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.
RovingRaconteurs.com 
Love following you on your trip. I was just wondering what the monetary unit was,is it pesos?
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Hi Judy, Thanks for starting a conversation! The unit of currency is the colon. I believe the exchange rate is around 1000 colons to the dollar. I bought a magnet at the Bayshore Mall that was priced at 4000 colons. The merchant accepted US dollars and was happy with $4.00. Thanks for following our journey! Sandy
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Enjoy your new adventure. Karen and I envy the light clothing.. We enjoy the updates
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Thank you. Good to hear from you! Sandy
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