Things to do in The Atlantic Slope
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
B
Palí
reviewed
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park
In Las Brisas de Veragua, you’ll find this bells-and-whistles rainforest adventure park, nestled into the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. A sprawling complex, it has guided tours of the forest along elevated walkways and maintained trails, as well as attractions such as an aerial tram, a reptile vivarium, an insectarium and hummingbird and butterfly gardens. There is also a zip-line canopy tour, available at an extra charge. Installations include a cafeteria and gift shop and many of the attractions are wheelchair-accessible – and a good way of exploring nature if traveling with an elderly person or small children. To get here, take the signed turned-off south from…
reviewed
-
Tortuguero Wildlife Tours
This agency, run by the personable William Guerrero, organizes a variety of area tours.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
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
-
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
-
Soda Buenos Aires
Situated 1km west of Guápiles on the south side of the main highway, this popular soda (cheap, informal lunch counter) comes highly recommended for its fish dishes.
reviewed
-
Restaurante El Campesino
You’ll find good ol’ country cooking at this wholesome family spot (no alcohol sold) across the highway from the Burger King. Dip into tasty chorreadas (savory fresh-corn pancakes), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and torta de queso (a pile of cubed beef or chicken doused in melted cheese and served with corn tortillas).
reviewed
-
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
-
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
-
Rainforest Aerial Tram
The brainchild of biologist Don Perry, a pioneer of rainforest canopy research, the Rainforest Aerial Tram is a worthwhile splurge if you want to visit the heights of the forest canopy in a gondola. The 2.6km ride takes 40 minutes each way, affording unusual plant-spotting and bird-watching opportunities. The fee includes a knowledgeable guide, which is helpful since the density of the vegetation can make observing animals difficult.A variety of other tours, as well as zip lining, are also available. Book online or in its San José office.
reviewed
-
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
Enter this underexplored national park and you will have an idea of what Costa Rica looked like prior to the 1950s, when 75% of the country’s surface area was still covered in forest: steep hills cloaked in impossibly tall trees are interrupted only by cascading rivers and canyons. It has an extraordinary biodiversity due to the range of altitudes, from steamy 2906m cloud forest alongside Volcán Barva to lush, humid lowlands on the Caribbean slope. It’s most incredible feature, however, is that this massive park (the size of Rhode Island) is only 30 minutes north of San José.
Founded in the 1970s, Braulio Carrillo’s creation was the result of a unique compromise…
reviewed
-
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
-
K
Musmanni
For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the baked goods at Musmanni.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Más X Menos
This huge supermarket is 200m north of the bus terminal.
reviewed
-
L
Más X Menos
This huge supermarket, 200m north of the bus terminal, is useful for self-caterers.
reviewed
-
Jardín Botánico Las Cusingas
This sprawling, 20-hectare botanical garden has more than 80 medicinal species, 80 orchid species and 30 bromeliad species. There are several easy trails for walking, as well as courses, research projects and a library on offer. From the main highway, turn north at Soda Buenos Aires, then go 4km by rough road to the signed entrance.
reviewed
-
El Rubio
The clutter of pick-up trucks out front is a clue that you have stumbled onto this popular family eatery. It offers a wide selection of grilled fish and roasted meats. And there is a good selection of bocas (savory bar snacks), including our favorite: chifrijo, a pile of rice and pinto beans studded with fried pork and capped with fresh tomato salsa and corn chips. On the road east of Burger King, go 100m north, then 100m east on the dirt road.
reviewed
-
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