Caribbean Costa Rica: The region of Limon

The Caribbean province of Limón comprises the whole eastern coast of Costa Rica and is a true natural paradise, formed by a mixture of impenetrable jungles, imposing mountains and idyllic beaches. It is, by its culture and geography, the most diverse region of all Costa Rica. It boasts the highest percentage of protected land and an huge variety of flora and wildlife.



This was the first part of what today is Costa Rica that was visited by Christopher Columbus when he reached its coast in 1502. Due to the huge amounts of gold that natives used to wear, Columbus called it the “Rich Coast” or Costa Rica.

It was though the last region to be colonized, and when it eventually happened, the scarcity of workforce made necessary to bring workers from other Caribbean islands. This is the reason why the region is a cultural melting pot of a strong Caribbean flavor, with well renowned Carnivals

The Creole English spoken by most inhabitants of Afro-Caribbean descent is also a distinctive trait of this region. As it couldn’t be otherwise, the Limón old city’s quarters have an architecture of strong Caribbean Victorian architecture, and gastronomy is also close to that from English-speaking Caribbean islands.

There are also indigenous communities which have kept the purity of their culture, such as the Keköldi and Bribri groups.
The port city of Limón is an essential point of entry for the economy of Costa Rica and the greatest example of multiculturality of the region. Just one or two hours away are Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, two great places to taste authentic local culture.
The Tortuguero National Park, in the North of the province, which is the place where the green turtle lays its eggs, and the National Wildlife Refuge Barra del Colorado, a privileged spot for deep sea fishing, are two of the most emblematic natural wonders of the region.



Finally, the National Wildlife Refuge Gandoca-Manzanillo is close to the Panamanian border. This refuge protects thousands of acres of beach and shores, a place where several species of turtles lay their eggs and home for the manatees.