What to See in Limón, Costa Rica: Free Audio Guide

Limón is Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean port city, where Afro‑Caribbean traditions, tropical scenery, and a history shaped by railways and banana plantations meet. Visitors come to explore its colorful streets, historic landmarks, and nearby natural reserves that reveal the province’s cultural and ecological richness. Neywo offers a free audio guide for Limón with 14 narrated places, available in 11 languages.

Exploring Limón’s Highlights

Catedral Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Limón. It was first established as an apostolic vicariate on February 16 1921 and later elevated to diocesan status on December 30 1994.

Limoncito Wildlife Refuge

This protected area, also known as Refugio de Vida Silvestre Limoncito, belongs to the Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area. It was created in 1994 by decree 23141‑MIRENEM and continues to be managed under that conservation framework.

Estadio Juan Gobán

Located in Limón, this football stadium was once the home ground of Asociación Deportiva Limonense. The club moved elsewhere when the stadium’s condition deteriorated, pending renovations.

Río Cieneguita

The river flows through Limón Province toward the Caribbean Sea, marking one of the waterways that shape the eastern part of the country.

Río Limón

Situated about 120 kilometers east of San José, this stream runs through Limón Province before reaching the Caribbean coast.

Río Bartolo

Another stream in Limón Province, the Río Bartolo also empties into the Caribbean Sea, illustrating the region’s network of rivers.

Limón Canton

As the first canton of Limón Province, Limón Canton encompasses the city of Puerto Limón and its surrounding areas, with its administrative head located in Limón District.

Limón International Airport

Identified by the codes LIO and MRLM, this small gateway is one of Costa Rica’s four international airports. It reopened for domestic flights on July 1 2006 after a nearly two‑decade closure. SANSA Airlines now operates daily flights to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. The field lacks an air‑traffic control tower but provides an NDB (LIO) about 2.6 kilometers northwest and a VOR/DME on the airport grounds.

Uvita Island

Officially Isla Quiribrí and popularly called Isla Uvita (“little grape island”), this Caribbean islet became a National Monument in 1984. It marks the first point of Costa Rican territory where Christopher Columbus landed on September 25 1502 during his fourth voyage. The island covers roughly 0.8 square kilometres, measures about 420 metres north‑to‑south and 315 metres at its widest point, and remains uninhabited aside from a small dock and at least one structure. Boats can be hired at fishing docks on the Cieneguita River for visits.

Isla Pájaros Lighthouse

Situated on the small island of Pájaros just offshore, this active lighthouse is managed by the Port Authority of Puerto Limón and continues to guide vessels entering the port.

Estadio Nuevo de Limón

With capacity for around 2 500 spectators, this stadium became the temporary home of Limón FC while the older Estadio Juan Gobán underwent renovations. Its opening was delayed for two years due to missing drinking water and electricity; once services were restored, the Ministry of Health approved its use. The inaugural match saw Limón FC defeat Municipal Grecia 2‑0.

Hospital Dr. Tony Facio Castro

Known locally as Hospital Tony Facio, this facility occupies 22 000 square metres and includes hospitalization and outpatient modules. It serves residents of Limón Province, referred patients, immigrants, and tourists, and provides specialized care for the Pococí, Guácimo, and Cariari districts. The doctor’s legacy is honoured at San José’s Hospital San Juan de Dios, where a medical research centre bears his name and was dedicated in the late 1940s.

Puerto Limón Lighthouse

Located at the port entrance, this active lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Limón’s harbour.

Uvita Lighthouse

Standing on the small island of Uvita, this beacon—known in Spanish as Faro de la Isla Uvita—is an active aid to navigation for ships approaching the port.

Explore Limón with Neywo

Neywo currently offers no predefined tours, but its free audio guide includes 14 narrated places that you can discover at your own pace. As you reach each site, the app tells its story, requiring no group, no schedule, and no guide. Simply download Neywo, select the Limón guide, and let the narration enrich your walk through the city’s history, culture, and natural surroundings.