Your stay — Aracari Garden Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & 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.
The Property — Aracari Garden Hostel
The Aracari Garden Hostel in Limon, Costa Rica, offers a laid-back atmosphere, with its garden setting and simple, functional rooms. This 3-star hostel suits budget-conscious travellers and those looking for a relaxed, no-frills stay. Standing in the lobby, you get a sense of a humble, unpretentious space with a focus on comfort and practicality. The hostel's proximity to the city centre and local amenities makes it a convenient base for exploring Limon.
Chronicles of Limon
Limon was founded in 1854 as a major port city, and its architecture reflects a mix of Caribbean and Spanish colonial influences. The city's early growth was driven by the banana trade, which brought an influx of workers from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, shaping the city's cultural identity. Today, Limon is a thriving city with a rich cultural scene, known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant festivals like the Fiestas de Limon. The city's historic centre features a range of architectural styles, from grand colonial buildings to simpler, vernacular structures. Limon's unique cultural blend is reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine, making it a fascinating destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Full Limon guide →Best months
The best months to visit Limon are December, January, and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. These months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting, and the city's festivals and events are in full swing.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month for tourism in Limon is March, when the city hosts the Fiestas de Limon, a major festival that celebrates the city's Afro-Caribbean heritage. Hotel prices tend to rise during this period, and the city can get busy, but the atmosphere is lively and exciting. The festival features music, dance, and food, and is a major draw for visitors.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget months to visit Limon are April and May, when the weather is still relatively dry, and the crowds have dissipated. During this period, hotel prices tend to drop, and visitors can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Weather & packing
Limon has a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. Visitors should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and be prepared for occasional rain showers, even during the dry season, by bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Live City Briefing — Limon
- The city's new bus terminal, which opened in 2022, offers improved public transport links to nearby towns and cities. Visitors should be aware that the Limon Carnival, which takes place in October, can cause traffic disruptions and accommodation shortages. The city's airport is currently undergoing renovations, which may affect flight schedules and availability.
Hotel Facilities — Aracari Garden Hostel
free, 10 Mbps, no login required
no lift, stairs serve all floors
complimentary digital newsstand via lobby tablet
15:00-22:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for ₡5,000
available 08:00-22:00, free for guests, ₡2,000 per day for non-guests
step-free access to lobby and ground floor rooms, wheelchair ramp at main entrance
on-site parking for 5 vehicles, ₡5,000 per night; nearest public car park at Limon Municipal Parking, ₡2,000 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: ₡10,000 advance deposit + ₡20,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Tortuguero (556 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque de los Pájaros — 672 m · ~8 min walk
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bambú — 63 m · ~1 min walk
Emergency Contacts
LimonIn 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
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Limon, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Aracari Garden Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel (Cieneguita area)
💡 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'.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Natural Park hotel, Limón
💡 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.
San José (Terminal Caribeños) → Limon Bus Station (2km from Natural Park)
💡 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.
Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel
💡 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Aracari Garden Hostel?
Check-in at Aracari Garden Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Aracari Garden Hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps, no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Aracari Garden Hostel?
None
When is the best time to visit Limon?
The best months to visit Limon are December, January, and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. These months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting, and the city's festivals and events are in full swing.
Top Attractions in Limon
💡 Come in late afternoon to watch cruise ships dock, and grab a batido from the stall by the west entrance.
💡 No entry fee, but you’ll be asked to sign in at the guard booth. Best before 10am to avoid heat.
💡 Check their Facebook page for free salsa or merengue workshops on weeknights. The balcony has good views of the central market.
💡 Visit on a Saturday morning – they sometimes host live calypso music in the courtyard.
💡 Walk north past the old pier for quieter spots. Keep valuables in sight – occasional theft happens in isolated areas.