Puerto Limon
Country: Costa Rica · Region: Panama and Central America · Currency: Costa Rican Colon
Puerto Limón is a major cruise port serving ships transiting the Panama Canal, featuring Caribbean architecture, historic monuments, and access to rainforest adventures and nearby Tortuguero.
Top sights
United Fruit Headquarters, First Baptist Church, Black Star Line Building, Reventizon River white-water rafting, Puerto Limón Market, Tortuguero
Things to do
- United Fruit Headquarters
- A historic 1904 two-story building showcasing Anglo-Caribbean design with deep eaves and wrap-around verandahs, designated heritage status in 1999.
- First Baptist Church
- A national heritage monument dating from the 1880s representing Caribbean religious architecture.
- Black Star Line Building
- A historic building in central Puerto Limón with heritage significance.
- Reventizon River white-water rafting
- A 90-minute beginner-level rafting trip on class 2 rapids where visitors may spot sloths and tropical forest.
Beaches
- Playa Cocles
- A sandy beach near Puerto Viejo with crystal-clear Caribbean waters located 1.5 km south of Puerto Viejo.
Where to eat
- Park Hotel Restaurant
- Features excellent seafood and seafood soup with wine pairings, located on Avenida 3 between Calles 1 and 2.
- Chile Rojo
- A Thai restaurant on calle central in Puerto Viejo de Limón serving Thai, Asian, and sushi from US$5.
Getting around
Taxis and local buses are available from the cruise pier; Moin port for Tortuguero is 15 minutes by bus from town.
What to eat
Sample local seafood at Park Hotel Restaurant or try Thai and Asian cuisine at Chile Rojo restaurant.
Tips
Buy souvenirs directly in the city market rather than through your cruise line for better value.
Best for
Caribbean architecture, rainforest adventures