Things To Do
in Puerto Limón
Puerto Limón is a Caribbean port city on Costa Rica's Atlantic coast known for its Afro-Caribbean influences, bustling markets, and lush rainforest surroundings. It serves as a working port with a gritty, authentic vibe that contrasts with the more touristy Pacific coast towns. Visitors can hear reggae rhythms in the streets, taste bold coconut-infused dishes, and spot tropical birds along easygoing trails nearby.
The climate is warm and humid year-round, with frequent tropical showers that deepen the vibrant landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, where you can savor traditional Costa Rican Gallo Pinto. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Puerto Limón, admiring the colonial architecture and murals that tell the story of the city. Don’t miss the iconic Mercado Municipal, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.
In the afternoon, visit the Limón Museum to learn about the region's rich history and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Afterward, grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties like ceviche. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Parque Vargas, where you can relax among the lush gardens and watch the locals go about their day.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront to enjoy a sunset stroll along the beach, with the waves gently lapping at your feet. For dinner, indulge in a feast of Caribbean cuisine at a beachfront restaurant, sampling dishes like rice and beans cooked in coconut milk. End your evening by soaking in the lively atmosphere of Puerto Limón, perhaps stopping at a local bar for some live music.
Kick off your day with an energizing breakfast before heading to Playa Bonita, known for its soft sands and gentle waves. Take a surfing lesson with a local instructor, who will guide you through the basics and help you catch your first wave. Enjoy the thrill of riding the surf while surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery.
After a morning of surfing, grab a light lunch at a beachside shack offering fresh tropical juices and snack options. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, where you can explore the vibrant marine life that thrives just offshore. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or colorful fish swimming alongside you.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, unwind on the beach with a refreshing drink in hand. For dinner, enjoy a seafood feast at a local restaurant, where you can savor grilled fish and plantains while listening to the sound of the surf. Cap off the evening with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories with fellow travelers under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥪Lunch with drink | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚌Local transit ride (bus/taxi) | $1-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and welcoming locals
- Easy access to diverse nature and wildlife within a short drive
- Roads can be challenging in rainy season
- Some tourist amenities are concentrated in central areas; longer trips may require planning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the restroom?
- "¡Pura vida!" - Pure life!
- "Sí, por favor." - Yes, please.
- "Gracias." - Thank you.
Places to Visit in Puerto Limón
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful waterfront promenade with cranes, ships, palm trees, and sunset light—great for wide-angle and street photography.
Central park area with colonial architecture, local markets, and vibrant street art ideal for candid portraits.
Dynamic indoor market filled with produce, spices, and fish; perfect for close-up textures and color-rich shots.
Photograph traditional textiles, ceremonies, and community life when visiting Bribrí communities with permission.
Food in Puerto Limón
Puerto Limón Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich seafood stew with coconut milk, yuca, plantains, and local spices; best tasted at coastal eateries in Limón.
Must-Try!
A hearty staple featuring black beans cooked with rice and a variety of fresh seafood or fish; commonly served with plantains.
A Caribbean-style casado with rice, beans, fish or chicken, salad, and fried plantains—found in many local eateries.
Fried plantain slices topped with cheese or seafood; a popular street snack and accompaniment.
Seafood soup featuring a mix of shrimp, fish, and shellfish in a light tomato broth.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling stalls with tropical fruits, spices, fresh seafood, and local snacks; great for authentic street photography and tasting local flavors.
Casual spots near the waterfront offering fried fish, plantains, patacones, and refreshing coconuts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings in Spanish (hola, buenos días) go a long way; learning a few phrases helps; avoid loud, aggressive behavior in public.
Respect for Afro-Caribbean and Bribri traditions; ask for permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Limón
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge may be included at some restaurants; otherwise, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas; carry some cash for markets and smaller eateries that may not take cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid days with plenty of sunshine; good for outdoor markets and beachside photography, but stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Frequent tropical showers; trails stay lush but roads can flood and become slippery; pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof bags for gear.
Puerto Limón at Night
Hiking in Puerto Limón
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal rainforest trails with abundant wildlife and scenic beaches; relatively easy hikes suitable for all ages.
Biodiverse habitat with rainforest and shoreline; rewarding for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Limón by plane.
Small international gateway serving the Limón Province with domestic flights and limited international routes.
Major international hub near San José; requires road or air transfer to Limón (travel time varies, typically several hours by road or a short domestic flight).
Liberia airport in Guanacaste; commonly used by travelers heading to northern Costa Rica and frequently combined with a domestic connection to Limón.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically linked to the Caribbean coast and banana industry; strong cultural influence in music and cuisine.
Located in the Talamanca region; traditional crafts and language preservation are visible in some villages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across communities; local games and informal matches are common.
Caribbean beaches offer beginner to intermediate waves in season; some spots require guidance for safety.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Limón.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Caribbean cooking centers on vegetables, beans, rice, plantains, and fruit; ask for vegetable empanadas, bean stews, or ceviche alternatives without seafood to accommodate vegetarians.