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- Destinations
- South America
- Costa Rica
- Puerto Limon
Puerto Limon
At first glance it may appear derelict and rather unsavoury, but
this impression is because Puerto Limon was badly affected by an
earthquake in 1991 from which it has never recovered. The friendly,
welcoming people of this Caribbean port city, however, are proud of
what they still have to offer tourists who visit the city, not so
much for its sights but for its proximity to some of Costa Rica's
top natural attractions.
Many cruise liners lay over in the port to allow passengers the
chance to take excursions, and independent travellers come here
from San Jose along the scenic Guapiles Highway to use Puerto Limon
as a base for exploring the coast.
It was once a port of some importance, exporting bananas and
grain to various parts of the world, but today Puerto Limon is
commercially a little bereft, the focus having moved to Moin, a
port about four miles (6km) to the north. The city itself however
still sports some pretty, if run-down, buildings. One of its
biggest draws is the market in the centre of town, selling
everything from woodcarvings to cashew nut wine.
Just south of the city is the popular and beautiful beach of
Playa Bonita, easily accessible by taxi or bus, and inland there
are myriad scenic excursions to be made to appreciate the
volcanoes, lush valleys, tropical rainforests and national
parks.
From Puerto Limon do-it-yourself tourists or cruise ship
passengers can organize trips to ride an aerial tram across the
rain forest canopy in the Braulio Carrillo National Park, or travel
to Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, passing through some incredible
exotic scenery en route. The more active can opt for white-water
rafting on the Reventazon River, or a horseback trek from a nearby
ranch through the jungle. One of the most popular outings is a boat
trip up the Tortuguero Canal, which runs parallel to the coastline
from Puerto Limon to the Nicaraguan border, affording the chance to
enjoy some spectacular scenery and get close to a variety of
wildlife.
Information & Facts
Climate
Puerto Limon experiences a climate with no pronounced seasons as
its weather is affected by the flow of warm, moist air brought in
off the Caribbean by the northeast trade winds. The months of
March, April, September and October tend to be less rainy, while it
typically rains the most in June, July, August, November, and
December. Average daytime highs reach 83°F (28°C).
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken.
Money
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 céntimos and is
the official currency, although US Dollars are also widely
accepted. US Dollars and travellers cheques can be exchanged in
banks and many hotels. Banks charge a service fee for cashing
travellers cheques and currency other than US$ is difficult to
exchange. Using black market exchange options is risky as they have
been known to pass on counterfeit bills printed in Colombia. Banks
close anywhere from 3pm to 6pm. Major credit cards are widely
accepted, although American Express and Diners Club might be more
limited. ATMs are available in major towns throughout the country,
but it is advisable to always have some local cash handy.
Time