Highlights of Limon City

You won't want to miss this unforgettable tour of Costa Rica. On these Puerto Limon coast excursions, you will learn the most important aspects of the Afro-Caribbean Culture of Costa Rica and see the rich wildlife of this fascinating region. As you travel to each location on your tour, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Puerto Limon coastline on the scenic coastal roads.

Your tour begins with a short city tour. History records that in 1502, Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica at the place known as Puerto Limon. Admire the architecture in the city's old quarter, the city's beautiful parks, and charming open air market.

Stretch your legs on a 45 minute nature walk at Cahuita National Park. Cahuita, whose name comes from the indigenous words "kawe" (mahogany) and "ta" (point), was created in 1970 to protect the country's largest coral reef. One hundred twenty-three species of fish have been listed here, along with a variety of corals and other invertebrates. The park also protects an example of tropical moist forest, along with swamps forest and marshland. Cahuita is a perfect place for those who want to enjoy a beautiful tropical beach, the rain forest, and abundant wildlife. Walk down a flat and shady trail that runs along the shoreline, and enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, colorful frogs, and many other species are very common to see during this tour. This is a very easy walk for all, from kids to seniors.

After your nature walk, you will visit a banana plantation, where you will hear many interesting facts about this amazing fruit and its harvesting, processing, packing, and exportation. Costa Rica is the second-largest banana producer in the world; 80% of the plantations are located in Limon province, making it one of the most important economic activities in the region. All in all, it's a truly interesting cultural experience that you can't miss.

Your tour continues with a boat ride on the Tortuguero Canals. Board your covered boat for a 60-minute leisurely cruise through the jungle canals. Learn about the rainforest ecosystem from your knowledgeable guide, who will point out interesting sights along the way. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats, and crocodiles, as well as exotic flora.

During your Limon City Highlights tour, you will enjoy browsing through different souvenir stores. The Caribbean enjoys a wondrous diversity of cultures: Afro-Costa Rican, Bribri and Cabecar, Asian, Italian, and Central American, among others. Besides food, the region features a collection of cultural activities and traditions which make it unique from the rest of the country.

Please Note: The packing house and working areas at the banana plantation are restricted areas, and will not be visited on the tour. This tour takes place in a rainforest. During the rainy season (usually from September to November), please bring a raincoat. This tour operates rain or shine.

Your tour begins at the historic Santa Teresa Square, where you'll walk through some of the most iconic streets of Cartagena with your English-speaking guide. As you walk, look upon the city's 17th-century walls, which were built to protect the city - and the gold stored here by imperial Spain - from marauding pirates.

Stop at Simon Bolivar Square for a fruit tasting of the tropical variety, with all of your delectable treats served by local Palenqueras.

Next, stop at Palito de Caucho to learn about - and sample - Patacones con queso, a local staple of the Cartagenan diet. Sample freshly caught and prepared shrimp, octopus, and shellfish at the Sombrero Vueltiao, then visit the Donde Magola on Portobello Street for tasty Arepas con Huevo Carimanola and empanadas.

Finally, conclude your tour with a palate-cleansing drink of refreshing coconut water and rejoin your air-conditioned vehicle on a trip back to your ship port.