Tortuguero: Experience nature in different ways

Parque Nacional Tortuguero is an important protected area in the north of Limón Province. The park is accessible only by small boats, so the boat journey is part of planning a visit. On site, nature conservation goes hand in hand with practical opportunities to observe wildlife: along the 4.3-kilometer Sendero Río Tortuguero, visitors can spot waterbirds, amphibians and reptiles. There is also an observation program during sea turtle nesting season. Check before your trip whether it is available on your dates.

Cerro Tortuguero offers a different perspective on the landscape: from there, the panoramic views stretch across the forest and Tortuguero’s canal system. A raised path provides safe access and a route from the foot of the hill to the summit. Those who prefer to combine nature viewing and walking with a viewpoint will find a different perspective here than on the Sendero Río Tortuguero.

Coastal ecosystems and protected habitats

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo protects a diverse mosaic of coastal and wetland habitats. These include yellow-sand beaches, swamps, lagoons, flooded forests, reefs, seagrass meadows and algae beds. The refuge also protects nesting habitat for four endangered sea turtle species: leatherback, loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. Conservation here therefore encompasses both terrestrial habitats and marine areas.

At Parque Nacional Cahuita, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters meet a diverse marine life. In the park’s marine area, visitors can snorkel to explore and observe the biodiversity of the coral reef. This offers a different way to experience nature than wildlife watching along Tortuguero’s trails: here, the underwater world takes center stage.

Reserva Biológica Hitoy-Cerere is also known for its biodiversity. Its habitat is home to more than 40 mammal species and more than 300 bird species; these figures may change as future surveys are conducted. Parque Internacional La Amistad also extends into Limón Province. Its habitats include tropical rainforest and cloud forest, as well as a wide variety of species. Hiking trails and natural viewpoints offer ways to experience the park on foot. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out on a hike.

Museums tell the story of Limón

Museo Regional de la Provincia de Limón is housed in a heritage-listed building constructed in the early 20th century, during the boom in Costa Rica’s railway and banana industries. The museum has a temporary exhibition room and a multipurpose room. Its main focus is ethnohistory, and it presents the cultural heritage of Afro-Limonian, Indigenous, Chinese and mestizo communities.

Another historic site is Museo Etnohistórico in central Limón. It was declared national cultural heritage in 1981. In Cahuita, Museo del Cacao explores the history of the cacao fruit and the region where it was produced; visitors can sample cacao made there. Together, these museums offer different perspectives on history and cultural heritage, from ethnohistory to the development of cacao.

Rural experiences and community-based tourism

Rancho Pontevedra is an agroecological and tourism farm in Limón Province. Experiences on offer include guided hikes and tours of crops such as coffee, cacao, pineapple, plantains and passion fruit. Activities with farm animals round out the program. This offers different ways to get to know the farm: by walking, seeing the crops up close and experiencing everyday agricultural life.

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado is a mixed wildlife refuge. Conservation goals are pursued there in collaboration with local communities, and the area is also suited to community-based rural tourism. Nature conservation and community participation go hand in hand here, forming a distinctive part of the experiences on offer in Limón.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Carmen, Manzanillo, Puerto Limón, Puerto Viejo, Santa Marta, Cocles, Cahuita, Linda Vista, Guapiles, Colorado, San Clemente, Cariari, Siquirres, Búffalo, Parismina, Roxana and Punta Uva.

Go to the main travel overview: Costa Rica.