The biggest city on Costa Rica’s coastline and a famous port that does not resemble any other part of the country, the unique Puerto Limón awaits you on your next visit.
Cruise ships bring enthusiastic tourists to this place particularly between October and May, but the place keeps its old-fashioned way and locals are traditional and simple people who’ll welcome you with a warm smile.
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Here we present you a list with the top things you can do when you visit Puerto Limón in Costa Rica.
1. Veragua Rainforest Park
A visit at this rainforest will make you get to know the natural habitat in Puerto Limon.
Hundreds of butterflies, frogs and reptiles live in the rainforest and visitors are able to glide along the treetops of the park on an aerial tram and admire not only the beautiful view from above, but the different species of monkeys, birds and sloths, as well.
If you prefer to explore the place on foot, then you can follow one of the various walking trails or hike to a wonderful waterfall. For the more adventurous travelers, there is the option of experiencing the most impressive zip-line in the country.
The Foundation for Rainforest Research is also a great spot to make a stop on your way along the rainforest.
2. Playa Bonita
You cannot possibly visit a sea destination without taking some time to breath in the clear air and quietness of the coastline. Just a few kilometers from Puerto Limon stands a marvelous tropical beach, named Playa Bonita. Light-colored sand, crystal-blue waters and the option of surfing open to those interested in this sport are the things that characterize this beach.
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. The whole atmosphere is totally deserving the whole fuss.
3. 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 help the owner continue her admirable work. It will also, enable you to go on an inside tour and explore some secrets around sloths.
4. 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.
5. Banana Plantation Tour
An enlightening tour that will teach you the ways of how bananas grow, are cleaned and selected is another great activity if you visit Puerto Limon. A biologist accompanies the whole tour and talks to you about some interesting facts around this well-known plant.
He will also spend some time telling you stories about frogs and toads and you’ll be able 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.
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6. 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, including the delicious Patties.
Coconut water is another popular, traditional drink in Costa Rica, in general.
7. The Tortuguero Canals
A trip you cannot possibly miss when you visit the city is the exploration of the Tortuguero Canals which is a national park that was founded back in the 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.
8. Isla Uvita
Just a 20-minute boat trip from the city, Isla Uvita is the place where Columbus landed on his last exploration trip. The island is fully undeveloped, there are no tourist facilities there and that only 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.
9. Vargas Park
A park near the sea where you’ll be able to hear the sound of the waves crashing on the breakwaters and the admiring the view of the headland, a day at the Vargas Park is definitely worth your attention.
Huge palm trees and exotic plants surround the place and as visitors wlak along the park, they will have the chance to come in close contact with some of the city’s indigenous wildlife.
What’s more, there is no fee to get into the park and you can stay for as long as you feel free to. Riding a bike along the park is another popular option since it will enable you to perform a full circle of the park quickly and quite effortlessly.
10. Central Market of Puerto Limon
As with any other Caribbean city, the central market is the place where locals come in touch daily. That’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 watch for some of their customs and traditions.
Locally grown fruits and vegetables are on display and await visitors for a taste.
Traditional housewives’ shops where you can purchase some local goods are also, available on this market. A few stalls that sell souvenirs are also, existent and you could help the locals by purchasing a thing or two.
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11. Cariari Wetlands Park
As we have well established so far, Puerto Limon is known for its various eco-friendly destinations and natural parks.
That is the case with Cariari Wetlands Park, as well. Surrounded by a lot of different plants and flowers and with a great view of the port’s coastline and shore, this park is well worth a visit before you take your leave from Puerto Limon.
For those passionate around bird-watching or photography-capturing of some rare species of birds and reptiles, the Cariari Wetlands Park has it all: from exclusive species of animals to beautiful species of plants.
12. Walking Tours in Puerto Limon
A walk around the city will uncover its past wonders, blurred however beautiful in their flimsiness.
Established on the exchange of bananas, the well off shippers assembled intricately adorned homes, all of which have endured seriously throughout the hundreds of years because of seismic tremors, high moistness and salty air. Listing overhangs and spoiling windows can’t cover their previous excellence.
After dark, it is ideal to avoid the secluded backstreets for safety reasons.
Strolling visits are accessible and last around 60 minutes, being driven by an accomplished neighborhood control. The History Tour starts at the harbor door, heads to Vargas Park and past a portion of the city’s most essential structures and attractions, with their intriguing accounts clarified en route.
Different visits are accessible, including wilderness climbing, visits to close by banana ranches, an outing to a sloth asylum, and a ride through the rainforest covering on a zip wire.
Notwithstanding, do remember that these visits can take longer than publicized, as they are regularly somewhat muddled. Subsequently on the off chance that you have landed here on a journey transport only for the afternoon, you may run low on schedule.
Conclusion
Visiting Puerto Limon can be a great experience for the whole family. Although the place is not overly touristic and in some parts of it one could say that it is kind of undeveloped, that only adds to is final beauty as it makes it even more natural and traditional.
The locals are there to help you out and provide you with interesting stories and facts about their daily lives and the various tours provided by professionals will help you get to know the place all the more.
After all, spending some quality and peaceful time when you are abroad is something you should not miss at any opportunity. And Puerto Limon is by far a great place for a visit!
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