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About this guide
This coastal Caribbean getaway destination has a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, stunning beaches, and eco-tourism opportunities. Limón’s local music and food scene have a spectacular backdrop with some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. The colorful Caribbean community highlights the region's Creole and African history among its cultural centers and excursions. There are also sustainable practices throughout the region to protect the ecosystems. Travelers create unique memories on this Caribbean rainforest adventure that welcomes anyone willing to take it.
- Best time to travel: April to November (off-season) and December to March (peak season), June to August (storm season)
- Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- Language: Limonese Creole (Mekatelyu), Costa Rican Spanish
- Noteworthy: Festival of the Black Christ (January), Limon Roots Afrocultural Festival (August), Limón Carnival (October)
- Best for: Solo Travel, Couple’s Trip, Hiking Trip, Friends Trip, Eco-Friendly Aventure Trip
Get Away: Getting To and Around Limón, Costa Rica
By Air
The most convenient and efficient way to fly into Limón is through the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. From there, travelers can take a connecting domestic flight to Limón Airport. Though considered an international airport, only domestic passenger flights can travel directly there. Alternatively, the Tobias Bolanos International Airport in San Jose is located closer to downtown San Jose with fewer flight options.
By Car
The roads in Costa Rica can be challenging to navigate due to varying terrain, road conditions, narrow and winding paths, and local driving customs. It's recommended to have some experience driving in similar conditions or scheduling transport. There are two main routes from a starting location toward Limón: San Jose and the South Caribbean area. Gas stations and rest stops are not as frequent on the roads of Costa Rica, so it's essential to plan any routes and have a GPS device for safety and easier navigation.
By Public Transit
The bus system is generally reliable and affordable, though it can get crowded during peak travel hours and travelers may need to transfer buses for certain areas. The Terminal de Autobuses del Caribe (Caribbean Bus Terminal) is in downtown San Jose and runs throughout the day until 6:00 pm. Bus rides can take about four hours and reach directly to Puerto Limón, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo.
Explore Limón, Costa Rica On Foot
Comfortable shoes are always a must when exploring Limón, but the tropical climate around the island should be taken into account. GPS navigation is a must-have when trekking across the winding streets of this Costa Rican city. Travelers can stay safe by being aware of their surroundings and sticking to well-lit areas, avoiding unknown side streets, and walking alone at night.
Quick facts
Central Standard Time (CST)
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Limonese Creole (Mekatelyu), Costa Rican Spanish
Good For
Solo Travel
Couple and Group Trips
Outdoor Adventures
Eco-Friendly Activities
Keep in mind
- Festival of the Black Christ (January)
- Limon Roots Afrocultural Festival (August)
- Limón Carnival (October)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat in Limón, Costa Rica
The innovative family-style Costa Rican restaurant Bay Park Limón serves innovative and classic Caribbean dishes. These include local Costa Rican recipes, steakhouse menu items, and fresh seafood options.
Reina's Restaurant sits in a prime location with open-space seating and a 360-degree view of Playa Bonita. Known for its gastronomy and pasties, it’s a great spot with one of the best Central American dishes in Costa Rica.
Visit Shugga Place for delicious brunch dishes, like omelet quesadillas, pancakes, and savory or sweet empanadas. The cafe offers a variety of flavored coffees and freshly baked desserts, such as tres leches and flan.
The Maestros Wine & Grill uses gastronomy techniques to make classic Central American flavors with mouth-watering meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Maestros offers Argentinian beef empanadas, Brazilian Angus picanha, and specialty merengata cakes.
As a well-established Caribbean icon for over two decades, Restaurante Cocori has a reputation for impeccable service and delicious food. With the Caribbean Sea in view, guests enjoy a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, romantic dinner, or refreshing cocktail.
Tasty Waves Cantina serves fresh island pub-style dishes like C’est la vie-che, guac and chips, burritos, and burgers. The laid-back restaurant is pet-friendly and serves one-dollar shots, cold beers, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Play
Play: Things To Do in Limón, Costa Rica
Visitors can enjoy this 3,400-acre eco-adventure in the Veragua Rainforest Park. They get stunning views of the Talamanca Range which borders La Amistad International Park, Central America's largest nature reserve.
Indulge in The Chocolate Forest Experience set in a tropical paradise while learning the history of chocolate production in Costa Rica. This tour includes hiking through the cacao forest, a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop, and tasting fresh cacao tree fruit.
This zipline and canal boat tour creates unforgettable fun for visitors to fly and dive on a rainforest eco-adventure. Guests observe native wildlife including sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and more.
Travelers ride horses on the beach during this Ride the Rainforest excursion on Costa Rica’s gorgeous beaches and rainforests. With over 30 years of experience, the company can accommodate single, group, and family-friendly tours.
A local guide takes guests on this all-day Cahuita and Puerto Vargas Snorkeling tour to snorkel with over 240 marine life. There’s also a short hike through the lush green landscape of the Cahuita National Park and Puerto Vargas Beach.
In this Afro-Caribbean cooking class, guests learn the stories behind beloved dishes to recreate traditional Sunday meals. Everyone leaves with a flavorful recipe book about authentic Caribbean culture.
From tree cultivation to molding to homemade souvenirs, the Bean To Bar Artesanal Chocolate Workshop teaches hands-on chocolate creation. The chocolatier instructor shares local cacao history with a tour of the lush farm near Playa Negra.
Guests can learn about the conservation efforts at the Tortuguero National Park and worth the one-hour day trip from Limón. The green turtles nest while the giant leatherbacks and hawksbills rest on this most important endangered beach site.
