Limón

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.

Puerto Limon

As the cultural hub of Limon, this capital city is a bustling port town with a unique and vibrant fabric.

Mostly 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.

Tortuguero National Park

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.

Chock-full of wildlife the province of Limon is a nature lovers paradise.

Cahuita National Park

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.

Map of Limón
Click on the map of Limon to zoom into an Area.
Limon Region Map

Talamanca Mountains

The southern end of Limon is bordered by the stunning Talamanca Mountains, which stretch from San Jose into Panama.

Covered in tropical lowland rainforest and cloudforest, this towering mountain range is home to a wide diversity of wildlife due to its land coverage and biodiversity. The mountains also contain virgin forest in some areas as well as five different altitudes.

Small Towns

Manzanillo and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are great locations for travelers to visit to get a taste of the real Tico lifestyle.

These exotic destinations are ideal for beach lovers who wish to have a true tropical getaway.

Costa Rica Beach & National Park Tour
14 Days / 13 Nights
Starting at $2,098 per person
Around Beautiful Costa Rica Tour
10 Days / 9 Nights
Starting at $1,193 per person
Featured Hotels & Activities in Limón
Featured Hotel
Atlantida Lodge
Starting at $50 / night
Featured Hotel
Hotel Suerre
Starting at $99 / night
Featured Hotel
Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
Starting at $290 / night per person - Meals & Transport Included
Featured Hotel
Pachira Lodge Tortuguero
Starting at $117 / night
Featured Hotel
Hotel Banana Azul
Starting at $77 / night
Featured Hotel
Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel
Starting at $126 / night
Featured Hotel
Coral Hill Bungalows
Starting at $110 / night
 
Central ValleyCaribbean South (w/ Puerto Viejo)Caribbean North (w/ Tortuguero)