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Puerto Limón

Things to do in Puerto Limón

  1. A

    Parque Vargas

    The city’s waterfront centerpiece won't ever win best in show, but its decrepit bandstand, paths and greenery are surprisingly appealing, all shaded by palms and facing the docks.

    reviewed

  2. Isla Uvita

    Surfers might want to hit Isla Uvita, the wild green rock that lies 1km offshore – and is blessed with one of the country’s most powerful lefts. It’s a thrilling – and punishing – reef break with 3m waves on good days. The island is a 20-minute boat ride from Limón’s main port at Moín, where you can inquire about transport.

    reviewed

  3. Playa Bonita

    While not the finest beach in the Caribbean, Playa Bonita offers sandy stretches of seashore and good swimming, conveniently close to Limón. Surfers head to Bonita for its point/reef break, which makes for a powerful (and sometimes dangerous) left. Just north, Portete is a small bay with a wicked right working off the southerly point.

    reviewed

  4. B
  5. El Faro

    High on a hill overlooking Limón, El Faro enjoys 270° views over city and sea and is best enjoyed before all daylight has faded away. It's a festive local special-occasion spot, catering to tastes ranging from buffalo wings to 'Tico tenderloin' to whole fried snapper; the kids' menu proffers simple stuff like pasta with cheese.

    reviewed

  6. C

    El Crucero

    Kick back with an iced espresso and let the cross-breeze cool you at this corner cafe facing Parque Vargas and the docks. Delectables include muffins, smoothies and savory scones, with coffee brought to you by Café Britt.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Avenida 2

    Heading inland from Parque Vargas, Avenida 2 is the pedestrian mall that caters to the cruise-ship traffic. Keep an eye out for vendors selling home-burned CDs by local hip-hop and reggaetón bands; you can also expect to see CDs by Los Trinitarios, a Limón band that has been fusing calypso and salsa since the ’70s.

    reviewed

  8. E

    Sea Wall

    West of the park, the sea wall offers pleasant views of the rocky headland and the mesmerizing waves crashing against the concrete jetty. After dark, this is a popular mugging and make-out spot.

    reviewed

  9. Tortuguero Wildlife Tours

    This agency, run by the personable William Guerrero, organizes a variety of area tours.

    reviewed

  10. F

    Taquería y Antojería Yenori

    This cute little Mexican joint serves tacos and casados. You have to ring the bell to get buzzed in, where you’ll find clean tables, chilled soda and blaring air-con.

    reviewed

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  12. G

    Soda Restaurant Meli

    One of many sodas surrounding the central market. It’s popular for its low prices and big servings of fried rice and casados.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Restaurant Bionatura

    In a town where everything seems to be deep-fried, this restaurant shines for its focus on healthy vegetarian cuisine, including fresh fruit salads, veggie burgers and bistek de soya (soy steak) casados.

    reviewed

  14. I

    Restaurant Brisas del Caribe

    The best view in town isn’t over the waves, it’s over Parque Vargas, where outdoor tables and a breezy balcony make for good people-watching and decent Caribbean fare.

    reviewed

  15. J

    Park Hotel

    Sporting a 1970s Miami vibe, this semi-swanky (for Limón) eatery inside the town’s top hotel has bright pink and green linens and ocean views. There is a long menu, but the specialty here is seafood, including fish brochettes, shrimp-studded rice and sea bass served countless ways.

    reviewed

  16. K

    Musmanni

    For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the baked goods at Musmanni.

    reviewed

  17. L

    Más X Menos

    This huge supermarket, 200m north of the bus terminal, is useful for self-caterers.

    reviewed

  18. M

    El Cevichito

    The outdoor patio along the pedestrian mall is one of the city’s more pleasant spots. You’ll find locals gathering here to guzzle beer, talk soccer and devour tasty garlic fish.

    reviewed

  19. N
  20. O

    Casa Blanca

    A dark, smoky and air-conditioned dive that is packed from about 5pm onward with a mainly male clientele sipping drinks and watching grainy porn on the telly. It’s easy to find: follow the ear-splitting Latin music emanating from the jukebox.

    reviewed

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  22. P

    Caribbean Kalisi Coffee Shop

    Belly up to the cafeteria-style counter at this friendly family spot and cobble together a plate of coconut rice, red beans and whatever's cooking that day – typically a wide variety of fabulous Caribbean meat and veggie dishes.

    reviewed

  23. Bar King’s

    More Latin in flavor, it also attracts a few local women.

    reviewed

  24. Q

    Aquarius

    Inside Hotel Acon, this long-running disco spins salsa, reggaetón and pop on different nights.

    reviewed