A Caribbean port town with Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous influences. Relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and local cuisine like ceviche and patacones.
Limón province stretches along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. In Puerto Limón city, you can explore Vargas Park and its central market. At Tortuguero National Park, you might spot caimans and monkeys while boating through rainforest canals. Cahuita's coral reefs are home to colorful fish, while inland you can visit Bribri communities to learn about their chocolate-making traditions. The region's coconut-infused dishes and laid-back coastal towns contrast with other parts of Costa Rica.
Puerto Limón City
Puerto Limón is the main city of the province. In Vargas Park, you'll find benches under large trees where sloths often rest. Next to the park, the central market is active with vendors selling fresh produce and local crafts. Many wooden buildings painted in bright colors line the streets, reflecting the city's Afro-Caribbean influences.
Cahuita National Park
About 45 minutes south of Puerto Limón, Cahuita National Park includes both land and sea areas. The park's 600 acres of coral reef are home to parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. You can explore these underwater ecosystems while snorkeling. On land, hiking trails wind through coastal forest where you might see howler monkeys, two-toed sloths, and toucans. The park also has white sand beaches for relaxing after your explorations.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park consists of a network of canals and rainforest. You can take boat tours through the waterways to see wildlife up close. You might spot spectacled caimans sunning on logs, capuchin monkeys swinging through trees, and great green macaws flying overhead. From July to October, green sea turtles nest on the park's beaches. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, which adds to its remote atmosphere.
Indigenous Culture
In the Talamanca region of Limón, several indigenous communities, including the Bribri, continue their traditional practices. You can visit these communities to learn about their customs and daily activities. Some tours let you participate in chocolate-making processes or learn about the medicinal plants used in Bribri culture.
Caribbean Cuisine
Limón's food is different from the rest of Costa Rica due to its Caribbean influences. Local dishes include rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, rondon (a seafood soup), and patí (a spicy meat pastry). The region grows many of Costa Rica's bananas and cacao, so you'll find plenty of fresh tropical fruits and locally made chocolate to try.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
South of Puerto Limón, you'll find a string of beaches and small towns along the coastline. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for its beaches, surf spots, and lively nightlife. For calmer experiences, go to nearby Punta Uva or Manzanillo, where beaches meet jungle. In these areas, you can swim and snorkel in calm waters.
Getting Around
Buses and cars connect Puerto Limón to San José, with the journey taking about 3-4 hours. Within Limón province, public buses run between major towns and attractions. If you rent a car, you'll have more flexibility to explore at your own pace. To reach Tortuguero, you'll need to take a boat or small plane. Many visitors use a combination of public transportation and organized tours to see the region.
