There are a variety of cultural traditions, including calypso and reggae music that make this area unique. Traditional square dancing is very common. Games and legends also hold a special place in the local culture. Creole English is the language most people from Limon speak. Faith and religious beliefs are much more diverse in this area due to large number of religious backgrounds.
Afrocaribbean dishes
The Caribbean region is famous for traditional dishes including rondon (a mix of vegetables with beef, chicken, fish, or turtle meat), fish (in a stew, pickled, or fried), sancocho (chicken or pork with tomato, yucca, potato, sweet potato, etc.), rice and beans (rice with cooked beans and coconut milk, along with chicken, fish, pork, or beef), patty (a fried bread pocket with meat and spicy peppers), “plantinta” or fried bread pockets made from plantains, fruit bread (puree, corn meal, fried, etc.), turtle meat (rondon, fin soup), “mondongo” (tripe with root vegetables and hot spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), ginger cookies, ginger beer, “guarapo” (sort of corn liquor), and “agua de sapo” or “hiel” (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime, and panela).
Limon boulevard
This beautiful boardwalk is four blocks long. The boulevard ends at the breakwater, where there is an amphitheater with vistas of beautiful Quiribri Island.
Quiribri Island (Uvita)
This isolated land was declared a national monument in1985, by virtue of having been the first place in Costa Rica that Christopher Columbus visited in 1502. This is a gorgeous island with its lush tropical vegetation, rocky cliffs and coral reefs. There is a lovely beach near the pier, great spots for surfing and diving, and a hiking trail that encompasses the island.
On September 25, the arrival of Christopher Columbus is celebrated with a brilliant military-type parade as well as high school and elementary school bands from the Limon area.
Kekoldi indigenous reserve
This reserve is located close to Puerto Viejo and home to the indigenous Bribri tribes. There’s a green iguana nursery, handmade arts and crafts, like wooden bow and arrows, handbags, nets, hammocks, baskets, and more. There are also hiking trails throughout the reserve, and two towers for bird watching. There is also a beautiful waterfall fed by the Cocles River that can be reached with a local guide.
Multicultural fair
Held in the "Escuela de Tropico Humedo" (Tropical Rainforest School), the fair promotes global citizenship. Some highlights include cultural representations from various countries, a food festival, as well as access to the school's livestock farm, and botanical and orchid gardens.
Southern caribbean festival
This is held the first two weeks of April in order to take advantage of the tourism and dry season. Many musical groups from around the country participate. The event is held on Chiquita Beach.
Puerto Viejo community
The towns of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita offer many services for visitors. There are places for lodging, travel agencies and a tourist guide association offering tours and excursions to other areas in Talamanca. There are also excellent places to enjoy national and international fare. At night, there are traditional Costa Rica Caribbean dances and music to enjoy.
Yorquin indigenous community
Yorquin is the river that begins in La Amistad International Park on the Panamanian side. Visitors can experience the beauty of the river and mingle with the indigenous Yorquin community. Other places reachable from this area include Cerro Buena Vista, hot springs, waterfalls, and more.
Cahuita community
Due to its mix of cultures, visitors can experience a variety of national and international cuisine. Additionally, there are many services providing tours to the coral reefs and other areas of Talamanca.
Caribbean bird sanctuary
This beautiful place is located less than a mile north of the Estrella River. Encompassing a private reserve of around 250 acres, visitors often take boat tours along the canals to observe the exotic birds, flora and fauna.
