Following this first contact, the Spaniards generally ignored the Caribbean coast, instead favoring the fertile soils of the Central Valley.īy the mid-1800s, Costa Rica’s coffee export was on the rise, and the country needed a shipping point to the overseas market. While the crew made repairs, Columbus ventured onto the mainland from what would later be called Puerto Limon. Limon’s modern history began in 1502 when a hurricane forced Christopher Columbus to anchor his damaged ship just off the coast of Costa Rica. For those planning a visit, make sure to take safety precautions – don't leave belongings unattended, don't carry large amounts of money or wear flashy jewelry etc., especially after sunset. Theft and drug-related crime is not uncommon. While the coast is beautiful and the history is rich, Limon is among the most impoverished of Costa Rica's cities, with a visible homeless population that sleeps on cardboard beds in the streets. The hospital is at the northern edge of town Wi-Fi access is available in some hotels and restaurants. Visitors from around the country come to enjoy street food, costumed parades, live music, and late-night partying.ĭowntown Limon features most modern services and amenities including pharmacies, grocery stores, shopping, banks and ATMs. Two miles north of Limon visitors can swim in the waters of Playa Bonita (Pretty Beach) while surfers should head half a mile offshore to Isla Uvita (Uvita Island), home to big waves and one of the country's best lefts.Įvery October Limon hosts Carnaval, one of Costa Rica’s largest celebrations.
Though it's close to the ocean most of the town's waterfront is devoted to shipping, so you'll have to travel outside of Limon to find the beaches. Toward the end of the street, visitors encounter Vargas Park's shade-dappled pathway offering a place to sit down and enjoy the Caribbean pace of life among yellow, blue and green cement park benches. Behind the vendors, light, flower-printed dresses hang in the mouths of small open-air businesses selling wares to locals and tourists alike. The street is filled with vendors hawking fresh fruit, coconut water, ice cream, sliced mango and sun glasses. Most ships stop briefly in port for guests to stroll down the blue, yellow, orange and green checkered sidewalks along the market street – Avenida 2 – toward Vargas Park.