wilderness, surrounded by 300,000 acres of primary (never-logged) forest.

One of the best ways to experience it all is to take a day hike through the forest with resort guides. You’ll see the forest’s biodiversity first-hand during the three-hour treks passing by sacred trees and likely having a few exotic snake sightings. You can also opt to horseback ride through former banana plantations, passing grazing livestock before reaching a stunning view of the water source for the people of Limon, Costa Rica. Most activities are included in the cost of a stay.

At Selva Bananito, tourism is a conservation tool. In addition to practicing sustainable and regenerative farming, the lodge avoids single-use plastic and styrofoam and is powered by solar. Guides use tours as ways to monitor the forest’s health. While guests are hiking, rappelling, climbing, ziplining, or otherwise recreating, guides are observing the forest.

4. Ride in a gyroplane

Photo: Selva Air

If you’ve never heard of a gyroplane, you’re not alone. It’s like a smaller, simpler version of a helicopter. And on a ride with Selva Air, Selva Bananito Lodge’s private gyrocopter fleet, visitors can experience the beauty of looking down on the jungle canopy while flying above.

After a quick safety briefing, guests will take to the skies for 360-degree views of Limón’s lush vegetation along the Caribbean coastline. Pilots will usually dip over the river and just above the primary forest, pointing out areas like Isla Uvita (where Christopher Columbus once landed) and Catarata Roja (the highest waterfall in Central America). While guests get the thrill of flying in what feels like a toy plane, the pilot is using it as another way to observe and measure the environment.

You don’t need to stay at the lodge to book a flight, but you will need to get yourself to the lodge. Flights start at 20 minutes and $120 per person .

5. Wildlife watch in Tortuguero National Park

Photo: Marco Lissoni /Shutterstock

Just outside Limón is Moin Port, where boats leave daily for Tortuguero National Park and cost about $35 per person. You’ll be surrounded by nature for the entirety of the three-hour cruise; wildlife-spotting opportunities begin well before you reach the park.

Most people choose to spend at least a night near the park to take advantage of opportunities like sunrise canal tours, which require waking up around 5 AM. Guests can hop in a canoe, kayak, or larger boat for a rich wildlife-spotting experience as the jungle wakes up.

Bird-watching is also a popular activity best early in the morning, and you’ll have the chance to spot more than 300 species of birds that call Tortuguero home, including the majestic great blue heron. Three-toed sloths, lizards, and poison dart frogs are common, too.

Most people visiting stay in the village of Tortuguero. Pachira Lodge is one of the most popular as it’s just a five-minute boat ride from the national park. Beyond accessibility, the lodge itself mirrors its natural surroundings and looks at home in the jungle.

On-property, you may spot spider monkeys swinging from the treetops or crocodiles lazing on the riverbank. Keep an out for green turtles, too — their mating season is between July and October, and thousands of turtles go there annually as it’s a protected nesting site. Like nearly all tourist destinations near Limón, this park is all about sustainable tourism, so come prepared for a close connection with nature.

6. Hike Cerro Del Tortuguero

With your extra time in the national park, consider hiking to one of the best views near Limón, Costa Rica. Tours pick guests up from the various hotel docks to make the 15-minute ride to Cerro Tortuguero, the park’s inactive volcano. For a $2 entry fee, you can climb the 400 steps to the top, flanked by trees and foliage for most of the way up. It’s a lot of steps, but there are platforms to stop, catch your breath, and take in the views. Don’t forget to look up to spot the howler monkeys that hang around the trail.

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Puerto Limón

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Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

Sweltering capital of the Caribbean coast, the port city of Puerto Limon is the country’s biggest Afro-Costa Rican city. It has a cultural flavour quite unlike anywhere else in the country. In fact, Limón — as it’s more often called — seems a long way from the ecofriendly attractions that draw most visitors to Costa Rica. Plan your trip to Puerto Limón with our guide to Puerto Limón — based on the The Rough Guide to Costa Rica , your travel guide for Costa Rica .

The best travel tips for visiting Puerto Limon

Top attractions and things to do in puerto limon, best areas to stay in puerto limón, best restaurants and bars in puerto limón, how to get around puerto limón, how many days do you need in puerto limón, what is the best time to visit puerto limón, how to get to puerto limón, tailor-made travel itineraries for costa rica, created by local experts.

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

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A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

Puerto Limón is principally a hub from which to get a boat to Tortuguero, or catch a bus south to the beach towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

That said, spending at least a day in Limon offers a unique glimpse of contemporary Costa Rica, with its Afro-Caribbean residents speaking an English-based creole reminiscent of the West Indies,

Playa Bonita, a small beach four kilometres northwest of the centre, is the most appealing spot in which to base yourself. With a clutch of decent seafront places to stay and eat, it has a vibrant street life and a raucous bar scene that combines salsa, reggaeton, Jamaican ragga and dancehall.

If you like to party, the best time to visit is during El Día de la Raza carnival, one of the country’s most exuberant festivals.

Parque Vargas, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica — © Shutterstock

You probably won't stay here for long, but if you do, there are enough attractions and things to do to keep you busy. Most of them centered around the historic centre of the city,

#1 Go shopping at Mercado Central

At times, the Mercado Central market seems to contain the entire population of Limon. Women mind their stalls while men clutch cigarettes, chattering and gesticulating.

The produce is fresh, with chayotes, plantains, cassava, yucca, beans vying for space with bulb-like cacao fruit, baseball-sized tomatoes and huge carrots.

For an inexpensive bite to eat, try the market’s numerous sodas and snack bars. As modern Costa Rican chains seem to have taken over on the outside, you'll need to go deeper to find more traditional stalls.

Just across the street, the recently restored emerald-green Correos y Telégrafos is a handsome example of the city’s “Victorian Caribbean” architecture.

© Shutterstock

#2 Explore Parque Vargas and around

Opened by the United Fruit Company in 1905, the soaring royal palms of Limon lush Parque Vargas offer a pleasant, shady respite from the chaotic streets. Look out for sloths lounging in the trees.

The park features several small monuments, notably its 1911 Neoclassical bandstand. This sculpted installation pays homage to the many cultures that built the railroad.

It also contains a shrine-like memorial to Christopher Columbus, who supposedly anchored his ship off Isla Uvita in 1502. Visible from the malecón viewpoint at the park's eastern end, the island is uninhabited, but features a reef break that's popular with local surfers.

The malecón end of the park also features the beautifully restored Centro Comunitario Expresión Artística cultural centre.

#3 Party during El Día de la Raza carnival

Though carnivals in the rest of Latin America are associated with Lent, the Limon carnival celebrates Columbus’s arrival in the New World on 12th October 1492. More specially, his alleged arrival in Limón in 1502. 

Today, El Día de la Raza (Day of the People) sees throngs of highland Ticos descend upon Limon. Buses fill to bursting and hotels brim as partygoers hit the streets.

Expect everything from noontime displays of Afro-Caribbean dance to calypso music, bull-running, children’s theatre, parades and massive firework displays.

Most spectacular is the Grand Desfile, usually held on the Saturday before 12th October. 

#4 Visit Catedral Limón

Only consecrated in 2010, the Catedral del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is one of the most distinctive buildings in Limon 

Don’t be put off by the dull, concrete exterior — inside there’s a bank of stunning stained-glass windows. And beyond the new building, an older section and bell tower from the 1890s has survived various hurricanes and the 1991 earthquake.

The Cathedral de Limon in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

While staying downtown puts you in the thick of things, the truth is that most hotels in central Limón are seedy, poor value and old. With that in mind, you might want to find somewhere in Playa Bonita.

Note that hotel prices rise by as much as fifty percent for carnival week, and to a lesser extent during Semana Santa (Easter week).

Central Limón

If you are looking to stay in town, try the Park Hotel . Standing alone on a little promontory close to the sea, it's by far the best option.

Playa Bonita

A group of quieter hotels lie outside town, about 4km up the spur road to Moín, at Playa Bonita. A taxi here costs around ₡2800, and the bus to and from Moín runs along the road every 20min or so.

Best places to stay around Puerto Limon

• Park Hotel : popular with Ticos and travellers alike, this comfy hotel has a good restaurant on site.  
• Hotel La Uvita: a charming little hotel with a lovely swimming pool and sea views. 
• Hotel Playa Westfalia : this idyllic beachfront hotel off sereniity within easy driving distance of Limón.

Explore more  places to stay in and around Puerto Limón .

Limón has a decent variety of places to eat, with several restaurants focusing on authentic Caribbean and Creole cuisine. Think spicy dishes like jerk chicken, rondón (usually a stew) and anything with cashew nuts. Look out for cashew wine, which is a speciality here. 

Inside the Mercado Central you’ll find a host of decent sodas serving tasty casados. Gringos in general, and women especially, should avoid most bars in downtown Limón. 

Tsunami Sushi is a safer bet for a raucous night out, while the beachside restaurants of Playa Bonita offer a laidback alternative for cold beers and live music. 

Where to eat in town 

• Caribbean Kalisi Coffee Shop : near the cathedral, this buffet restaurant offers a spread of Limonese favourites.
• Taylor’s Restaurant : a popular local diner serving Limonese classic, like oxtail casado and red snapper.

Where to eat in Playa Bonita

• Quimbamba Bar & Restaurant : excellent Caribbean seafood dishes are cooked to order at this beach-bar.
• Restaurante Reina’s : stylish beachside restaurant offering Caribbean cuisine, cocktails and energetic live acts.

Read up on eating and drinking in Costa Rica .

Playa Bonita, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

It can be cost effective to rent a car to explore the coast to the south. Adobe has an office in the centre.

Terminal Caribeños serves buses from San José, Siquirres, Liverpool (for Veragua Rainforest) and Guápiles. From here, you can also catch a bus to Moín. A word of warning, during El Día de la Raza, you’ll want to buy your tickets several days in advance.

A co-operative of water taxis provides a shared service from the docks at Moín to Tortuguero daily at 10am. Be sure to arrive before 9am to secure a spot.

Taxis line up on Av 2 and around the corner from Terminal Caribeños. They do long-haul trips to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo and beyond.

Find out more transport information in our tips for travelling in Costa Rica .

Being more of a hub than anything else, Puerto Limón isn't a place you need to spend more than a day or two in, and that includes visiting Playa Bonita. Even if you're coming for carnival, a couple of days will suffice.

If you want to venture beyond Puerto Limón to explore more of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, our  self-drive Caribbean adventure trip  has your name all over it.

The 12th October carnival is the best time to visit Puerto Limón if you're looking to experience authentic, exuberant Costa Rican life. But be aware that this draws huge crowds,

This also falls in the dry season that runs between mid-December and April. As such, this is the best time to visit to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities.

For more on the best time to visit different destinations in Costa Rica, read our guide when to go to Costa Rica .

Sculptures in Parque Vargas, Porto Limon © Shutterstock

• By plane : there are daily flights from San José to Tortuguero and Limón, and you can also fly between Tortuguero and Limón.. 
• By car: between San José and Puerto Limón, you have a choice of two roads — the Guápiles Highway and the Turrialba Road. Slow and narrow but well-maintained, the latter runs through Turrialba on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Central before following the old San José–Limón train tracks down to the Guápiles Highway. 
• By shuttle bus : all the major shuttle bus companies serve the Caribbean coast. Interbus runs door-to-door services from San José and, very usefully, La Fortuna, to Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo.  
• By bus: a reliable bus network operates throughout the province south of Puerto Limón, with the most efficient and modern routes running from San José to Puerto Limón and on to Sixaola.

For more transportation tips, read our guide to  getting around Costa Rica .

Looking for more inspiration? Read up on the best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Costa Rica .

Our customisable Costa Rica itineraries are also packed with ideas, whether you're looking to take a coast to coast trip , or fancy an exhilarating eco adventure.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Parque Vargas, City Park in Puerto Limon at Costa Rica © Shutterstock

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Limon Shore Excursion

Howler Monkeys, Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

Limon Shore Excursion – Get to Puerto Limon

We arrived in Puerto Limon or Limón on the Coral Princess  in November for our Limon Shore Excursion. The November weather was sunny, hot and humid with early morning heavy clouds. Only about 70,000 live in Limón. It’s a poor town on the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica. Most people earn a living working for Dole and Delmonte, who export large volumes of bananas and pineapple. Organized land based Costa Rica tours usually don’t include Limón. Those tours head north from San Jose to Monteverde and then visit places on the Pacific Coast. Most tourists visit mainly from cruise ships that stop as part of Panama Canal voyages.

Banana Plantation Harvest

Limon Shore Excursion – Banana Plantation Visit

The first stop on our Limon Shore Excursion was a banana plantation visit. As the tour bus left the harbor, we drove through the open market area beside the port. The level of poverty was a bit shocking. After a short drive we arrived at the banana plantation. Our guide provided a tour of the harvest and processing of bananas right through to the final preparation for shipping. The main point I remember is that our guide explained that green bananas taste the best, but Americans don’t like to buy green bananas. Workers harvest the bananas so that the bananas will turn yellow just as they arrive on the shelves in the United States. Our guide thought it was very sad that most people don’t get to eat green bananas.

Tortuguero Canals, Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

Limon Shore Excursion – Train Ride

The second part of our Limon Shore Excursion was a train ride. The train ride itself wasn’t very impressive. The train cars were small and old. The route for the train ride skirted industrial areas of Limón. We received a pleasant surprise though when we reached an area of thick rainforest. Howler monkeys were making loud noises in the tree branches above the train. The engineer stopped the train ride and shut down the engine while we listened to the howler monkeys. You could also step out between the train cars to get a good view of the excitement above. The howler monkeys totally changed our opinion of the train ride.

Blue Heron, Tortuguero Canals

Limon Shore Excursion – Tortuguero Canals

The third part of our Limon Shore Excursion was a boat ride in the Tortuguero Canals. Limón is on the flood plain / delta created from the rivers generated by the mountains to the west. The  Tortuguero Canals are a series of man-made and natural waterways that extend many miles up the coast between Limón and Tortuguero National Park. The southern portion of the canals terminates at few miles north of Limón, so that’s where our Limo Shore Excursion headed. You have the chance to see sloths, crocodiles, river turtles, iguanas, green basilisk lizards, monkeys (howler, spider and white-faced capuchin), bats and many varieties of birds.

Jesus Christ Lizard, Green Basilisk, Tortuguero Canals

Jesus Christ Lizard

On the short bus ride to the Tortuguero Canals, we saw signs along the coast line of the 1991 earthquake. Reefs were permanently raised slightly above sea level, which made the bay look like rumble from an ancient ruin. On our boat cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, we were fortunate enough to see a sloth high up in the rainforest canopy. I was surprised by all the birds, which you can get quite close to. The blue heron was a beautiful dark blue, which was far more colorful than the grey blue of herons in North America. My favorite sighting was a Jesus Christ Lizard or green basilisk lizard, hiding behind a palm branch. Jesus Christ Lizard’s get their name because their light flat bodies allow them to scurry quickly over the surface of water. They “walk on water” just like Jesus Christ.

Tortuguero Canals Cruise Boat

Other Things to do in Limon

For those who have more time than just a shore excursion, there are lots of other things to do in Limón. You can find turtles or tortugueros along the Caribbean coast. The egg laying season is from April to May for leatherback turtles and July to October for green turtles. Visit a sloth sanctuary near town. Travel north to Tortuguero Village at the mouth of the Tortuguero River in Tortuguero National Park . Or go rafting on the Reventazon River. If you arrive in Limón in October you can watch the  Carnaval del Caribe , which is an annual one week celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

Limon Shore Excursion Slide Show

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Limón Costa Rica Complete Visitors Guide

Limon Costa Rica is the largest city on the Caribbean coast. It is a main port area and where a lot of cruise ships land.

The Limón Costa Rica Vibes

Limón is the biggest city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This is where all cruise ships land on the coast and where most exports leave from.

Here you can find tons of shipping containers filled with bananas and pineapple heading out to the US and Europe.

The city is not the nicest and not a place we would suggest spending a ton of time. 

You might find yourself here for two reasons.

1. If you visit Costa Rica by cruise, the Caribbean coast cruise terminal is located here.

2. If you are heading to the Southern Caribbean or down into Panama from anywhere else in Costa Rica, you will pass through here. 

Background Info About Limón Costa Rica

Nearest international airport.

Juan Santamaria International Airport

Popular Things to Do

Day tours to visit national parks, boat rides, exploring nearby towns

Best Way to Get Around

Rental car , walking in the downtown area

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best weather is from late July to October

When you buy through our links, Costa Rica Vibes may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclaimer Policy for more info. 

We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er).

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!

Want the whole crazy story?

Map Of Limón

Limon is located on the Caribbean coast above Cahuita and below Tortuguero. It is a port city and is also often referred to as Puerto Limon.

Flights to Costa Rica

The easiest way of getting to Limon is by flying in to the San Jose International Airport. 

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, we suggest using Skyscanner . We consistently find the best rates through their website.

Driving to Limon

Our favorite option is to rent a car and drive to Limon on your own. The drive is not too bad for first time Costa Rica drivers.

In the beginning of your trip, you will have to do a little driving through San Jose though which can be a bit daunting and stressful.

After making it through San Jose you will drive through Braulio Carillo national park which is really pretty. The roads are well maintained here but there are a lot of curves in spots.

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However, there has been a lot of road work here recently (they are widening the road so I doubt it will be over anytime soon) and there have been a lot of major backups.

You do not need a 4×4 for this route, but you might want something with a bit of power while driving through the national park.

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Private Shuttle to Limon

Adobe also has a private shuttle company and they are great! 

Their experience certified driver can pick you up anywhere in the country and take you to Limon.You can get a private shuttle price quote here .

Domestic Flights to Limon

Another option is to take a domestic flight from the San Jose Airport to Limon.

This is definitely the fastest way of getting here, but it is a bit more expensive.

You can check out prices and options here.

Public Bus to Limon Costa Rica

If coming from San Jose you can take the public bus from Mepe. You can see a complete time schedule here .

The ride will take you about two and a half hours and will cost about $12 per person for one way.

You will get on the bus going to Sixaola and just get off when you stop in Limon. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the stop because the bus stays at the Limon terminal for about ten minutes to let passengers buy snacks and use the bathroom.

Puerto Limon Cruise Port

The Limon cruise port is centrally located right near the city center. The port is equipped with a taxi stand and souvenir shops.

If you haven’t pre-booked shore excursions there will be plenty of people offering tours.

We always like to book ahead of time to make sure we find the best activities, but you do you!

If you take a taxi, please make sure you take an official taxi so that you get the regulated fare. You will know an official taxi because it will be red with a yellow triangle on the driver and passenger side doors. 

Unofficial taxi drivers are known to majorly overcharge. 

Transportation In Limon

It is best to drive or use a registered taxi while in downtown Limon. 

This area can be somewhat unsafe at night so please don’t walk around alone. 

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Limon Costa Rica Weather

Here, the rainy season runs from mid-December until end of July. I know, that sounds like a whole lot of rainy time, but let me explain.

Although it can be rainy, you just never really know. We have visited in January and had amazing weather. We have also visited in January and had total washout days.

One thing we have noticed though is that usually when it rains, it at least often rains at night. Also, the temperature stays fairly warm even when raining.

Another weird thing, July is the rainiest month to visit Limon, but come August, it almost completely dries up.

You just never know in this country!

During the dry months the weather is amazing and warm!

Things to Do in Limon Costa Rica

Visit cahuita national park.

Cahuita National Park is located about an hour from the city of Limón. We like this tour a lot because you can see a ton of wildlife in a short amount of time and the park is just amazing. 

⤷ Arrange Your Cahuita National Park Tour

Visit Tortuguero National Park on a Boat Ride

Tortuguero National Park is made up of a series of river waterways. This boat ride is a fun way to see a lot of wildlife and enjoy some different waterway views after days on your cruise ship.

 ⤷ Organize Your Visit to Tortuguero National Park

Take a Combo Tour

A combo tour is basically a tour that combines several different activities in one fun filled day. We like this because it takes the stress off of you to plan multiple activities and usually it is way cheaper than booking multiple things. 

⤷ Plan Your Day Excursion

Go Zip Lining

We love zip lining in Costa Rica! It is so fun to soar through the air with views of the jungle below you.

⤷ Book Your Zip Line Experience

Are you stressed about planning the perfect vacation to Costa Rica?

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Limón Restaurants

There are very few restaurants here so we kind of stick to what we know is good.

Gecko Grill – Our top choice in the area. Definitely here as your first pick. They serve good Caribbean food and delicious cocktails. The service is also consistently great. 

Restaurant Cocori – Not a bad spot for beachfront views and seafood. 

Red Snapper Restaurant – We have always had good experiences here. The staff is friendly and they serve great traditional food. 

Limón Costa Rica Hotels

There are not too many hotel options here. And the options you do have don’t have the best ratings.

But, as I mentioned I don’t suggest staying in the city of Limon.

If for whatever reason you do find yourself stuck here, here are three hotel options that will be OK.

Hotel Playa Westfalia – Located directly on the beach, this hotel has a private pool and on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Aptos Casa Caribe – This place has a hostel style room if you are looking for something budget friendly as well as private double rooms. 

Martas Guesthouses – A basic one bedroom apartment woth small kitchen. It is very simple and dark in here, but if you are just looking for a place to sleep and cook, this will be fine. 

Limon Travel Tips

– Not exactly a travel tip, but next time you go to the grocery store check the pineapples and bananas. Often times they come from Costa Rica. If they do, they have most likely traveled through the port city of Limon on their way to you (if you are in Europe or the east coast of the US).

– Please take your safety seriously here. It is unusual that anything happens, but petty crime can occur. 

Packing for Limon Costa Rica

Since you will most likely be visiting Limon from your cruise ship, I’ll instead focus on what to wear while on land. We like to wear breathable shorts, a tshirt, and shoes you can easily walk in. 

Don’t forget all the sun protection you can handle. The UV index here is high!

Check out our Limon Packing List on Amazon for all the essentials. 

You Might Also Like Visiting

Cahuita : A small beach town that is home to a beautiful national park.

Tortuguero : A relaxed village that is only accessible by boat. This is a great place to stay for wildlife canoe rides and seeing turtles nesting.

Puerto Viejo : A popular Caribbean coast town with backpackers. This town is great for surfing, yoga, and nightlife.

….if none of those appeal to you, check out our  Guide to the Caribbean Coast  for more ideas of places to visit in this area.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Puerto Limon

Day trips from puerto limon.

• Puerto Limon to Cahuita
• Puerto Limon to Tortuguero
• Puerto Limon to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
• Puerto Limon to Puntarenas
• Up to 1 hour
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour

2. Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

3. Snorkeling! & Cahuita national park Private Sightseeing Tours

4. Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon

5. Sloths Lovers - Highlights and Culture of Limon Combo Tour

6. Shore Excursion: Caribbean Highlights Tour from Limon

7. Jaguar Rescue Center & tortuguero canal

8. Sloths Lovers Tour. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

9. BriBri Indigenous Village Chocolate Tour, Cahuita and Waterfalls

10. Chocolate tour in indigenous area BriBri & Cahuita National Park

11. Cahuita National Park plus Waterfalls

12. Cahuita National Park

13. Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

14. Adventure Combo Tour: Zipline adventure and Tortuguero Canals

15. Full-Day Jaguar Rescue Center and Cahuita National Park Tour

16. Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure & aerial tram

17. Nature History Tour. Tortuguero Canal & Cahuita National Park Shore Excursion

18. Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour Shore Excursion from Puerto Limon

19. Cahuita National Park Walk and Banana Plantation. Shore Excursion from Limon

20. Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure & aerial tram & tortuguero canal

21. Chocolate Lovers & Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour

22. Limón Rainforest Hanging Bridges-Skywalk Tour & Tortuguero Canals

23. BRIBRI, Esoteric Tour include indigenous Chaman and Waterfalls

24. Horseback Riding Tour and Cahuita National Park

What travelers are saying.

• Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour
• Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon
• Cahuita National Park plus Waterfalls
• Sloths Lovers - Highlights and Culture of Limon Combo Tour
• Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon
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Costa Rica in May: Guide to Weather, Where to Go, What to Do

C osta Rica in May is the start of the rainy season throughout most of the country. It is a great time to visit, but there are a few things you should know as you plan your trip.

Thomas and I created this post to detail the pros and cons of May in Costa Rica. We have lived in Costa Rica since 2016, so we are somewhat experts on the weather you can expect each month of the year. We also included tips on what to pack, the best areas to visit, and the pros and cons of this time of year.

So, let’s get to all the tips to make sure you have an amazing experience while visiting Costa Rica during the month of May.

Costa Rica in May at a Glance

• This is a transition month between the end of dry season and the start of rainy season. Weather will be hot and sunny with occasional afternoon rain showers on the Pacific Coast.
• Typically tourism starts to go down a bit at this time of year. That means prices also get a bit lower.
• Focus on sun-blocking clothing, high SPF sunscreen, bug spray, rain protection, and lots of water for hydration. This time of year is humid!

Should You Travel to Costa Rica in May? 

We say definitely! It’s actually one of the best months of the year to visit Costa Rica (in our opinion).

Pros of Visiting Costa Rica in May

• The weather should be good. We go into the weather details further in this post, but in general, you can expect perfectly sunny days, afternoon rain storms, and warm evenings.
• Everything will be open at this time. Sometimes later in the year tour companies and hotels close because there are just not enough tourists for there to be a reason to stay open.
• Everything starts turning green again after the dry season, and it is so beautiful!
• There are still a lot of tourists, but it is not as busy as peak high season ( January – April).
• You can expect what is referred to as “mid-season prices”. That means rates aren’t as high as in peak season, but not as low as later in the year when the chance of rain is higher. 
• Hotels, activities etc, aren’t as full.
• Wildlife can be more active because the temperatures cool down a bit. It’s a great time to visit national parks !

Cons of Visiting Costa Rica in May

• This is the beginning of the green season and you may have to contend with afternoon rain.
• Rates go down a bit, but not as much as later in the year
• The mosquitoes tend to be worse in the rainy season versus dry season

Costa Rica Weather in May

​​May is the start of the rainy season in many parts of Costa Rica, which means you can expect some wet weather during your visit. 

The weather can vary significantly depending on where you are in the country. 

The sun rises daily around 5:15 am and sets around 5:50 pm. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the weather forecast online is never correct during the rainy season. They typically predict rain showers all day long. This is luckily all lies.

Pacific Coast

On the Pacific Coast, we suggest getting up as early as possible. Usually, you won’t really be able to sleep in anyway because the however monkeys and other loud wildlife will make sure you are up early.

In our opinion, the early morning hours are the very best time of the day. It’s beautiful!

You can expect hot days (mid 80’s Fahrenheit) with plenty of sunshine until the early afternoon.

Around 2pm the afternoon rain storms usually roll in. These storms typically last for an hour or two. This is a great time to take a little siesta. 

After that, the weather tends to cool off a bit. But, “cools off” is a relative term. Really, it typically gets down to the mid to high seventies Fahrenheit. 

The evenings tend to be clear with nice sunset views. 

After sunset, you will need bug spray.

On the northern Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste Province , you can expect even less rain. Typically this area tends to stay dry a bit longer.

San Jose & Central Valley

San Jose and the Central Valley area is always bit cooler than the Pacific Coast.

The average daytime temperatures range from around 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C), while nighttime temperatures usually drop to around 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C).

Just note that temperatures can vary depending on the specific location within the Central Valley. Higher elevation areas tend to be cooler.

Northern Mountains   

The Northern Mountains region consists of La Fortuna and Monteverde.

The days should be clear enough that you will be able to enjoy good views in mountain towns. For example, Arenal Volcano should be mostly clear for viewing. 

In Monteverde , you may have more rain. Usually, it is not super heavy, but the rain can occur more throughout the day and tends not to be limited to only the afternoons. 

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean Coast has the opposite rainy and dry season the Pacific Coast. May in the Caribbean can mean heavier rains. In our experience, usually, it rains more in the evening than during the day, but you never know.

Average highs range from 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C) and lows from 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).

What to Pack for Costa Rica in May

In May, layers are also a good idea because it can get cool in the evenings after the daily rain. 

• Lightweight and breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, tank tops). We suggest opting for moisture-wicking clothing that also blocks UV rays. 
• Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants for cooler evenings and sun protection
• Swimsuits for beach and water activities
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring
• Rain jacket for occasional showers during the transition to the rainy season
• Sunglasses for sun protection

Weather-Specific Items:

• Sunscreen (high SPF) for sun protection in the tropical climate
• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes, especially during evenings
• Daypack for carrying essentials during day trips and excursions. I suggest a dry bag. 
• Plastic bags or waterproof pouches for protecting electronics and important documents from rain

Outdoor and Adventure Gear:

• Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes for exploring natural trails. We like Keens .
• Pocket binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially in national parks
• Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during outdoor activities. I suggest LifeStraw bottles .
• A glasses strap to keep your sunglasses secure during adventures like zip lining and boat trips
• Quick-dry microfiber travel towel for convenience on the go

Electronics and Accessories:

• Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife
• Portable charger to keep devices powered during outdoor excursions

Health and Safety:

• Travel first aid kit with basic medications, bandages, and any necessary prescriptions
• Motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to travel on winding roads or if you plan to take boat trips
• Hydration tablets or electrolyte supplements for staying hydrated in the warm weather
• Hat with a wide brim for added sun protection, especially during outdoor activities

Miscellaneous Items:

• Copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary)
• Zip lock bags to separate wet items in your luggage

Check out our complete packing list for women and packing list for men for more ideas of what to bring.

The Best Places to Visit and Places to Avoid

There is nowhere I would suggest completely avoiding. You will likely have more rain on the Caribbean Coast, but it is a beautiful area to visit.

As always, you can expect more tourists in the bigger towns (La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Manuel Antonio) but it shouldn’t be too crazy. 

Things to Do at this Time of Year

This is a great time of year for pretty much all activities. When booking your Costa Rica tours, keep in mind that there may be afternoon storms. We like to try and schedule as much as we can in the morning to avoid the possibility of being rained out. 

Some of our favorite activities are:

• Visit a Waterfall : The water levels will be a bit higher than during the dry season, so you can enjoy a better experience.
• Go Hiking in a National Park : We love it when everything turns lush and green again. Plus, with fewer crowds, the national parks are super enjoyable. This is a great time to go to Corcovado National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park .
• Go Zip Lining : Again, with everything starting to turn green and vibrant in May it is a great time to get overhead views of the jungle canopy with a zip-lining adventure. We suggest this activity in Monteverde or La Fortuna .
• Take a Catamaran Sunset Tour : This is a fun activity to do after the brief afternoon rain shower. A catamaran tour typically includes a fun time out on a nice boat, Usually, these tours are a bit cheaper than in the high season.
• Visit the Beautiful Beaches : It is always a good time to visit the amazing beaches. All beaches in Costa Rica need to have free public access by law. That means there is thousands of miles of coastline for you to explore.

Booking Transportation

Typically, we think renting a car is the best way to easily get around.

In May, demand isn’t as high, but it is still best to book somewhat early because things can still book out.

Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
• Free second driver
• 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
• Excellent customer service
• New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Some other transportation options you might consider are:

• Book a shared shuttle on BookAway
• Book a private shuttle with Adobe Transfers

Booking Hotels

We like to use Booking.com and reserve places with free cancellations up to a certain date. This will give you the most flexibility if your plans change or if you find a better option. Just make sure to remember to cancel in time!

We also really like VRBO for booking villas or houses. Again, we suggest filtering by places that allow free cancellation if you are concerned about your plans possibly changing.

When booking a place make sure it has AC. sometimes you might be fine with just an electric fan, but we have definitely learned to give preference to places with AC because the evenings can stay semi-warm. 

Holidays and Festivals

There is one Costa Rican national holiday in May.

Labor Day : May 1st is celebrated as Labor Day in Costa Rica, and it is a public holiday. Many businesses and shops are closed, and there are often parades and demonstrations in the major cities.

Another fun festival is, Día de San Isidro Labrador on On May 15th. This event is observed in various towns near San Jose such as San Isidro de Heredia, Perez Zeledon, and Atenas.

This festivity pays homage to the patron saint of farming. It features vibrant parades, traditional cuisine, and a ceremonial blessing of the crops.

Our Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica in May

• Check out flying into both the San Jose and Liberia Airport for your trip to Costa Rica in May. More and more flights are flying into Liberia Airport and sometimes you might find great deals. We like San Jose Airport because it is very centrally located, but Liberia is a lot less hectic and great if you are planning to visit the Guanacaste Province or Northern Mountain region. 
• If you need more info, we have a complete guide to Costa Rica weather with more details of what to expect in every month.
• Don’t forget travel insurance. Since we suggest booking everything as early as possible. It is always good to have travel insurance if your travel plans change. 

Do You Have Travel Insurance?

Don’t let unexpected medical expenses or trip interruptions overshadow your dream Costa Rican vacation.  

Secure your worry-free Costa Rican adventure with Heymondo travel insurance

Conclusion: Costa Rica in May

In conclusion, May is a great month to visit Costa Rica for a fun and unique experience. Get ready for sunny days, afternoon rains, and lush landscapes!

While May is part of the rainy season, don’t let the occasional showers dampen your spirits. Just remember to pack lightweight rain gear, insect repellent, and you’ll have an amazing experience!

So what do you think? Are you ready to plan your Costa Rica vacation in May and enjoy the start of the green season? If you have any questions about visiting at this time of year, just leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

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The post Costa Rica in May: Guide to Weather, Where to Go, What to Do appeared first on Costa Rica Vibes .

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This Is the No. 1 Surf Destination in the World

Hossegor, located along the southwest coast of France, was just named the best destination to surf.

Vsevolod Vlasenko/Getty Images

The World Surf League's championship tour is well underway, bringing the best professional surfers to places like Australia, Brazil, southern California, and beyond to paddle and battle it out on some of the best breaks on Earth. And while you probably won't be getting out into the lineup with Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Griffin Colapinto, Tatiana Weston-Webb, or Gabriel Medina any time soon, they at least may have inspired you to want to go out and surf on your own. And the travel insurance experts at Confused.com have a few suggestions on where you should go. 

The website released its list of the best surf destinations in the world, a study based on wave quality and surfer satisfaction via data from Surf-Forecast , and overall search interest via Google search data. After digging into all the numbers, the team named Hossegor, located along the southwest coast of France, the best destination to surf. 

"Hossegor ranks as the best destination for surfing in the world, with an overall score of 8.16/10. Hossegor offers reliable, excellent conditions for surfing and is known for its hollow and fast-breaking waves favored by experienced surfers. It has an average surfer rating of 4.25, and 48 percent of the recorded waves are clean and surfable." The team also noted in the results that the best time to visit is during the region's fall shoulder season in October when flights and hotels are at their cheapest. 

Hossegor was joined on the list by the legendary Mavericks, located just outside of Half Moon Bay, California, in second place, followed by Tofino, Canada, known for its year-round surf and fantastic wildlife spotting (seriously, watch out for whales here). 

Rounding out the top 10 spots are The Bubble in the Canary Islands; Biarritz in France; Cloudbreak on Tavarua Island in Fiji; Carrapateira in Portugal; Ponta Preta in Maio, Cape Verde; Uluwatu and Kuta in Bali, Indonesia; Pasta Point in the Maldives; Puerto Escondido, in southern Oaxaca, Mexico; and Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia. 

While yes, this list is fantastic, it's chock full of spots that would easily be rated as expert-only. (Seriously, please do not paddle out to places like Mavericks or Cloud Break unless you really know what you're doing.) So we thought we'd give you three more suggestions for places to go surf if you consider yourself more of a beginner or beginner-intermediate, and asked our friends at The Inertia for their input. Here's what they (and we) suggest. 

Waikiki, Hawaii

If you're going to learn to surf, you might as well do it in the birthplace of the sport — Hawaii. Waikiki is a prime destination, as it often offers soft, rolling waves in beautiful azure waters. Plenty of schools are ready to teach you all the ins and outs, including Kahu , which says 95 percent of its students stand up with one lesson. And, as a bonus, you can drive over to Pipeline and see the pros surf on some of the most pristine waves on Earth. 

Nosara, Costa Rica

The tiny town of Nosara has become an ultra-popular destination for beach-goers, and for good reason. Not only is it stunning, but it also offers plenty of coastline for those who want to surf. Both Nosara Surf School and Nosara Surf Academy are great options and offer lessons for beginners, intermediates, and those looking to take things to the advanced level. 

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind for surfing, but you absolutely should not overlook Cocoa Beach if you want to paddle out. Not only does it offer smooth waves, but it's also the hometown of surfing's greatest athlete, Kelly Slater. So really, you'll be surfing in the shadow of greats. Make a reservation with Cocoa Beach Surf School and get out in the water ASAP. 

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AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

From coffee bean to coffee cup

Study abroad aggies let newfound knowledge percolate in costa rica.

April 2, 2024 - by Michael Miller

Kias Simmons ’26 looked out from the middle of a Costa Rican supermarket over half a dozen bags of coffee beans stacked high in his arms. The aisle in front of him was clear. All that remained was the high-wire act to get to the checkout line.

“For my family and friends,” he said. “I promised I would bring some back.”

Simmons was part of the Texas A&M Costa Rica Specialty Coffee Value Chain field trip that offered students a faculty-led, firsthand look at the process of coffee development from bean to cup in Central America.

“I really didn’t know much about coffee before the trip,” said Simmons, a double major in the  Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science  and  Department of Agricultural Economics .

Simmons, who is working toward a  Meat Science certification , was looking forward to the learning experience.

Coffee professional’s dream trip

Nadav Mer, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and trip leader, was in his element.

“It’s really my dream coffee trip as a coffee professional in Costa Rica – bringing students along to a very high-level experience within the coffee industry that generally is only sought out by coffee professionals,” Mer said.

Mer said he owned several roasteries and a coffee shop in Ames, Iowa, over the course of 10 years.

“Coffee brings people together in a way that other commodities or other product categories do not,” he said. “It’s unique in that way.”

Students get rare insider view

The shared experience created something special for a small group of Aggies.

Six students from the College joined Mer on the trip through forests, mountains, active volcanoes and switchbacks. Lots of switchbacks.

The students’ experiences ran the gamut, from picking ripe, cherry red coffee fruit from the tree to plodding across a patio with a rake to dry beans, topped off with a private tasting session of locally grown products. Coopetarrazú, a coffee cooperative in Costa Rica, helped provide some of these fundamental experiences during the trip.

“I have kind of a visualization of what the process is now from plant to cherry to beans all in one cup,” Ayla Boyd ’24 said. “I have a face for the people who are involved in the process.”

Boyd is a senior graduating with a degree from the  Department of Food Science and Technology  and certificates in  Viticulture and Enology  and  Food Diversity .

A tour of the football-field-sized outdoor composting center was included. Discarded coffee cherries, the fruit left over when the beans are removed, are composted to create fertilizer for the next generation of coffee plants.

“I think the composting process they have is very interesting,” Boyd said. “Coopetarrazú was really, really neat to see. Also, getting an understanding of the scale that they have and the methods that they use was special.”

“Coffee brings people together in a way that other commodities or other product categories do not. It’s unique in that way.”

Nadav Mer Lecturer and trip leader Department of Agricultural Economics

An educational perspective not found in the classroom

Mer is passionate about providing these new perspectives.

“To be able to visualize the journey from picking up a cup of coffee to understanding the steps involved in bringing it to you is a rare treat for anyone passionate about coffee,” he said.

Eric Brenner, assistant director for the  Texas A&M Center for Coffee Research and Education  and trip co-leader, values the depth of education this study abroad experience provides.

“It gives the students a sense of understanding,” he said. “They learn everything that goes on behind the scenes – the science, the mechanisms, all the way to the consumer.”

Simmons, for one, left the co-op with a greater respect for the coffee bean.

“It’s one of those things where if you grow your own food, it tastes better,” he said. “Now that I get to reflect back on this whole process, I think coffee is going to taste a lot better to me.”

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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Costa Rica’s declining press freedom

The U.S. Department of State revealed that while the overall human rights situation in Costa Rica remained largely unchanged, there was an increase in attacks on media outlets and journalists by the government. President Chaves and former Minister of Health Jocelyn Chacón were found to have verbally attacked the media during a press conference, risking the promotion of harassment against the outlets and journalists named.

Several media outlets have expressed disapproval and concern over the President’s continuous harassment, with some even ceasing to attend press conferences due to safety concerns. The report also noted that Costa Rican journalists have admitted to self-censorship due to the administration’s public rebukes of critics. The report serves as a call to action for Costa Ricans to defend the value of a free press, a fundamental cornerstone of democracy.

Costa Rican Court upholds nutritional warning labels on food

Costa Rica has overturned a controversial decision by the Ministry of Health that required the concealment of warning nutritional labels on food products high in fat, sodium, and sugar. The Court ruled that hiding these labels violates consumers’ fundamental right to health and access to transparent information when purchasing food products.

The decision aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which emphasize the importance of clear and visible nutritional labels in enabling consumers to make healthier choices. Despite the Ministry’s justification based on national and Central American regulations, the Court prioritized the health and well-being of Costa Rican citizens, ensuring that they have direct access to informative nutritional labels.

Closing Darién to migrants is difficult

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his doubts about the feasibility of closing the Darién jungle to migrants, as proposed by Panamanian presidential candidate José Raúl Mulino. Chaves emphasized the need for fair treatment and humanitarian assistance for migrants passing through the region. He also addressed the challenges faced by the new Guatemalan president, Bernardo Arévalo, and expressed his desire for a more prosperous and democratic Nicaragua.

Despite facing numerous complaints and accusations, Chaves remains determined to leave a valuable legacy in his remaining two years in office by promoting various reforms to combat bureaucracy, improve healthcare, and tackle organized crime and drug trafficking.

Today's Top News

A barrio’s pride: keylor navas’ humble beginnings, el salvador’s “war” on gangs successful, minister claims, costa rica’s businesses blame central bank for job losses, costa rica’s president: closing darién to migrants is difficult, costa rica’s water infrastructure fails to meet community needs, constitutional court upholds cocos island national park expansion, expat living: our many houses in costa rica, chaves suggests “lobbying” behind norway’s refusal to help, firefighters battle blaze in caño negro national wildlife refuge, the rise of brazilian funk: anitta, beyoncé, and beyond.

Gov. Jared Polis will travel to Costa Rica this week for the 2024 Biennial of the Americas Summit .

The gathering runs from Tuesday through Saturday, and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera will serve as the acting governor while Polis is away.

Polis plans to promote Colorado agriculture, geothermal energy production and small business while there, according to a news release from the governor’s office. Colorado and Costa Rica imported and exported about $58 million worth of goods last year, according to the release.

“We are proud to showcase all that Colorado has to offer and learn from our counterparts in Costa Rica, and we will bring those benefits back to Colorado’s communities,” Polis said in a statement. “Costa Rica is powered by over 95% renewable energy, and as we look towards Colorado’s future for lower cost and more reliable renewable energy, we have a lot to learn from Costa Rica’s experiences.”

The governor’s office announced that Primavera will sign two health-related bills into law during a ceremony early Monday afternoon.

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