Limón Province: Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path

10-12 Nights

The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, in Limón Province, is a true hidden gem. Most travelers to the country head to the western Pacific side, while the east is quieter and retains the charm of old Costa Rica. You don’t have surf breaks here, but you do have coral reefs, blue water, and verdant forests that people love. It’s quintessential pura vida.

Most travelers to the country head to the western Pacific side, while the east is quieter and retains the charm of old Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to May, but the weather in Puerto Viejo, in the southeast, is slightly different. October and November are relatively dry in comparison to the rest of the country, making it one of the best places to visit during those months.

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose

Accommodation: Hotel Grano de Oro

Depending on your arrival time, you may want to stay in San Jose for the night. Hotel Grano de Oro is a charming hotel inside Victorian Mansion in downtown with excellent service. A transfer to Pacuare Lodge is also included from here, making for an unbeatable deal. Spend your first evening relaxing at the hotel bar or enjoying a meal at their restaurant.

Day 2: To Pacuare Lodge

Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge*

The next morning, a driver will take you three hours south of San Jose to Pacuare Lodge, an eco resort nestled between mountains and rivers of Limon Province. The rooms are designed to maximize your immersion in nature, and many have private spring-fed pools. Spend the afternoon exploring the property, birdwatching, and planning your adventures for the next day or two.

*There is an age limit of 12 here, so travelers with small children should skip this stop. In that case, we suggest you fly direct from San Jose to Limón and then get a car to Puerto Viejo for the rest of the itinerary.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Pacuare Lodge is known for its adventure activities. It’s the best destination for white water rafting in Costa Rica. Still, there are many other options, including zip-lining, waterfall hikes, and canopy tours. It’s also a great place to experience Indigenous Costa Rican culture in Cabecar villages in the nearby mountains. We enjoy a day of excitement here before relaxing on the coast, but you can easily add another day if you like.

Day 4: To Puerto Viejo

Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Claras

Take one more road transfer to the Caribbean coast and the small town of Puerto Viejo near the Panamanian border. Your hotel is Aguas Claras, a collection of charming tropical bungalows nestled into the forests adjacent to Playa Chiquita in Puerto Viejo. Enjoy your first afternoon at the hotel’s Da Lime beach club or snorkeling around the coral reefs just offshore.

Day 5-9: Aguas Claras

Because the coast here is relatively untouched by development, Hotel Aguas Claras is the perfect place to settle in for an extended stay, and we recommend anywhere from four to seven nights. Enjoy the small town life, walk or horseback ride on the beach, and sample the spa menu. Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve are also only a 20-minute drive away, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. The shallow waters of the coast also offer excellent sea kayaking and snorkeling opportunities at multiple places, including Cahuita and Punta Uva.

Day 10: Departure

Transfer back to Limón to catch your flight to San José and onward to home.