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Limón, Costa Rica, is a province unlike any other, boasting varied landscapes, such as tropical jungles, paradisiacal beaches, and mountains. This area is also where a long history of conquest begins.
In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed in this region while exploring the “New World”. But, of course, he didn’t come alone. Columbus was accompanied by a crew from several European countries and a large number of African slaves. Therefore, today, you can easily identify the influence of this cultural legacy, whether in the architecture of some cities, in the local dishes, or in the different ethnic groups that inhabit the territory.
We were very interested in getting to know the beaches of Limón, so we decided to base ourselves in Puerto Viejo to visit some of the most important tourist sites in Costa Rica. I can tell you that our decision was a success. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendly towns and the variety of things to do in Limón.
If you’re preparing for your trip, use this guide to help you find the best places to see in Limón. I’ll explain how to visit some of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks in the region, share my recommendations on where to stay, and give you some useful tips for an unforgettable visit.
1. Enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere of Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Tamalanca is one of the most important tourist places in Limón. Although it’s a small town, it has an undeniable charm, and the relaxed atmosphere welcomes you with open arms.
This town is characterized by its strong Caribbean and Jamaican influence, which you’ll notice as soon as you step foot on its colorful streets. Reggae music, craft stalls, and beach bars draw visitors from all over the world. In addition, the food here stands out from other areas of the country, so I encourage you to try some of the typical Costa Rican dishes from this region. It’s best to go to a local restaurant, such as Restaurante Tamara or Lidia’s Place.
1. Enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere of Puerto Viejo
There are many things to do in Puerto Viejo, so I recommend renting a bicycle to get around easily. The roads are mostly flat, and the different attractions are pretty close by. Various stalls have bike rentals available, and they only cost a few colones per day.
The main beaches here are Playa Puerto Viejo, where most of the restaurants and bars are located, and Playa Negra, which has a calmer atmosphere and some surf schools. However, if you have enough time, it’s worth biking a little further to visit the more paradisiacal beaches in Limón, such as Playa Cocles or Playa Chiquita.
2. Cahuita National Park, a must-see in Limón, Costa Rica
Another essential thing to do in Limón is to visit Cahuita National Park. This nature reserve is the most important in the area, so you must explore its virgin landscapes and discover the different ecosystems within it.
At Cahuita National Park, you can take an 8-kilometer (5-mile) walk along a trail that runs along the entire coast. Along the way, you’ll find dreamy beaches where you can take a dip, and different types of vegetation, including an area of mangroves.
2. Cahuita National Park, a must see in Limón, Costa Rica
I recommend signing up for this tour so you can do the walk with a local guide. Although the path is well-marked, a guide will help you identify different species of Costa Rican animals that may cross your path, such as monkeys, iguanas, and birds. The big star of this place is the Costa Rican sloth, and this region has the most sightings in the country.
Of course, if you decide to visit on your own, keep in mind that the park has two entrances. You can do the tour in either direction, but if you start at Playa Blanca de Cahuita, the entrance fee is donation-based, while at Puerto Vargas, the entrance fee is $5. Also, snorkeling on your own here is prohibited, but you can book a local tour to discover the secrets of the seabed. Hands down, it’s one of the best coral reefs we saw in Costa Rica.
3. Tortuguero National Park, one of the best tourist attractions in Limón, Costa Rica
Visiting Tortuguero National Park is another awesome thing to do in Limón. This site is famous for being one of the best places to see turtles nesting in Costa Rica, so if you dream of seeing this natural phenomenon, you must include Tortuguero in your itinerary.
Of course, the park is quite isolated, so you should really spend a few days exploring the park. We spent two nights here. The best way to get there is by taking a 1-to-2-hour boat from La Pavona, which is 3 hours from San José. Another option is this 3-day excursion from San Jose or this single-day tour if you’re short on time.
3. Tortuguero National Park, one of the best tourist attractions in Limón, Costa Rica
Both excursions include the canoe tour we took through the canal to see alligators, snakes, monkeys, and birds. We also did this excursion and saw leatherback turtles nesting, although depending on the time of year you go, you may see hawksbill or green turtles.
For me, it was the best part of Limón and something I would definitely do again. What I liked the most was that the tour was super-regulated so as not to disturb the turtles. We could only use special flashlights for the spawning process, but they don’t let you see the moment in which the turtles reach the beaches or dig their nests.
4. Snorkeling in Punta Uva, something fun to do in Limón, Costa Rica
Punta Uva in Limón is one of the most stunning places on the Caribbean coast, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. This natural area not only has a special charm, but if you dare to take the adventure of getting there from Puerto Viejo by bicycle, you can stop at a lot of beautiful coves that peek out from the thick vegetation.
4. Snorkeling in Punta Uva, something fun to do in Limón, Costa Rica
The route is 8 kilometers (5 miles), but the path is quite flat, so it’s an easy ride. You can also go by car, but the magic of biking is that it’ll be easier to see the animals that cross your path. We found two sloths!
The reward for all that effort is a large expanse of white sand surrounded by palm trees, and I’m not even talking about the paradise hidden between the waves. Punta Uva boasts incomparable marine biodiversity, so I recommend snorkeling beneath the surface of the crystalline waters to see it for yourself. The visibility is excellent, and the waters are calm, so you can spot tropical fish, manta rays, turtles, and more.
5. Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge, another place in Limón you can’t miss
Manzanillo is another charming town to see in Limón, Costa Rica. Beyond its fishing culture and picturesque scenery, this town has a privileged location within a protected area, which includes 15 kilometers (9 miles) of spectacular beaches. Without a doubt, the Gandoca National Refuge is one of the best things to see in Manzanillo.
5. Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge, another place in Limón you can’t miss
This nature reserve is managed by both authorities and local communities, and admission is free. You can walk the 5-kilometer (3-mile) path that takes you to Punta Mona alone, but it’s even better if you hire a naturalist guide.
It will take you about 3 or 4 hours, and you’ll be able to see animals from the 3 ecosystems that make up the refuge: tropical jungle, wetland, and mangrove. This is without counting the 5 km² (2 mi²) reef off the coast where you can snorkel. These waters are home to endangered species like manatees and different species of sea turtles, including the leatherback turtle. If you travel between March and June, you can book a tour to see these turtles nesting, a fascinating spectacle you won’t want to miss.
6. Surfing at Playa Cocles, another cool activity to do in Limón, Costa Rica
Playa Cocles is one of the most famous Limón tourist spots among surfers. It’s the perfect beach in Limón to practice your movements, thanks to the constant waves and moderate currents. Of course, if you’re a beginner, I recommend taking surf lessons at one of the other Costa Rican beaches.
6. Surfing at Playa Cocles, another cool activity to do in Limón, Costa Rica
Now, if you’re an experienced surfer and want to challenge yourself, Salsa Brava is a beach in Limón where you can find one of the largest breaks in the world.
In addition, there is a very nice route that starts from the Salsa Brava Restaurant in Puerto Viejo and connects with Playa Cocles. It’s a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) route, so you can do it on foot or by bicycle. Along the way, you may come across some playful monkeys or sleepy sloths.
7. Puerto Limón, a good place to learn about the culture of Limón, Costa Rica
As I mentioned, the culture of Limón, Costa Rica, is quite different from the rest of the country, and you can learn all about it in the capital, Puerto Limón.
While it’s not one of the most visited cities in Costa Rica, Puerto Limón is one of the oldest towns in the country. The port was not officially founded until 1870, but it has been in operation for hundreds of years and still serves as an important Caribbean hub and the main port for cruise ships in Costa Rica.
7. Puerto Limón, a good place to learn about the culture of Limón, Costa Rica
Of all the things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, my favorite was walking through the old town, which is full of fascinating buildings. The architecture shows the Afro-Caribbean influence, as well as the passage of time and the many earthquakes that hit this area of the country. Even so, this gives the structure a special and irreplaceable charm. I also recommend going to the Central Market, a special place to visit in Limón where you can get a glimpse of local life.
Some other points of interest to check out include Vargas Park, which houses a Neoclassical-style gazebo overlooking the sea, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, a gorgeous church a few blocks away. Playa Bonita is also very popular, although I wouldn’t include it among the best beaches in Limón.
| Are you stopping at Limón during your cruise? To make the most of your time, I recommend this tour to Cahuita and the Tortuguero Canals. |
8. Veragua Rainforest, one of the best places to visit in Limón, Costa Rica
If you’re a nature lover, this excursion to the Veragua Rainforest from Puerto Limón is one of the best things to do in Limón. The Veragua Rainforest is a private nature reserve covering 77 hectares (190 acres), so you can easily spend a day there learning about its flora and fauna.
You can even board a cable car that will take you over the leafy trees, which are over 300 years old. The views are amazing, and you’ll be able to see the Talamanca mountain range, the Caribbean Sea, and the rainforest.
In addition to several trails, the reserve also has facilities such as an insect museum, a butterfly house, a frog house, and a biological research station.
8. Veragua Rainforest, one of the best places to visit in Limón, Costa Rica
After leaving the reserve, your guide will take you on a boat ride through what they call the Tortuguero Canals. These channels are very close to Puerto Limón and link up with the channels of Tortuguero National Park, although they’re not part of the national park. Even so, it’s still worth exploring and keeping your eye out for monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and various types of birds. Just remember that if you want to visit the national park, you won’t be able to do it on a day trip from Puerto Limón.
Finally, back in town, you’ll be able to take in the panoramic views of Puerto Limón from one of the most famous viewpoints while your guide shares interesting facts about Limón’s history and culture.
9. Visit the Bribrí Indigenous community and its waterfall, a unique thing to do in Limón, Costa Rica
Visiting the Bribrí Indigenous community is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. With 11,500 inhabitants, this community is made up of small self-sufficient villages and represents one of the few Indigenous communities still living in Costa Rica.
Seeing these villages is super interesting and a unique way to learn more about their philosophy and way of life. The inhabitants obtain everything they need from nature, including their food and medicines. In addition, they speak their native language, which they’ve managed to keep intact over the years, as well as their sign language.
Visit the Bribrí Indigenous community and its waterfall, a unique thing to do in Limón, Costa Rica
The only way to visit this Indigenous community is through this excursion from Puerto Viejo. During the tour, a member from one of the villages will accompany you and show you the homes and fields while sharing a bit about their history, beliefs, and traditions. Something that caught my attention was the iguana farm, which the locals have been overseeing for more than 30 years in an effort to help the iguanas’ reproduction process.
Later, you can join an ancient cocoa ceremony, learn about medicinal plants, and taste some of the village’s typical delicacies. Of course, at this altitude and with the stifling heat of the jungle, you will surely want to take a dip, so the tour ends with a visit to the 15-meter (50-foot) tall Volio Waterfall and the Bribrí Waterfall.
10. Ziplining through the jungle, something to do in Limón, Costa Rica, as a family
Finally, one of the most exciting things to do in Limón is ziplining through the jungle. We chose this tour, which was a complete blast and one of the excursions in Costa Rica that we enjoyed the most.
10. Zip-lining through the jungle, something to do in Limón, Costa Rica, as a family
We went to a ziplining site with a circuit of different lines crossing the lush landscapes of the Limón province. First, our guides showed us how to put on our helmets and harnesses, followed by a safety briefing so we could have a worry-free adventure. In total, there are 18 different zip lines, which cover around 2,400 meters (7,875 feet), so it was an incredible experience.
Of course, there is one zip line that is only for the bravest thrill-seekers. The Superman zip line requires you to stay in a Superman position, lying down, and the line extends nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). So, if you want an adrenaline rush and don’t know what to do in Limón, try this!
Best hotels in Limón, Costa Rica
There are many recommended hotels in Limón, but I’m sharing my top selections below. If you haven’t decided where to stay in Costa Rica, these three hotels are great:
- Umami Hotel: This is one of the best hotels in Costa Rica, just 200 meters (650 feet) from the sea in Puerto Viejo, between Playa Cócles and Playa Negra. It’s not cheap, but the resort provides elegant rooms with a terrace overlooking the surrounding vegetation. Its sophisticated facilities include an outdoor pool, a wellness spa, and a gourmet restaurant with innovative dishes.
- Mawamba Lodge: This accommodation in Tortuguero is one of the best luxury hotels in Costa Rica. It boasts a privileged location in the middle of Tortuguero National Park, right in front of the beach. In addition, it has large rooms with balconies and hammocks, as well as communal spaces like a swimming pool and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Bungalows Ache Cahuita: Located in Cahuita, the main town to visit the majestic Cahuita National Park, this accommodation is perfect for beach lovers. You’ll be just steps from Playa Blanca and have a comfy, private bungalow with a terrace overlooking the garden. The bungalow has a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave so you can prepare your meals.
Map of Limón, Costa Rica
Finally, here is a map of Limón, Costa Rica, where you can find the attractions and hotels I mentioned. In addition, be sure to consult our map of Costa Rica when planning your itinerary so you can maximize your time and get to know other nearby attractions.
That’s it for the best places to see in Limón, Costa Rica. Now that you know everything about the culture of Limón, where to go, and what to do, you’re ready to plan your dream trip. If you have any questions or want to share your experience traveling through Costa Rica, leave a comment below.
Pura Vida!
