Limón, Costa Rica, is a province unlike any other, boasting varied landscapes, such as tropical rainforests, 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 areas known at that time as the “New World”. However, Columbus did not travel alone. He was accompanied by crew members from several European countries and a large number of African slaves. Therefore, today one can easily identify the impact of this cultural heritage, whether through architectural aspects seen in some cities, local dishes, or the different ethnic groups inhabiting the territory.
We opted to remain here for a night, and I can attest it is the best hotel near the Grand Canyon South Rim. With clean facilities, helpful staff, and a pleasant atmosphere, it offers all necessities for a comfortable stay. Additionally, it’s close to Desert View Drive, guiding to some of the finest viewpoints in the Grand Canyon.
Furthermore, you need to use caution when selecting where to procure a SIM card for Thailand. There are numerous unauthorized and unlicensed vendors selling previously used cards or cards with less data than advertised. If choosing this option, be sure to request an SMS confirming the available data before departing the store.
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1. Enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere of Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Tamalanca is one of the most significant tourist spots in Limón. Although it’s a small town, it has an undeniable charm, and the relaxed atmosphere welcomes you with open arms.
This township has a strong Caribbean and Jamaican effect, which you will notice as soon as you step foot on its colorful streets. Reggae music, craft stalls, and beach bars draw guests from all over the globe. Moreover, the cuisine here stands out from other parts of the country, so I encourage you to try some of the traditional Costa Rican dishes from this region. It’s best to go to a local restaurant, such as Restaurante Tamara or Lidia’s Place.
There are numerous activities available in Puerto Viejo, so I advise renting bicycles to move around conveniently. The roads are generally flat, and the different places of interest are relatively close by. Various stalls offer bike rentals at an affordable cost of a few colones per day.
The primary beaches here are Playa Puerto Viejo, where most of the restaurants and bars are situated, and Playa Negra, which has a calmer environment and some surf schools. However, if you have enough time, it`s worth cycling a little farther 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 activity to engage in when visiting Limón is exploring Cahuita National Park. This nature reserve is the most significant protected area in the region, so you must investigate its pristine landscapes and discover the different ecosystems contained within it.
At Cahuita National Park, you can embark on an 8-kilometer (5-mile) trail along the entire coastline. Along the route, you’ll find idyllic beaches where you can swim, and various types of vegetation, like a region of mangroves.
I suggest registering for that excursion so you can do the walk with a neighborhood guide. Even though the route is well-marked, an escort will assist you recognize distinctive animal types endemic to Costa Rica that could cross your path, such as monkeys, iguanas, and birds. The major star of this place is the Costa Rican sloth, and this locale 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 one highly recommended thing to do in Limón. This location is famous for being among the top sites to see turtles nesting in Costa Rica, so if viewing this natural phenomenon is a dream of yours, you must incorporate Tortuguero into your itinerary.
Of course, the park is relatively isolated, so really commit a few days exploring the park. We spent two nights here. The best means of accessing is by taking a 1-to-2-hour boat from La Pavona, which is 3 hours from San José. Another choice is this 3-day excursion from San Jose or this single-day tour if time is restricted.
Both trips incorporate the waterway tour we took through the waterway to see crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, and birds. We also did this excursion and saw leather shells nesting, although depending on when you visit, you may see hawksbill or green turtles.
For me, it was the best component of Limón and something I would certainly redo again. What I appreciated most was that the tour was extremely-regulated so as never to disturb the turtles. We were only able to utilize specific flashlights for the spawning process, but they don`t permit you to observe the instant in which the turtles arrive at the beaches or dig their nests.
4. Snorkeling in Punta Uva, something fun to do in Limón, Costa Rica
Punta Uva inLimón is one of the most stunning places on the Caribbean coast, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. This natural region not just has a unique character, but if you dare to take the experience of getting there from Puerto Viejo by bicycle, you can stop at quite a few lovely coves that peek out from the dense greenery.
The route is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles), but the path is quite level, 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 labor is a vast expanse of white sand surrounded by palm trees, and I’m not even speaking about the paradise hidden between the waves. Punta Uva boasts unparalleled marine biodiversity, so I suggest snorkeling beneath the surface of the crystalline waters to see it for oneself. The visibility is excellent, and the waters are calm, so one 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 worth exploring in Limón, Costa Rica. Beyond its fishing culture and picturesque scenery, this town has a strategic position within a protected region, which incorporates 15 kilometers (9 miles) of spectacular beaches. Without a doubt, the Gandoca National Refuge is one of the top attractions to visit in Manzanillo.
This nature reserve is managed by both entities 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 natural specialist.
It will take approximately 3 to 4 hours within the refuge where you’ll be able to observe animals native to the 3 ecosystems that comprise the area: tropical rainforest, wetland, and mangrove forest. This does not include the 5 km2 (2 mi2) coral reef offshore where snorkeling is available. These waters are home to endangered species such as manatees and different varieties of sea turtles, including the leatherback turtle. If traveling between March and June, you can sign up for a tour to see the turtles arriving to nest, 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 renowned Limón tourist spots among surfers. It provides an ideal setting for beach activities in Limón to hone surfing maneuvers, thanks to the ongoing waves and moderate currents. Of course, if you’re a novice, I recommend participating in surf lessons at one of the other Costa Rican beaches.
Experienced surfers seeking a challenge may find opportunities at Salsa Brava beach in Limón, Costa Rica, home to one of the largest breaks globally.
Additionally, there is a very pleasant 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 noted, the culture of Limón differs noticeably from elsewhere in the nation. Learning about this occurs in the capital city of 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 has been operational for hundreds of years and was officially established in 1870, still serving as an important Caribbean hub and the main port of call for cruise ships visiting Costa Rica.
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica was exploring the old town on foot, filled withbuildings displaying interestingarchitecture. The structures showedinfluencefromtheAfricanCaribbeanregion,aswellastheeffectsoftimeandnumerousearthquakes impactingthisarea. Evenso, thislends thebuildingsauniqueandirreplaceablecharm. I alsorecommendvisitingtheCentralMarket,aspecialplacetoseeinLimónwhereoncanobservelocaldaily 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.
| If you`re stopping in Limón during your cruise, I suggest taking this tour of Cahuita and the Tortuguero Canals. |
8. Veragua Rainforest, one of the best places to visit in Limón, Costa Rica
If you enjoy nature, this excursion to the Veragua Rainforest from Puerto Limón is one of the best activities 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 various life forms and wildlife.
Visitors can ride an aerial cable car that travels through the towering trees, many of which are over 300 years old. The views are spectacular, allowing onlookers to see the Talamanca mountain range, the Caribbean Sea, and the lush rainforest from above.
In addition to several nature trails, the reserve also provides facilities such as an insect observation center, a butterfly house, a frog house, and a biological examination station.
Upon departing the reserve, your guide will take you on a watercraft through an area they refer to as the Tortuguero Canals. These waterways are very near to Puerto Limón and connect with the channels within Tortuguero National Park, although they are not officially part of the national park. Even so, exploring them is still worthwhile and keeping an eye out for monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and different kinds of birds. Just remember that if you want to visit the national park, you won`t be able to do so 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
Experiencing the Bribrí Indigenous community allows one to fully immerse in local culture. With 11,500 inhabitants, this community comprises small self-sufficient villages and represents one of the few Indigenous communities still residing in Costa Rica.
Viewing these villages is extremely fascinating and a unique way to learn more about their philosophy and way of living. The inhabitants obtain everything needed from nature, including their food and medicines. Additionally, they speak their native tongue, which they’ve managed to maintain intact over the years, as well as their sign language.
The only way to explore this Indigenous community is through this excursion from Puerto Viejo. During the trip, a member from one of the villages will accompany visitors and show homes and fields while sharing details regarding their history, beliefs, and traditions. Something that piqued my interest was the iguana farm, which the locals have supervised for over 30 years in an attempt to help the iguanas’ reproductive process.
Later, you will have the opportunity to participate in an ancient cocoa ritual, learn about plants used for healing purposes, and sample some typical dishes from the village. Of course, at such a high altitude and with the oppressive heat of the jungle, you will likely want to cool off, so the tour concludes with a visit to the 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 stimulating activities to do in Limón is zip lining through the jungle. We chose this tour, which was a complete thrill and one of the excursions in Costa Rica that we enjoyed the most.
We participated in an experience involving zip lines passing through the lush scenery of Limón province. Initially, our guides demonstrated how to properly fit helmets and harnesses before providing safety guidance to ensure an enjoyable adventure free from worry. In total, there are 18 distinct zip lines covering around 2,400 meters (7,875 feet), yielding an truly remarkable experience.
Of course, there is one particularly daring zip line limited only to extremely courageous thrill-seekers. The Superman zip line requires lying in a Superman position and extends nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). So, if you want an adrenaline rush and are uncertain what to do in Limón, try this!
Best hotels in Limón, Costa Rica
Now, if you prefer a more relaxed environment, there are other nearby beaches worth exploring. Some of the finest national parks in Costa Rica are located nearby, providing stunning coastlines, making them a wonderful alternative if you need a day to disconnect and escape the large crowds.
- Umami Hotel: This is one of the top hotels in Costa Rica, just 200 meters (650 feet) from the ocean in Puerto Viejo, between Playa Cócles and Playa Negra. It’s not low-priced, but the resort provides elegant rooms with a terrace overlooking the surrounding greenery. Its sophisticated amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness spa, and a gourmet restaurant with innovative dishes.
- Mawamba Lodge: This resort in Tortuguero is considered one of the most luxurious accommodations in Costa Rica. It boasts an exceptional location in the center of Tortuguero National Park, directly facing the beach. What`s more, it has spacious rooms with balconies and hammocks, as well as communal areas like a swimming pool and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
- Bungalows Ache Cahuita: Found in Cahuita, the major town to visit the majestic Cahuita National Park, this accommodation is ideal for beach lovers. You’ll be just steps from Playa Blanca and have a cozy, private bungalow with a terrace overlooking the garden. The bungalow has a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave so you can ready your foods.
Map of Limón, Costa Rica
In conclusion, here is a geographical representation of Limón, Costa Rica, where the discussed attractions and accommodations are placed. Be sure to also reference our map of Costa Rica when planning your itinerary to optimize your time and experience additional proximate points of interest.
If you’re planning an excursion to the North Rim, there’s no better place to stay than the Grand Canyon Lodge. As one of the premier lodgings on the Grand Canyon North Rim, it offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from cabanas and cabins to typical rooms.
Pura Vida!
