Page 3 - LIMON TOURIST GUIDE

Introduction
Another interesting aspect of Limón’s cultural and economic life are the agricultural activities including the cultivation of bananas, which has been the region’s most profitable activity for over a century.
The Afro-Costa Rican culture is an attraction in itself, with cultural aspects that add to the charm of the region’s characteristic tropical vegetation and the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea.
This mini guide contains an overview of the tours and activities that you can experience in the cantons of Limón and Matina.
At the rhythm of the city
The first canton and capital of the province of Limón is located approximately 170 km from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Both here and in the surrounding area there is a wide variety of hotels for all tastes, restaurants, medical services, telephones, paved roads, banks and other services.
The main route is the Braulio Carrillo highway, which crosses the national park of the same name and offers beautiful views of the tropical rainforest. This landscape accompanies travelers from the exit of San José to the picturesque city of Guápiles, where the josefino gives way to the limonense.
Another very beautiful route is the one from San José to Turrialba and from there to Limón. For many years, this was the only road access to the province. A new route, however, wider and faster, has led us to forget a road that still offers a generous landscape dotted with picturesque hamlets.
A number of interesting tours are available in Limón, including one to Parque Vargas, with its Cuban palms and trees from India. You can also visit the pier where fishing enthusiasts often successfully test their patience, take in the silhouette of Uvita Island from the coast, or just walk quietly amidst the dull roar of the sea crashing against the breakwater.
The Ethnohistoric Museum, declared a national heritage site in 1981, is located in downtown Limón. Its facilities are located in the center of the city, in the no less historic Post and Telegraph building. (Check its schedule at the Limón Tourist Information Office, tel: 2758-0983).
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