With its unique Afro-Caribbean culture, the region of Limon offers tourists a different side of Costa Rica to explore. The atmosphere here is more relaxed and laidback with some of the most picture perfect white sand beaches in the entire country. Limon extends along the entire Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica, stretching some 125 miles from the border of Nicaragua all the way down to Panama.
Vacationing in Limon is ideal for those who want a distinct holiday away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. With plenty of hotels, resorts and all-inclusive lodges found spread out over the coast, staying here is not a problem. While in Limon you not only get the chance to explore lush tropical coastal rainforests, but also experience the ambiance of small colorful beach towns and villages with their catchy rhythms and exotic cuisines.
A top ecotourism destination, Limon is the habitat of several endemic plant and animal species. Home to the Tortuguero National Park, the Refugio Nacional Barra del Colorado, the Parque Nacional Cahuita and the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, this region has some excellent fishing, surfing, bird watching, hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, diving and swimming opportunities. If you have the time, do visit the indigenous Indian reserves also found here, where people still maintain a traditional lifestyle.
If you plan on staying in Puerto Limon, the provincial capital, accommodations here are ideal for the budget traveler. There are lots of cheap hotels, motels and dorms available for rent. For more upscale hotels and resorts head north of town to Moin, with some of the prettiest beaches in the area. You can also find accommodations in and around the towns of Guapiles, Cariari, Guacimo and Siquirres.
If you wish to visit the Tortuguero National Park, you can find plenty accommodations and hotels on the park premises itself ideally suited for those on a mid-range or budget vacation. However, if you have an unlimited travel account then head north of the village to a number of all-inclusive ecolodges in the area. In the Barra del Colorado Refuge, there are a number of affordable lodges and cabins that can be found inside the park as well.
In southern Limon, you can find plenty of inexpensive hotels, resorts and cabins in the towns of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita. For more luxurious accommodations go east along the coast to come across a number of first rate hotels, cabinas, inns, villas, bungalows and lodges for rent. A few miles south of Puerto Viejo is the idyllic town of Manzanillo offering the ultimate getaway for those looking to escape more touristy locations.
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