Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

2018 HAL World Cruise

Puerto Limon was first explored by Christopher Columbus as he awaited ship repairs following a hurricane.  Columbus thought there was gold here.  And so, he called the area the “Rich Coast.”  After Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain in 1821, the true wealth of the nation was discovered in the soil—rich for growing coffee!  Puerto Limon is the main port for exporting both coffee and bananas.

Unfortunately, Puerto Limon is in an area of active earthquakes.  The town looks rundown. It never fully recovered from a devastating 1991 earthquake.  Most tourists will take a tour to a plantation outside of town or to the Tortuguero Canals.  For those who stay in town, there is a lively market selling everything from ordinary household necessities to traditional souvenirs.

You can buy everything here. From school uniforms…..

……to bananas!

The main tourist attraction is Parque Vargas, an expanse of land beneath a jungle of tall palms.  The sidewalks are line with benches and there is a bandstand in the center.  Sculpted artwork is scattered throughout.  The day we were here, a mama sloth and her baby were in one of trees.  Now that was cool!

Ms Amsterdam prepares to leave for the Panama Canal.