Your stay — El Faro 13
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The Property — El Faro 13
El Faro 13 is a 3-star hotel in Limon, Costa Rica, with a laid-back, tropical vibe. The 20 rooms are simply furnished with a mix of modern and traditional decor, and the hotel's rustic-chic aesthetic is a nod to the city's Afro-Caribbean heritage. The hotel's USP is its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and energy consumption. Standing in the lobby, you'll feel like you're in a charming, no-frills beachside retreat that's perfect for eco-conscious travellers and those looking for a relaxed, authentic Costa Rican experience.
Chronicles of Limon
Limon, Costa Rica's Caribbean coastal city, was founded in 1871 by the United Fruit Company as a major banana port. The city's early architecture was influenced by its African and Caribbean heritage, with a mix of wooden buildings and colonial-style houses. Today, Limon is a vibrant city with a rich cultural identity shaped by its Afro-Caribbean communities, with a thriving arts scene and a strong emphasis on music, dance, and cuisine. The city's cultural festival calendar is filled with events celebrating its African and Caribbean roots, including the annual Limon Carnival.
Best Time to Visit
Full Limon guide →Best months
The best time to visit Limon is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C. This period offers pleasant beach weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Limon is July, with the city hosting the annual Limon Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture. Hotel prices tend to be higher during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. However, the festival is a must-see event for visitors, with its colorful parades, music, and dance performances.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Limon is from May to June and September to November, when the weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller and prices are lower. This is an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers who want to experience the city's culture and natural beauty without the peak season crowds.
Weather & packing
Limon's climate is characterised by high humidity and occasional rain showers, so it's essential to pack light, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun.
Live City Briefing — Limon
- The Limon Bus Terminal has been renovated and expanded, offering improved transportation links to other cities in Costa Rica.
- A new artisan market has opened in the city centre, showcasing local crafts and artwork.
- The nearby Tortuguero National Park has introduced a new guided tour programme, offering visitors the chance to explore the park's stunning wildlife and ecosystems.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Faro 13, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) in the hotel, as they are likely to be farther away from the street noise. This may also give you a better chance of having a room with a view of the surrounding jungle or the nearby Caribbean Sea.
Rooms to avoid
Be mindful of rooms on the lower floors (1-3), as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier due to the hotel's location in Limon. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise from staff and guests.
Best views
Given the hotel's location in Limon, rooms on the higher floors (above 5th floor) may offer views of the surrounding jungle or the Caribbean Sea.
Quietest floors
The 4th to 7th floors are likely to be the quietest in the hotel, given their distance from the street and potential noise sources.
🔊 Noise notes
As the hotel is located in Limon, a city with a lively atmosphere, you may still experience some street noise, especially on the lower floors. However, the hotel's location near the Caribbean coast means that rooms on higher floors may have a gentle trade-wind breeze and a glimpse of the ocean.
Insider tips
Book a room with a balcony, if available, to enjoy the ocean views and tropical breeze. Also, consider requesting a room with a floor-to-ceiling window to maximize natural light and ventilation.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — El Faro 13
Free, 300 Mbps, no login constraints or tiered packages
Serves all floors, with one set of stairs-only stairs connecting the second and third floors
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), no physical papers available
Check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00; late check-out after 12:00 costs CRC 20,000 (approximately USD 2.90) per hour
Available for a fee of CRC 1,000 (approximately USD 1.45) per bag, per day; maximum 2 bags per room
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, but no adapted rooms available
On-site parking available, CRC 10,000 (approximately USD 1.45) per night; nearest public car park is a 5-minute walk away, CRC 5,000 (approximately USD 0.72) per day; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CRC 1,500 per night (approximately USD 2.20)
Deposit & card hold: CRC 100,000 (approximately USD 14.40) advance deposit and a credit card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Church of God of Prophecy (867 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (911 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Multicentro Puerto Viejo — 839 m · ~10 min walk
Parque de Puerto Viejo — 977 m · ~12 min walk
Delfina Park — 806 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk
San Gabriel — 822 m · ~10 min walk
Super Bryany — 369 m · ~5 min walk
Bus to San Jose — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Change money at a bank (like Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica) for a decent rate. Avoid changing money at the airport or tourist bureaux, as they often offer poor rates.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Limón, especially in tourist areas and larger towns. Contactless payments and mobile pay are becoming more common, but cash is still king for small transactions.
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% in restaurants and bars is appreciated. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, a small tip of 100-200 CRC is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can get a strong and affordable coffee for around 1,000-1,500 CRC at a local café or street vendor.
A typical budget lunch option is a casado, which includes rice, beans, and a protein, for around 3,500-4,500 CRC.
A filling and affordable dinner can be found at a local soda for around 7,000-10,000 CRC, including a main course and a drink.
The streets of Limón, particularly around the Mercado Municipal, offer a variety of street food options, including traditional dishes like casados and oysters.
Supermercado Tres Amigos and Supermercado Mas X Menos are common budget supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable high-street and market shopping in the town of Limón, with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and household items.
The cheapest way to get around Limón is by bus, with a day pass costing around 1,500-2,000 CRC. From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for around 10,000-15,000 CRC.
Use local transportation, such as buses and colectivos, to get around, as they are affordable and convenient.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as they tend to be overpriced. Opt for local sodas and street food instead.Shop at local markets and street vendors for souvenirs and household items, as they often offer better prices than tourist shops.
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 El Faro 13
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · San Gabriel — 822 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 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.
About Limon
Wikipedia ↗
Limón (Spanish pronunciation: [liˈmon]), also known as Puerto Limón, is the capital city of both the province and canton of the same name. One of Costa Rica's seven "middle cities" (i.e., main cities outside of San José's Greater Metropolitan Area), Limón has a population of 71,514, which made it, a...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Faro 13?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) in the hotel, as they are likely to be farther away from the street noise. This may also give you a better chance of having a room with a view of the surrounding jungle or the nearby Caribbean Sea.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Faro 13?
Be mindful of rooms on the lower floors (1-3), as they may be closer to the street and potentially noisier due to the hotel's location in Limon. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise from staff and guests.
Is El Faro 13 noisy?
As the hotel is located in Limon, a city with a lively atmosphere, you may still experience some street noise, especially on the lower floors. However, the hotel's location near the Caribbean coast means that rooms on higher floors may have a gentle trade-wind breeze and a glimpse of the ocean.
Which rooms have the best views at El Faro 13?
Given the hotel's location in Limon, rooms on the higher floors (above 5th floor) may offer views of the surrounding jungle or the Caribbean Sea.
What are insider tips for staying at El Faro 13?
Book a room with a balcony, if available, to enjoy the ocean views and tropical breeze. Also, consider requesting a room with a floor-to-ceiling window to maximize natural light and ventilation.
What time is check-in at El Faro 13?
Check-in at El Faro 13 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Faro 13 have Wi-Fi?
Free, 300 Mbps, no login constraints or tiered packages
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Faro 13?
CRC 1,500 per night (approximately USD 2.20)
Where can I eat cheaply near El Faro 13?
A typical budget lunch option is a casado, which includes rice, beans, and a protein, for around 3,500-4,500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Faro 13?
The cheapest way to get around Limón is by bus, with a day pass costing around 1,500-2,000 CRC. From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for around 10,000-15,000 CRC.
When is the best time to visit Limon?
The best time to visit Limon is from December to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C. This period offers pleasant beach weather and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
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.