Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, particularly for adventure travel and eco-tourism, with visitor numbers breaking records. In 2024, 2.6 million visitors arrived to explore its stunning natural landscapes, with everything from lush rainforests and volcanoes to spectacular beaches.
The trend continues, with the province of Limón the most searched travel destination by far on the annual Travel Trends report recently released by Skyscanner. Spanning the Caribbean coast from the Panama border to the San Juan River bordering Nicaragua, it saw a 289% increase in searches during the first six months of 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Nature Meets Diverse Culture
The significant upswing indicates that many travelers are seeking a combination of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich culture without the massive tourist crowds. Limón offers it all, as a nature lover’s paradise where one can enjoy the lively rhythms of calypso and reggae music, learn about the history of banana plantations, and take a chocolate tour led by local indigenous people.
Beach Getaways
Limón is a place where dense rainforest, mountains, and pristine beaches meet. Ideal for a beach getaway with the opportunity to take tours through the jungle, Cahuita in Cahuita National Park is a great base offering a balance of tranquility and convenience. The undeveloped white sands of Playa Blanca are just south, and it’s surrounded by tropical forest, providing a great destination for wildlife viewing, including sloths. For an even more secluded, quiet experience, consider Punta Uva or Playa Chiquita.
Puerto Viejo is the most established and liveliest beach town in the area. Just six miles from Punta Uva and a short distance from Cahuita National Park, it’s home to beaches like Playa Negra with its black sands, while offering many dining and accommodation options.
Best Time to Visit
As a Caribbean destination, the best time to visit Limón is similar to the Caribbean islands. The sunniest and driest season is from mid-December through April, with trade winds that make the heat and humidity much more tolerable. This is the high season, with February and March the busiest months, which means higher prices and bigger crowds. May through November is considered the “green” season, with July the rainiest month. During this period, you can often find discounted accommodation rates and lush landscapes, without as many other visitors around. For a good balance with decent weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower rates, consider April or November through early December.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to Limón from San José by driving, taking the bus, or flying. Less than 150 miles from the primary international airport that serves San José, where most begin their travels in Costa Rica, the drive takes about four hours. Or you can catch one of the daily flights to Limón International Airport and be there in just 40 minutes.
