Limón, also known as Puerto Limón, is the capital city of both the province and canton of the same name. Wikipedia
September–October – Surprisingly dry on the Caribbean coast (while rainy elsewhere in Costa Rica).
February–April – Another good window for dry weather and festivals.
May–August & November–January – Rainier but still lush and vibrant; fewer tourists.
🌿 Limón has a Caribbean microclimate — expect humidity and occasional rain year-round.
From San José (~3–4 hours):
By car: Take Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
By bus: Regular service from San José (MEPE bus terminal).
By domestic flight: Small airport (LIO) offers limited flights.
From Puerto Viejo: 1–1.5 hours by car or bus.
Parque Vargas – Coastal park with sea views and towering palms.
Catedral Sagrado Corazón de Jesús – Historic wooden church in the city center.
Caribbean dockfront – Watch cargo ships and fishing boats come and go.
Central Market – Colorful market with tropical fruits, local eats, and souvenirs.
Limon Carnival (mid-October) – Explosive celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture with dancing, music, and parades.
Cahuita National Park – White-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rainforest trails teeming with sloths, monkeys, and raccoons.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Bohemian beach town with surfing, nightlife, and yoga (1 hour south).
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge – Pristine jungle and reef ecosystems, less crowded.
Tortuguero National Park – Accessible by boat or air; famous for turtle nesting and canal wildlife tours.
Banana plantation tours – Learn about one of the region’s biggest industries.
BriBri Indigenous Reserve – Cultural tours to learn about native traditions, chocolate making, and medicinal plants
Wildlife watching – Sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs, and howler monkeys are common.
Snorkeling & swimming – Especially at Cahuita’s reef and Punta Uva.
Surfing – Playa Cocles near Puerto Viejo offers reliable waves.
Cultural tours – Afro-Caribbean music, food, and history shape the region.
Canal boat tours – In Tortuguero, explore the “Amazon of Costa Rica.”
Try local street food – Jerk chicken, coconut rice & beans, and patí (spiced pastries).
In Limón City:
Basic hotels and guesthouses (e.g., Hotel Maribu Caribe, Hotel Park)
Nearby beach towns (recommended):
Puerto Viejo: Selina, Hotel Banana Azul, Casa Moabi
Cahuita: Suizo Loco Lodge, Playa Negra Guesthouse
Tortuguero: Mawamba Lodge, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Afro-Caribbean flavors dominate:
Rondon – Coconut milk seafood stew
Rice & beans (with coconut and thyme)
Patí – Spicy meat pastry
Plantains, jerk chicken, and seafood
Where to eat:
Soda El Patty, Caribbean Dish, or beachside grills in Cahuita & Puerto Viejo
Try local drinks: Ginger beer, agua de sapo (spiced cane drink), and fresh coconut water
Limón has a strong Afro-Caribbean identity, rooted in Jamaican, indigenous, and Latin American heritage.
English-based Creole is spoken alongside Spanish.
Reggae, calypso, and salsa are woven into daily life.
Limón feels more laid-back and less commercial than the Pacific coast — it’s about culture and nature, not resorts.
Not as developed for tourism as other parts of Costa Rica — expect rustic charm.
Visit Puerto Viejo or Cahuita for better accommodations and beach access.
Stay alert in Limón City at night — take taxis and avoid isolated areas.
Bug spray is essential — especially near mangroves and rainforests.
Bring rain gear year-round — showers can be sudden and heavy.
Respect cultural traditions — many locals are proud of their unique heritage and appreciate open-minded visitors.