The best things to do in Puerto Limón

Limón is a city founded on February 22, 1870. It is characterized by having 2 districts, which are further subdivided into a total of 6 neighborhoods and have a population of 100,000 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has Limón International Airport (IATA code: LIO) located in the Matama district, about 4 kilometers south of the city center, in case you wish to travel by plane. It also has four bus terminals if you prefer to arrive in Puerto Limón by bus.

Additionally, there are two transportation systems: public buses and taxis. Finally, there are 10 kilometers of bike lanes for cycling around the city.

Puerto Limón is a city worth living in Costa Rica because, besides offering must-see places, it is renowned for its tropical beauty, paradisiacal beaches, lush vegetation, and vibrant Caribbean culture.

It is also famous for its traditions like the Limón Carnival in October, the International Arts Festival in April, and the Music Festival in June. But especially for its welcoming climate, as Limón's weather is mostly tropical rainy, with an average annual temperature ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Now, as for the beautiful places in Puerto Limón, they are diverse and cater to different types of tourism. For example, a fascinating aspect of historical tourism is exploring picturesque places in Puerto Limón where you can take photos without any problem. Some of the main ones include Parque Vargas, Muelle Viejo, Puerto Limón Cathedral, Casa de la Cultura, Mercado Municipal, Playa Bonita, Playa Cahuita, Cahuita National Park, Puerto Vargas Botanical Garden, and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Another great plan in Puerto Limón for a day trip is walking through landscapes or parks such as Cahuita National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and Amistad International Park. Most of these tourist sites in Puerto Limón require little money to visit.

Among other attractions in Puerto Limón that you must visit for a day of fun are museums. Some of the most important ones are the Etnohistórico Museum of Limón, the Sea Museum, and the Afro-Caribbean Art and Culture Museum.

If you are more into nocturnal plans and enjoy solo or couple traveling, you should explore some emblematic places in Puerto Limón for a night out. Some recommended options include Barrio Chino, a vibrant and lively place with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where you can enjoy live music and delicious Chinese cuisine.

But if you prefer family trips, among the beautiful places in Puerto Limón for children are Cahuita National Park, Wilson Botanical Garden, and the Etnohistórico Museum of Limón.

Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing some of the tourist spots in Puerto Limón, we recommend you get to know the customs of the Limonese people and some interesting facts about the metropolis. Here are some important ones:

• The city of Puerto Limón is known as the "city of parks" due to the large number of green areas and recreational spaces it possesses.
• Puerto Limón is famous for its annual carnival, considered one of the largest and most colorful in Costa Rica.
• In the city, you can find Parque Vargas, an emblematic place where you can observe different animal species such as monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
• Puerto Limón has a significant Afro-Caribbean influence, reflected in its music, dances, and cultural traditions.
• The Etnohistórico Museum of Puerto Limón is a must-visit place to learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as the influence of the Afro-Caribbean community.
• The city is home to the Guayabo National Monument, an archaeological site that displays remains of an ancient pre-Columbian civilization.
• Puerto Limón celebrates the Afro-Caribbean Music Day, featuring concerts and activities related to this musical genre.
• The San Marcos Church is one of the main places of worship in the city, known for its colonial architecture and historical significance.

Being one of Costa Rica's major cities, Puerto Limón is a hub of gastronomic commerce. So, one of the essential things to do is to eat in areas like the Limón Municipal Market, Playa Bonita, Soda La Nena, and Soda Marea Alta, which are favorites among foodies.

You'll find the best restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as Rice and beans, Patí Limonense, Rondón, Pan Bon, Sopa de mondongo, Patacones, Ceviche de camarón, Tapado, Carimañolas, and Arreglados. Some recommended restaurants are Restaurante El Faro, Restaurante Marisquería La Mojarra Loca, Restaurante Sobre las Olas, Restaurante Playa Bonita, and Restaurante Los Antojitos.

As for accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Puerto Limón, we recommend Playa Bonita, Playa Cahuita, Playa Manzanillo, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. That's where you'll find the most recommended famous hotels in Puerto Limón, such as Hotel Playa Bonita, Hotel Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort, and Hotel Le Cameleon Boutique.