If you wish to get the feel of the true Caribbean culture, then the Limon province is what you should visit. The region is rich in Afro-Caribbean traditions and cultural heritage and comprises mainly of inhabitants of this race, who were the original occupants of this region. Although the whole of Costa Rica has beautiful landscapes and offers a whole range of tourist activities and vibrant nightlife, the Limon province has an experience of its own. Lined by the Talamanca Mountains on the south and the marshy lagoons on the north, this beautiful province has a lot to offer tourists.
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Covered by prehistoric rainforests, this beach paradise offers endless white sandy beaches lined with coconut groves that stretch along the beautiful coastline. Limon offers a tranquil and relaxing experience to tourists who prefer to stay away from the hullabaloo of holiday destinations teaming with tourists. Most of the Caribbean coastline lies within the Limon province. It was here that Christopher Columbus first set foot in 1502. Limon gets its name from a lemon tree and Puerto Limon is the capital of the Limon province. It is easily accessible through San Jose either by bus or via rented cars, but you can arrive from other regions too.
The Limon province has hot and humid weather most part of the year with the heaviest amount of rainfall received in this region of Costa Rica. The months to be avoided here are May to August and December to January when Limon receives the most rainfall. When the weather is favorable, tourists can enjoy a whole range of activities from surfing, fishing, taking nature walks, exploring the rainforests or simply going sightseeing or visiting the famous national parks.
Places to visit in the Limon province are the Parque Nacional Cahuita, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Manzanillo. Situated 42 km from Puerto Limon, the Cahuita National Park was established in 1970 in an effort to protect the largest coral reef in Costa Rica. This fascinating park offers an amazing collection of marine life apart from the beautiful coral reef. The clear blue waters of the ocean offer great opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling and of course swimming.
The Tortuguero National Park is a popular tourist site, being one of the most important nesting sites of the endangered species of green turtles found in this region. Apart from the turtles you can view an amazing range of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The Manzanillo is a perfect haven for those looking for peace and tranquility, as this tiny town offers some quiet and sandy beaches perfect for a relaxing holiday. For those looking for more bustling holiday spots, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca would be an ideal place. The beaches here have more of the younger generation of tourists enjoying lively activities. Bars, restaurants and discos can be found here in abundance.
If you are visiting Puerto Limon during the carnival season, you can experience the festival extravaganza that takes place here each year and something most tourists look forward to. The whole town becomes lively with activity while the festivities are on at full swing with tourists rejoicing in it as much as the locals. So whether it is for a peaceful holiday or an exciting adventurous tour, the Limon province can always be a satisfying holiday experience.
Photo by jiangliu provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by jiangliu provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Ciça Azevedo provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by german retana provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by carlos merlin provided courtesy of Panoramio.com