Puerto Limon, Costa Rica information:
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica , represented by Puerto Limon province, has only 200 kilometers of shore line and we divide it in two big regions: North and South Caribbean :
North Caribbean comprises the Caribbean coast and goes from the San Juan River to Limon City. Limon city is the touristy center of this Corridor, simultaneously working as an accommodation, stop over, distribution and touring center.
Green turtle's nesting on Tortuguero National Park and bass 's, shad's and other species's sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refugee represent the main attraction of the region. It is complimented with the river channel's system; which connects Moin Port with Barra del Colorado, and has become a singular attraction and the only way of transportation.
Nature-based products get rewarded, specially fauna observation, therefore is a world-known site for bird and turtle's watching.
North Caribbean comprises the Caribbean coast and goes from the San Juan River to Limon city. Limon city is the touristy center of this Corridor, simultaneously working as an accommodation, stop over, distribution and touring center.
Green turtle's nesting on Tortuguero National Park and bass 's, shad's and other species' sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refugee represent the main attraction of the region. It is complimented with the river channel's system, which connects Moin Port with Barra del Colorado, and has become a singular attraction and the only way of transportation.
Nature-based products get rewarded, especially fauna observation, therefore is a world-known site for bird and turtle's watching.
South Caribbean goes from Limon to the Panama border, Limon is the primary tourist center as well as an scaling and distribution center. The region shows a country-unique combination of beaches, natural resources and afro American culture in Cahuíta, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca Manzanillo.
Limon's development is quite different from the rest of the Caribbean Island , which gives it an special potential to distinguish Costa Rican products. High quality beaches allow adventure and natural history activities which definitely compliment with culture, gastronomy and music. Stand out the reefs, multicolor-sanded beaches (from black to yellow and gray), coastal vegetation and medium-high forest.
Cahuíta National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve are worldwide recognized, not only because of their natural beauty but because they are becoming unique conservation places in almost the whole Caribbean .
ACTIVITIES
Tourist activities allow a more specific knowledge of the natural and cultural tourist attractions, as well as a deep relationship between nature, adventure and sport and recreative issues.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Tourists can enjoy this activity in communities such as Tortuguero, Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, observing architecture, landscapes and local flora and fauna, visiting indigenous communities, taking photographs and more.
HIKING
Guided or unguided hikes may be enjoyed in communities, natural areas and coastal zones to take in various natural, historical, architectural, social, artistic and cultural attractions.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING
The region boasts many picturesque trails-Cahuita-Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo-Manzanillo and others-some for adventure, recreation or relaxation and others for enjoying nature.
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES
The architecture of the Caribbean comprises buildings of great importance that have been declared of historical or architectural interest. The following stand out in downtown Limon: Black Star Line, the Post and Telegraph Building and the Municipal Palace .
CUISINE
Limon has enjoyed culinary influence from diverse ethnic groups, the most representative of which are the Afro-Costa Rican and the Chinese, who, in addition to preparing foods in different ways, brought a large number of plants and tubers with them into the country. Traditional dishes include: rice and beans, dokonú or "blue dress," patí and plantintah, pan bon and socosí, among others. Caribbean food, as well as a wide range of international cuisine, may be sampled in sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants in the coastal towns mentioned.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is one of the worthy activities because of it's cultural, architectonic and landscaping interest, as well as the flora and fauna, waterfalls, rivers and the wide range of banana, decoration plants, cocoa and other plantations.
SHOPPING
There are shopping centers in the city of Limon where a few objects or souvenirs may be purchased; however, handicrafts and important works of art may be found for sale in communities with greater tourist activity (Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo).
TORTUGUERO-COLORADO CANALS
Due to its geologic origins, the region containing the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park forms an extensive floodplain made up of highly scenic, interconnected canals, waterways and lagoons. One of the rainiest areas in the country (5,000 to 6,000 millimeters per year), this region is rich in biodiversity. These factors allow visitors to this extensive network of waterways the opportunity to tour and explore this marvelous world-unique for its peacefulness and natural luxuriance-by boat, canoe or kayak.
It is a truly relaxing experience to tour the canals and take in the exquisite green of the incredible tropical vegetation, reflected in liquid mirrors everywhere. One such looking glass is Caño Palma, which links Penitencia Lagoon in Tortuguero with Samay Lagoon in Barra del Colorado. This stunningly beautiful canal is named after the abundance of yolillo palms found all around.
PLAYA BONITA
Situated five kilometers north of the city of Limon , this easy-access beach's big waves are ideal for surfers. Luxuriant tropical greenery surrounds this lovely spot, with coconut palms endowing the place with special scenic appeal. Due to its beauty and proximity to Limon, this beach is a favorite with the city's residents and with tourists looking to enjoy the ocean. Various activities, such as concerts and surfing contests, are often held here. Playa Bonita is perfect for sunbathing, walking along the beach, swimming (with caution), nature-watching, beach volleyball, picnics and family fun..
LIMÓN CITY
The shortest route to Limon is the Braulio Carrillo highway, but the Turrialba route along the old highway may also be taken. The distance is approximately 160 kilometers . History records that in 1502 Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica at the place known as Puerto Limon. The country's port par excellence thanks to import and export traffic, Limón now has the facilities to receive cruise ships as well. The city's old quarter has the characteristics of a historical center and is currently under urban renovation with restoration of buildings and a pedestrian walkway from Parque Vargas to the market.
AFRO-CARIBBEAN CUISINE
The Caribbean region is also distinguished from the rest of the country by its traditional dishes. Examples of delectable and highly popular food and drink include rondón (a mix of various vegetables with beef, chicken, fish or turtle meat), fish (stewed, in marinade or fried), sancocho (chicken and pork with tomatoes, yucca, potatoes and sweet potatoes), rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by chicken, fish, pork or beef), patí (meat pastries with chili pepper), plantintah (a pastry made with ripe plantains), bread fruit (pureed, in pudding or fried), turtle meat (in rondón or fin soup), beef tripe (with tubers and spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), ginger cookies, ginger beer, guarapo (an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn) and agua de sapo or agua de hiel (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime and brown cane sugar).
CARIBBEAN CULTURAL EXPRESSION
The Caribbean enjoys a diversity of cultures: Afro-Costa Rican, Bribri and Cabécar, Asian, Italian and Central American, among others. Besides food, the region features a collection of cultural activities and traditions that also differentiate it from the rest of the country. One such tradition, very well known, is the region's music, which combines various elements and influences: calypso and reggae. As for traditional dances, the cuadrilla (square dance) is one of the most typical. Games and legends occupy a special place in the region's culture as well.
The Creole English spoken by most Afro-Caribbeans from Limon is also unique to the region. With a greater variety of religious beliefs, religious faith is much more heterogeneous here than in the rest of the country. Finally, the noteworthy local architecture is a result of the society's lifestyle; its forms and spaces respond to climatic, cultural, technological and economic conditions. Limon's old quarter owes itself to the effervescence of the banana-production industry; public and commercial buildings display Victorian, Caribbean and art nouveau influences.
LIMÓN BOULEVARD
This beautiful pedestrian walkway takes up four blocks of Avenida 2 in the city of Limon . It starts in the west at Calle 4 and ends in the east in front of the seawall. Built in 1941, the central market is on the boulevard; opposite it on the corner sits a beautiful building: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. Another lovely edifice, the Pensión Costa Rica, is located a block and a half to the east. Parque Vargas is on the last block. Opposite its north side is the Limon municipal building; on the other side is an old structure that once belonged to the Banana Company and today houses offices and shops. The boulevard ends at the seawall, where there is an amphitheater from which Quiribrí Island may be seen. The seawall is well frequented by Limon's residents and by tourists. Bordering the shore, it stretches several hundred meters to Hospital Tony Facio.
