12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Last Updated on February 26, 2023

Puerto Limón is the biggest city on Costa Rica’s coastline and home to a famous port that’s unlike any other part of the country.

Cruise ships bring enthusiastic tourists to this place, mostly between October and May, but the place keeps its old-fashioned way and locals are traditional people who’ll welcome you with a warm smile.

Here we present you a list of the top things you can do when you visit Puerto Limón in Costa Rica.

12 Best Things to Do in Puerto Limón

Veragua Rainforest Park

There’s plenty to do at the Veragua Rainforest Park. Visitors can gawk at the beauty of the forest while suspended in a cable car amongst trees that are over 300 years old or experience another aerial view through the various zip lines throughout the vibrant canopy of the Veragua.

If you’re not a fan of heights, don’t worry you can explore the place on foot or bike. Visitors can navigate the walking trails, and even hike to the scenic Puma Falls.

The Foundation for Rainforest Research is also a great spot to make a stop on your way along the rainforest to learn about conservation and the flora and fauna of the rainforest.

Playa Bonita

You cannot possibly visit a sea destination without taking some time to breathe in the salty air and quietness of the coastline. Just a few kilometers from Puerto Limon stands a marvelous tropical beach, named Playa Bonita. Aorned with light-colored sand and crystal-blue waters filled with surfers , this place is great to unwind and work on your tan.

There are some restaurants along the coastline where you can enjoy your drinks or taste some quality food. If you have the chance, do not forget to stay at the beach until the sun sets, you won’t regret it.

The Sloth Sanctuary

For those interested in the fauna of a place, there is no better place to take a picture of a sloth from very close and without the existence of any type of bars than the beautiful Sloth Sanctuary.

If you take part in the tour offered by the staff, you’ll be able to get to know the nursery, as well as the medical area where experts take care of the sloths, along with some interesting facts about life in the Sanctuary.

Visitors have the opportunity to stay at the sanctuary for a night and go on an insider tour to explore some of apsects of the facility that aren’t open to the public.

Reventazon River

If you are a fan of speed and you wish to feel your heart pumping a bit, you cannot miss the opportunity to go rafting on the Reventazon River. Experienced rafters are there to show you the secrets of rafting and provide you with an overall unique experience.

The river itself is the natural habitat of many sloths and the scenery is unique. You also can view the wildlife from various canal tours throughout Puerto Limón.

Banana Plantation Tour

An enlightening tour that will teach you how bananas grow, cleaned and selected is another great activity if you visit Puerto Limon. Tour guides provide stories of native frog and toad species as you set out to explore some of the fauna of Puerto Limon on your own.

A traditional dinner at a restaurant of the place will be the finishing brush of this wonderful and highly influential experience.

Here’s some tours that’ll guide you through the plantation if you’re interested in checking it out.

City Tour of Puerto Limon

A tour around the historical center of Puerto Limon cannot be missed when you visit the place. Apart from taking your time to admire the traditional roads, houses and small monuments of the area, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste some local foods, especially at the popular restaurant, Soda El Patty.

Coconut water is another popular, traditional drink in Costa Rica, to try at a local resturant.

The Tortuguero Canals

A trip you cannot possibly miss when you visit the city is the exploration of the Tortuguero Canals, a national park founded back in 1975.

The park’s initial purpose was to protect the rich fauna and flora of the area, along with the rare green turtle species. A boat trip along the Tortuguero canals, some of which are natural, while others are manmade, will leave you speechless.

During the slow boat trip, you will have the opportunity to take some unique pictures of the place. Watch out for sloths hanging upside down from the trees and colorful species of birds including toucans flying above your head.

There’s plenty of canoe and boat tours to explore the biodiverse canals.

Isla Uvita

Just a 20-minute boat trip from the city, Isla Uvita is a historic place where Columbus landed on his last exploration trip. The island is fully undeveloped, there are no tourist facilities there, which makes it all the more ideal for a quiet evening.

You can even go on a picnic with your buddies and spend some quiet and peaceful time listening to the sounds of the sea and the noises of the local birds.

Vargas Park

A day at Vargas Park is definitely worth your attention. Located near the sea, visitors can have a relaxing visit while listening to waves crashing on the breakwaters and admire the view of the headland.

Huge palm trees and exotic plants surround the area. Visitors may also come into close contact with native wildlife while taking a stroll.

Best yet, there’s no fee to get into the park and you can stay for as long as you feel free to. Visitors can even take a bike ride throughout the park.

Walking Tours in Puerto Limon

A walk around the city will uncover its past wonders and current culutre. However, explore during the day for safety reasons. Tours are accessible, last around 60 minutes and are driven by an accomplished neighborhood control.

Make sure to save an entire day for a tour, on the off chance that you have landed here on a journey transport only for the afternoon, you may run low on schedule.

Central Market of Puerto Limon

As with any other Caribbean city, the central market is the place where locals come in touch daily. It’s the ideal place for a visit during the day since you’ll be able to meet with some friendly locals, learn about their way of living and witness some of their customs and traditions.

Locally grown fruits and vegetables are on display and await visitors for a taste. You can also purchase local goods at the various traditional housewives’ shops in the market.

Cariari Wetlands Park

Puerto Limon is known for its various eco-friendly destinations and natural parks.

Alongside the various national parks already listed, Cariari Wetlands Park is another natural phenomenon worth a visit. Surrounded by a pleathora of biodiverse plants and flowers, and a great view of the port’s coastline and shore, this park is a must see before you take your leave from Puerto Limon.

Where to Stay in Puerto Limón

Looking for a place to stay in Puerto Limón? Check out these hotels located in Puerto Limón.

Is Puerto Limón Worth a Visit?

Visiting Puerto Limon can be a great experience for the whole family. Since it’s not overly touristic, visitors are able to experience the cultural traditions and natural beauty of the area.

The locals are extremely helpful and provide some insight into their daily lives while guiding visitors through various tours.

After all, spending some quality and peaceful time when you are abroad is something you should not miss. Puerto Limon is by far a great place for a visit!