Stretching along the Caribbean Coast, Limon is considered to be one of the most pristine and lush regions of Costa Rica. Roughly 125 miles of shoreline between Nicaragua and Panama boast picturesque white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees for an ultimate tropical paradise. As one of the country's most geographically diverse regions, Limon features everything from mangrove wetlands to towering mountains. Take in the endless scenic landscapes throughout Limon, which was first "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1502. Despite this, Limon remains as one of the least traveled regions in Costa Rica, allowing for exploration of untouched prehistoric rainforests and unmatched beauty compared with the rest of the country.
The Caribbean Coast
This beautiful Puerto Viejo beach town located in the South Caribbean coast of Costa Rica holds abundant wildlife, pristine rainforests and plenty of activities for the adventurous. Visitors will find lots to do in the zone: kayaking, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, walking along miles of sandy beaches or experiencing exotic flora and fauna in a day tour at nearby Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or Cahuita National Park.
You will also find a diversity of restaurants offering great Caribbean style food, freshly caught seafood, superb international cuisine, delicious natural juice drinks and energetic breakfasts. Women in town make coconut bread, biscuits and other traditional Limon goodies.
Puerto Viejo’s place is relaxed and laid back, in true Afro-Caribbean style. The town has been built around a tranquil bay with calm water for swimming and a combination of white and volcanic black sand.
Puerto Limon
As the cultural hub of Limon, this capital city is a bustling port town with a unique and vibrant structure. Most residents here have Afro-Caribbean ancestry, so Limon often provides a culture-rich experience without the touristy environment of some other major destinations in Costa Rica. The city is home to several museums and attractions for travelers to visit as well as stunning architecture that is unique to the area. One must-see attraction is Parque Vargas, a beautiful park filled with tropical palm trees, where sloths are often found slowly climbing between branches.
Puerto Viejo is a colorful, laid-back party town with reggae flair. Its fantastic nightlife and range of affordable accommodations make it a backpackers paradise, while the legendary wave known as Salsa Brava attracts die-hard surfers from far and wide. Scuba diving is also very popular here, and you can expect to find colorful fish and the occasional sea turtle or white tip reef shark in these clear, Caribbean waters. The long road running from Puerto Viejo, past the crescent-shaped Playa Punta Uva and all the way to Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, is perfect for a long hike or bike ride.
Often compared to South America’s Amazon River, Costa Rica’s Rio Tortuguero is a renowned habitat for wildlife. Quiet motorboats slowly drift through winding canals and thick, verdant mangroves where you’re likely to spot crocodiles, caimans, sloths, monkeys and river turtles. Bird watchers can keep their eyes peeled for toucans, egrets and even macaws.
Animals are most active during the early morning sunrise and late afternoon to sunset hour, when the weather is typically cooler. These waterways run all the way up to the Nicaraguan border, and are truly a “must see” on any Costa Rican Caribbean itinerary.
Located in the northern half of the province, Tortuguero National Park is known for its turtle nesting along the beach. Unlike many other parks in the country that best serve hikers, Tortuguero should be explored via the water channels. Travelers can hop on a boat or even go kayaking or canoeing to get the best view of wildlife in this park. While there is a plethora of mammals, aviary species and reptiles that populate the area, the most sought-after attraction is the turtles. Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles are the most common species that nest along the beaches, and depending on the time of the year, it's possible to see these nocturnal creatures dig their nests and lay eggs. The canals are filled with unique species as well, including the West Indian manatee, monkeys, river otters, and more than 50 species of freshwater fish.
Caribbean Destination
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Tucked along the southern edge of the town of Cahuita, this national park features roughly 55,000 acres of protected waters and 600 acres of living coral reef, which is one of two in the entire country. Featuring a hot, humid climate year-round, Cahuita is home for a diverse array of aquatic wildlife, including 35 species of coral and 400 species of fish. Hiking trails in the region are light and easy to navigate, but travelers should be cautious during heavy rains, which can make them muddy and treacherous. Activities available here include snorkeling, swimming, canoeing and scuba diving. Cahuita's southern tip is another important site for turtle nesting, and the park is also home to howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, bats, coatis and snakes.
Home to one of the few living coral reefs in the country, Cahuita National Park is a scuba diver’s dream. The majority of the park is underwater, encompassing 55,000 marine acres of sea and 2,732 acres of land. It features a number of sandy walking trails, and serves as a crucial nesting ground for three of the four species of sea turtle that proliferate in Costa Rica: leatherbacks, green and hawksbill sea turtles – hawksbills being the most endangered. Camping, nighttime turtle tours, snorkeling and kayaking around Playa Blanca or Playa Vargas are other popular activities at Cahuita.
Gandoca Manzanillo
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, almost touching the border with Panama, is a natural wonderland. There are many ways to explore the reserve, accompanied by a guide being the best way to appreciate the natural riches. Enter the forest exhibiting every shade of green in the rainbow – from the lightest to the most intense. The trail narrows as you advance through this gigantic rainforest. The sounds and movement of howler monkeys and their peculiar battle cry are sure to catch your attention, along with the toucans flying high above the canopy.
You’ll pass by cliffs, verdant jungle and picture-perfect deserted beaches. You are more likely to cross paths with a two or three-toed sloth than a fellow traveler. The forest, wildlife and Caribbean Sea will become your companions, welcoming you warmly to take a dip in the water, swing from the trees or talk to the monkeys.
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