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Limón

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Overview: On Costa Rica's Caribbean side, Limon, also called Puerto Limon, is an authentic and relatively non touristy port known less for its faded low slung city than for its incredible nature and eco-tourism opportunities.

Some of the best eco-tourism sights include an aerial tram ride over the canopy of a rain forest nature reserve or a small boat ride up the Tortuguero Canal, a winding system of connecting rivers through pristine wilderness.

Cruise Ships dock at a pier directly in downtown Limon, a walkable distance from most places in town. The pier can accommodate large vessels and is protected on one side by a sand bar. The harbour has an open air cruise welcome centre but is primarily a commercial port used for much of Costa Rica's sea trade. Contact:

Tel: +506 799 0215
www.japdeva.go.cr/adm_portuaria/Terminal de Limon.html
There is a tourist operator desk in the cruise terminal.

Transport: Much of Limon is walkable but for short excursions buses leave from the central bus station located on Avenida 2. Taxies are available for hire right from the cruise terminal and passengers should agree on a price before the trip. Passengers should be careful walking alone outside the city centre. Attractions: A tram ride over the Braulio Carrillo National Park offers great scenery as does a canopy zip line tour aptly named Wild Monkey Canopy Tour. A calm boat ride up the Tortuguero Canal is perfect for up close wildlife viewing although the adventurous can take a white water raft trip on the Reventazon River including a long hike through the jungle. For beach relaxation the nearby Playa Bonita is a serene escape as is a tour of the banana plantations. Restaurants:

• Restaurant La Salamandra - Colonial setting but casual lunch style menu.
• Restaurante Brisas del Caribe - Indoor and air conditioned buffet restaurant.
• Reina's - beach side casual restaurant on Play Bonita.

Best dish: Cadado

Shopping: There is no large shopping centre but a cluster of stalls are available at the cruise ship terminal and an at an open air market in the centre of town. Most shops in town sell primarily to locals rather than tourists however some sell locally made crafts with a friendly and less aggressive sales style than most tourist markets.

Best buy: Wood Carvings

Excursions:

• Explore San José
• Countryside trek
• Visit Puerto Viejo
• Snorkel above coral at Manzanillo Beach