Limon

Limón is the name of the first canton in the province of Limón in Costa Rica, Central America. Its capital is the provincial capital city of Puerto Limón.

The Tortuguero Canals is a national park protecting the spawning areas of the green turtle (Tortuguero) and the region's rich flora and fauna. Take a boat trip along the canals and see sloths, birds and maybe even monkeys and crocodiles.

Take the Aerial Tram ride at Rain Forest, a 1,000-acre nature reserve next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park and soak up the atmosphere and the unique experience of being up among the treetops of a rainforest.

Another park to visit is the Cahuita National Park, here you will find beaches and coral reefs for swimming and snorkelling.

Ship excursions include a jungle river adventure in the Tortuguero Canal area or a helicopter ride over the Panama Canal

In Limon itself, there are some interesting shops and a good museum - Etnohistorico, next to the post office on Avenida 2-Miguel Velasquez, a 10-minute walk from the terminal. Good options for souvenirs include locally-made ceramics, wood carvings and figures.

Favourite local meals are 'casado' (rice, beans, stewed beef, fried plantain, salad and cabbage), 'gallo pinto' (pre-cooked and seasoned rice and beans with eggs, sour cream and a soft corn tortilla) and 'picadillo' (meat and vegetable stew).

Cruise ships dock in the busy cargo port of Limon.

A stand with a list of taxi fares and other tourist information, is usually set up right by the pier. Nearby are a small group of craft and souvenir stalls. Limon is a short walk away.

The bus terminal is a 5 minute walk further down Avenida 2 from the museum. However, the journey time to the capital, San Jose is 3 hours each way.