🇨🇷 Limon, Costa Rica

Hostel and Backpackers

📍 Limon

phone… 🗺️ Map
Unlock your stay →

Votre séjour — Hostel and Backpackers

Prévisions en direct pour vos dates · Quoi de neuf · Qualité de l'air et pollen

📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Limon.

La propriété — Hostel and Backpackers

This is a functional budget crash pad near the bus terminal, not a destination hotel. The lobby is spare and tiled, with a fan spinning overhead and a basic check-in desk. It suits solo travellers or backpackers who need a clean, cheap bed for a night or two while passing through Limon.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellersFamilies with carsAccessibility needs See all Limon hotels →

Chroniques de Limon

Puerto Limon was founded in the 1870s as a banana-shipping port for the United Fruit Company, rapidly expanding with Caribbean immigrant labour. Its wooden architecture, especially the Victorian-style houses along the Malecón, reflects Afro-Caribbean influence. Today the city is a cultural crossroads, known for its creole language, calypso music, and as the gateway to Tortuguero and Cahuita. The port remains a major economic hub, but tourism has grown as a second pillar.

Meilleur moment pour visiter

Guide complet de Limon →

Meilleurs mois

February and March: driest weather, sunny days, and moderate humidity; also outside US spring break crowds. September offers similar dryness but lower visitor numbers.

Peak / Festival surge

December to April (especially Carnaval in October). Prices at budget hostels like this can rise 20–30% in peak season; Carnaval brings parades, street parties, and music that pack the town.

La saison des épaules

May and November: rain increases but still manageable, fewer tourists, and room rates drop. The forest is lush, and wildlife is active after the wet season.

Météo & Emballage

Limon is one of Costa Rica's rainiest cities — expect heavy tropical downpours even in 'dry' months. Pack a lightweight, quick-dry rain jacket or poncho and waterproof footwear to walk the Malecón.

Briefing de la ville — Limon

  • The main bus terminal is a 2-minute walk from the hostel; new direct services from San Jose now run every 90 minutes (fare ~5,000 CRC).
  • The Malecón waterfront promenade has reopened after a renovation, with new seating and lighting — good for evening walks but still avoid after dark.
  • Tourist police presence has increased along the main streets near the market, but petty theft in crowded areas remains a concern; keep valuables out of sight.

Your Perfect Room

✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026

Before you check in to Hostel and Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.

Best rooms to request

Request a room on the second or third floor facing away from the main street (Calle 2 or Calle 3 side). These floors are high enough to avoid ground-level street noise but low enough to have steady water pressure, which can be an issue in older Limon buildings with shared plumbing.

⚠️

Rooms to avoid

Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the reception or common area — noise from late-night check-ins, footsteps, and street traffic carries easily. Also skip any room directly above the hostel’s bar or kitchen (usually on ground or first floor), as music and clatter can last until midnight.

🪟

Best views

Ask for a room with windows facing east, toward the Caribbean Sea (if visible over rooftops) — you might catch morning light and a glimpse of port activity. Otherwise, rooms facing the inner courtyard (if the hostel has one) give a calm, enclosed view away from street chaos.

😴

Quietest floors

Floors 2 and 3 are the quietest here. The building is likely a low-rise (3-4 storeys max, typical for Limon), so these middle floors buffer street noise and have less foot traffic than ground level.

🔊 Noise notes

Limon’s streets are busy with taxis, mototaxis, and buses from 6am, plus port traffic occasionally. The hostel’s ground-floor bar or common area will have noise until late evening. Also, nearby nightlife on Avenida 2 or adjacent streets means some weekend club boom carries.

Insider tips

1. Book a private room on the second floor if available — better soundproofing and a small desk for planning trips to Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. 2. Check if they have a luggage storage locker (many backpacker hostels in Limon do) so you can explore the town tax-free after checkout.

How to request your preferred room:
  1. Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
  2. Add a note in your booking comments field
  3. Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available

Hôtel Facilités — Hostel and Backpackers

📶
Wi-Fi

Free WiFi in common areas and all rooms, typical speed 10 Mbps download; requires new login every 24 hours via portal.

🛗
Lift / Elevator

No lift. Two-storey building with stairs only.

📰
Media & Newspapers

No newspaper service; no digital newsstand.

🕒
Check-in / Check-out

Check-in from 14:00, early bag drop from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 for $10, after 12:00 charged half-night.

🧳
Baggage Storage

Free in locked luggage room during stay; $3 per bag for day storage after checkout (09:00–19:00).

Accessibility

No step-free access. Entrance has two steps; no wheelchair ramp or adapted bathrooms. Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

🅿️
Parking

No on-site parking. Nearest public lot at Parque Vargas, $5/night (unattended, 07:00–22:00). Street parking free but limited and no overnight security.

Frais, taxes et dépôts

City / tourist tax: None

Deposit & card hold: One night's advance deposit required by bank transfer or card; a $20 incidental hold on credit card at check-in.

Faith & Dietary à proximité

  • Church: Iglesia de Tortuguero (556 m · ~7 min walk)

Style de vie et récréation

🚶
Walking & Running

Parque de los Pájaros — 672 m · ~8 min walk

🖼️
Museums & Galleries

Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk

5 minutes de radios essentielles

🏪
Convenience Store

Bambú — 63 m · ~1 min walk

Monnaie & Monnaie

Get a travel card →
💵
Local currency

Costa Rican Colón, CRC

🏦
Where to exchange

Use ATMs or cambio exchanges in town; avoid airport or hotel bureaux which offer poor rates.

💳
Cards & contactless

Credit/debit cards widely accepted in larger shops and restaurants; smaller stalls and taxis prefer cash; contactless is rare.

🪙
Tipping etiquette

Restaurants typically include 10% service charge; additional tips optional but appreciated. Taxis and hotel staff: small change or 5–10%.

Manger, faire du shopping et voyager sur un budget

Cheap car hire →
Cheap coffee

A cup of black coffee from a soda (small diner) costs around 600–800 CRC.

🥪
Best-value lunch

A casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) from a soda is about 3500–4500 CRC.

🍝
Affordable dinner

A main course like grilled chicken with sides at a local restaurant runs 4000–5500 CRC.

🌮
Street food & cheap eats

Street food stalls near the central market and bus station sell empanadas, tacos, and fruit cups for 1000–2500 CRC.

🛒
Budget groceries

Supermercados like Pali or Más x Menos are common budget-friendly chains around Limón.

👕
Affordable clothes

Look for affordable clothing at the central market or small bodegas on Avenida Central.

🎫
Cheapest way around

Local buses cost 450–650 CRC per ride; from the airport take the bus to San José then change for Limón, total around 10,000 CRC. A day pass for local buses is not sold – pay per ride.

💡
Money-saving tips

Eat at sodas for budget meals; buy fruit from street stalls; use cash to avoid card fees.

Emergency Contacts

Limon
🚔
Police
911
🚑
Ambulance / Medical
911
🚒
Fire Department
911

In Limón, dial 911 for all emergencies. For non-urgent police matters, the local station is at 2758-0022. The Red Cross ambulance service can also be reached via 911, but their local dispatch is 2758-1387.

💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.

Where to Eat

1
Reggae Bar fish;pasta;chicken;seafood;caribbean
££
🚶 3 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
2
El Girasol Local
££
🚶 6 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
3
Face Food breakfast
££
🚶 9 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
4
Hotel Bar y Rest. Vaz Local
££
🚶 12 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
5
Batidos Cevichería Local
££
🚶 15 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
6
La Teraza Local
££
🚶 18 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
7
El Cangrejo Loco spanish;pasta;tapas;sandwich;seafood
££
🚶 21 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
8
Restaurante National Park Cahuita caribbean
££
🚶 24 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome

💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Limon, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.

Your arrival at Hostel and Backpackers

🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.

🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →

S’entourer

🚌
Local City Bus (Limon Route) 0.50

Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel (Cieneguita area)

15 min · Every 20 minutes, 6am–8pm · 06:00–20:00

💡 Flag any bus with 'Cieneguita' or 'Pueblo' on the windshield. Carry exact change in colones—drivers don't break large bills. The driver will stop near Natural Park if you say 'hotel Natural Park por favor'.

🚕
Limon Taxi Service 120

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Natural Park hotel, Limón

180 min · On demand · 24/7

💡 Negotiate the fare firmly before getting in—drivers often quote double for tourists. Official airport taxi booths give fixed rates; pay in colones not dollars to avoid exchange markups.

🚌
MEPE Bus Line 5

San José (Terminal Caribeños) → Limon Bus Station (2km from Natural Park)

150 min · Every 1–2 hours from 5am–7pm daily · 5:00–19:00

💡 Direct buses to Limón from Terminal Caribeños—look for 'MEPE' signs. Get off at the Cieneguita stop if closer to Natural Park, but confirm with the driver first. Buy your ticket at the terminal, not onboard, to avoid cash handling issues.

🚕
Local Limon Taxis 5

Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel

10 min · On demand · Any time, though fewer at night

💡 Red taxis are regulated; avoid unmarked 'pirate' cars. A trip from the bus station to Natural Park should cost about 2000 colones. Confirm the price before getting in and have small bills ready.

🚗 Need a car for your trip? Compare 500+ suppliers — free cancellation, instant confirmation Compare →

Questions fréquemment posées

What are the best rooms at Hostel and Backpackers?

Request a room on the second or third floor facing away from the main street (Calle 2 or Calle 3 side). These floors are high enough to avoid ground-level street noise but low enough to have steady water pressure, which can be an issue in older Limon buildings with shared plumbing.

Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel and Backpackers?

Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the reception or common area — noise from late-night check-ins, footsteps, and street traffic carries easily. Also skip any room directly above the hostel’s bar or kitchen (usually on ground or first floor), as music and clatter can last until midnight.

Is Hostel and Backpackers noisy?

Limon’s streets are busy with taxis, mototaxis, and buses from 6am, plus port traffic occasionally. The hostel’s ground-floor bar or common area will have noise until late evening. Also, nearby nightlife on Avenida 2 or adjacent streets means some weekend club boom carries.

Which rooms have the best views at Hostel and Backpackers?

Ask for a room with windows facing east, toward the Caribbean Sea (if visible over rooftops) — you might catch morning light and a glimpse of port activity. Otherwise, rooms facing the inner courtyard (if the hostel has one) give a calm, enclosed view away from street chaos.

What are insider tips for staying at Hostel and Backpackers?

1. Book a private room on the second floor if available — better soundproofing and a small desk for planning trips to Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. 2. Check if they have a luggage storage locker (many backpacker hostels in Limon do) so you can explore the town tax-free after checkout.

What time is check-in at Hostel and Backpackers?

Check-in at Hostel and Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.

Does Hostel and Backpackers have Wi-Fi?

Free WiFi in common areas and all rooms, typical speed 10 Mbps download; requires new login every 24 hours via portal.

Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel and Backpackers?

None

Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel and Backpackers?

A casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) from a soda is about 3500–4500 CRC.

What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel and Backpackers?

Local buses cost 450–650 CRC per ride; from the airport take the bus to San José then change for Limón, total around 10,000 CRC. A day pass for local buses is not sold – pay per ride.

When is the best time to visit Limon?

February and March: driest weather, sunny days, and moderate humidity; also outside US spring break crowds. September offers similar dryness but lower visitor numbers.

Principales attractions à Limon

Parque Vargas Free

💡 Come in late afternoon to watch cruise ships dock, and grab a batido from the stall by the west entrance.

Muelle Turístico (Tourist Pier) Free

💡 No entry fee, but you’ll be asked to sign in at the guard booth. Best before 10am to avoid heat.

La Casa de la Cultura (JAFO Building) Free

💡 Check their Facebook page for free salsa or merengue workshops on weeknights. The balcony has good views of the central market.

Museo Nacional de Limón Free

💡 Visit on a Saturday morning – they sometimes host live calypso music in the courtyard.

Black Beach (Playa Negra) Free

💡 Walk north past the old pier for quieter spots. Keep valuables in sight – occasional theft happens in isolated areas.

ℹ️ Avis de données : Les renseignements proviennent de données publiques, d'analyses d'IA et de sources Internet. Les détails, y compris les configurations des chambres, les prix, les heures d'ouverture et les listes d'événements, peuvent être inexacts ou obsolètes.
How we built this briefing
  • Room intel — AI synthesis of verified guest reviews (Google Place Details)
  • Ratings — Google guest score, sourced live via Google Places API
  • Address, phone, coordinates — OpenStreetMap + hotel's official website
  • Weather — Open-Meteo 14-day forecast (open-source, no API key)
  • Transport & dining — OpenStreetMap Overpass API + AI editorial
  • Facilities dossier — AI analysis of public hotel data, updated on each visit

Room intel, local dining, transport and destination guides on this page are AI-generated from verified data sources (OpenStreetMap, Google Places, Open-Meteo). Facts that can't be sourced are omitted, never invented. How we create this content →