Area:  3549.2 sq. miles
(Fourth province in size: 18% of national area)
Population:  432,923 (2000)
Main City:  Limon (Limón)
Population Density:  80,4 per square mile
Elevation:  10 feet
Average Temperature:  78.1°F
Annual Rainfall:  118-157 inches

Limon is located on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica and is heavily influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture.  It is only a couple hours away from San Jose but you must be careful during the rainy season as landslides sometimes block the main road between San Jose and Limon; not to mention an occasional monster rain that can result in flooding in certain areas of the Limon province.  Visitors will find many restaurants and small "sodas" with the unique flavors and culture of the eastern region.  If you like spicy food be sure to try the "Pati" (pronounced "pattee"), a small and delicious pastry made with chiles.  Beautiful!  Limon is not one of the most popular vacation stops but there are many hidden treasures you can enjoy away from the more crowded locations, especially just down the coast from Limon is such towns as Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.  Sleepy little towns where you can truly escape from the hustle and bustle of life.  Our Costa Rica restaurant listings for the Limon Province are always being updated so check out places to dine before you go.

Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge is south of Limon and north of Cahuita.  Be sure to visit:  Pink Cheeks the boa constrictor, a couple of tame toucans, Coco the crocodile, dozens of poison-arrow frogs, and numerous sloths, including the gentle "Buttercup", the first sloth rescued by the refuge in 1992.  The refuge relies on donations to exist and it is definitely worth a visit.  They also have rooms for rent if you contact them at tel./fax 506/382-1335 or email: aviarios@costarica.net.

The waterways of Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge are accessible only by boat.  Receiving 600 cm of rainfall each year, this is one of Costa Rica s wettest regions.  An abundance of tarpon, snook and gar make its rivers a Costa Rica fishing paradise.

Cahuita National Park protects the only coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.  Luxuriate on the white sand beach under palm trees while you watch for raccoons, howler and white-faced monkeys, and sloths.  Or don your snorkeling gear and keep a tally of the 500 species of tropical fish flitting about the coral.

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge protects mangrove swamps, lagoons, a coral reef and a beautiful 9 km stretch of white-sand, palm-lined beach.

Indigenous guides can be hired to keep you from getting lost in the remote Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve.  This wet tropical forest is home to big cats, peccaries, agoutis, otters, monkeys, and the harpy eagle.

Tortuguero National Park is one of the places the green turtle comes to lay her eggs.  The park's network of canals and lagoons are the roadways leading to great ecological diversity.  This area is also famous for Tarpon fishing.  Many avid fishermen include this as a part of their Costa Rica vacation package.

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