history
Costa Rica was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1502, when he landed near Puerto Limón on the Atlantic shore. Believing
he had discovered a land of vast wealth, he named it “Costa Rica,” which means “Rich Coast.” Unlike other parts of Central
America, the colonization was relatively bloodless. The local inhabitants were mainly peaceful Indian farmers whose numbers
were eventually depleted when introduced to European disease.
The first capital city was Cartago, founded in 1563. Eventually, the capital was moved West to San Jose in 1737. Independence
from Spain was declared in 1821, beginning a period of civil war between the Liberal and Conservative factions.
After independence, the government anxiously sought goods that could be exported and taxed for revenue. Coffee, which had
been introduced from Cuba, was the answer. The government offered free land to coffee growers, thus building a landowning
class. The prosperity brought by coffee exportation since the 1850’s resulted in and settlement expansion.
Costa Rica’s long tradition of democracy began in 1889 and has continued to the present day. The only lapse in this record
was in 1948, when the constitution was abolished and a military dictatorship took over. One year later, a new constitution was
adopted and the army was permanently abolished. In 1983, the country made an official proclamation of neutrality.
Costa Rica today is a model of democracy and political stability. It boasts a fine health care system, telecommunications network
and school systems with one of the highest literacy rates in the world - 92 percent.
fast facts
docking/tendering
The ship docks in Puerto Limón on the Caribbean Sea.
Shopping
Shops are located in the central market, a short distance from the
pier.
Shore Excursions
Please check your tour ticket for the correct meeting time and Store Hours
location of your tour. Your cruise line representative will direct you Most stores are open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through
to your transportation.
Saturday.
Transportation
Red colored taxis are at the pier. Some drivers speak better English
than others. Taxis can be expensive. Confirm price before departing.
The approximate hourly rate for a taxi is $30 and mini-vans
(if available) are $35 per person. Round trip to San Jose: $250
Post Office Hours
The post office is open from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm and 1:00 pm to
4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Postal Service in Costa Rica is
extremely efficient. International mail and facsimile service is quite
reliable.
How To Get To Town
Phone Locations
All shops and activities are located within walking distance from Phones are located in the market.
the pier.
Emergency In case of an emergency, dial 911.
guarantee
Shop with confidence, knowing that all merchants on this map have been carefully selected and each offers a 60-day guarantee to cruise line guests. This guarantee
ensures buyers that all recommended merchants will repair or replace any unsatisfactory item, excluding buyer’s negligence, buyer’s remorse and lost or stolen
merchandise. For purposes of determining quality and value of jewelry related to a buyer’s complaint, only appraisals secured by a buyer from independent graduate
gemologists, not affiliated with any retail jeweler, will be acceptable. Please inquire about individual store return policies before finalizing any purchase.
The port shopping program is operated by Onboard Media; Inc. Participating merchants have paid an advertising fee to Onboard Media for inclusion in this program.
Onboard Media handles all customer relations claims relating to the guarantee. If you become aware of a problem during the cruise, please contact the Shopping Guide
onboard for immediate assistance. If a problem arises after the cruise but within 60 days of the purchase date, contact the Customer Relations Department at Onboard
Media, 1691 Michigan Ave. Suite 600, Miami Beach 33139, Phone: (800) 396-2999, Fax: (305) 673-2741, Email: [email protected], Hours: Monday through
Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Please send a letter and include the name of the ship, cruise date, store name and merchandise problem. Also enclose a copy of the sales receipt and any relevant
documents relating to the sale. Onboard Media will contact the recommended store on your behalf for repair or replacement, and you will be notified accordingly.
12/14/09
Your guide to port information
Puerto Limon Map
Capital
San José is the capital of Costa
Rica.
Language
Spanish is the official language.
Many Costa Ricans speak English
and French.
Location
Costa Rica is in the Central
American Isthmas, with Nicaragua
to the north and Panama to the
south. It is flanked by the Pacific
Ocean and the Caribbean.
Currency
The official currency is the “colon.”
The United States dollar, credit
cards and travelers checks are
widely accepted.
Size
The land area is about the size
of West Virginia; a little under 20
thousand square miles. From north
to south, Costa Rica stretches 275
miles.
Time Zone
Costa Rica is on United States
Central Standard Time. The ship
may not always follow local time.
Please adhere to the ship's time
while in port.
Population
About 4 million people live in
Costa Rica, including a number of
Americans.
Tourist Information
There is not a tourist office in
Puerto Limón.
places to see
Province of Limón
Limón is one of seven provinces in Costa Rica and the only one to be entirely on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide. Limón
consists of thick tropical jungles and sprawling banana plantations bordering the lofty Central Mountains. Twelve miles to the north
of Puerto Limón is the international port of Moin. From here to the Nicaraguan border, 80 miles away, stretches the Totuguero Canal
System. Running parallel to the sea, this system of natural and artificial waterways crisscross the jungle and mangrove-lined coast.
Southward, a dirt road leads past white-sand beaches and picturesque fishing villages. The heavy annual rainfall in this province is
essential for the forests and bananas, but can make traveling difficult. Over 25 percent of Costa Rica is protected for conservation
purposes - serving as shelter to many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants. This represents more than four
percent of the world’s total floral and faunal species. The ship-offered shore tours are highly recommended for enjoying the beauty
of Costa Rica.
Puerto Limón
Located 100 miles from San Jose, Puerto Limón is sometimes described as a Somerset Maugham town and represents Costa Rica's
slice of the Caribean. The 60,000 residents are largely made up of descendants of Jamaican and Chinese immigrants. Export products
such as coffee and bananas are transported here for loading onto outbound ships. A highway winds its way down to Limón from the
3,700 foot highlands. The drive from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean is approximately 155 miles.
Shopping
Costa Rica is known for its many arts and crafts, including wood figures, carved walking canes, toys, leather goods, wall hangings,
coffee and more. Some small villages are famous for their hardwood ox carts, hand painted with traditional‑geometric designs used
since the beginning of the century. You can purchase miniature replicas and the colorful cartwheels of these wooden carts.
PUERTO
Puerto Limón
LIMÓN
Café Britt Plantation
1a
C
To Playa
Bonita
Sea Wall
Av 6
1b
le 4
Cal
1f
D
Market
aW
all
Parque
Vargas
Av 2
Post Office
Police
B
A
Av 1
8
le
Cal
Museo
Etn.
le
Cal
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
le 7
Cal
Rain Forest Aerial Tram (Pacific)
1e
Cathedral
le 2
Cal
Bank
$
Av 3
1d
Se
le 1
Cal
Av 4
Reef
le 3
Cal
Tabacon Hotel
le 6
Cal
Rain Forest Aerial Tram (Atlantic)
Rainforest
Av 5
1c
E To Veragua
le 5
Cal
International Airport
9
Ship
Baseball
Stadium
k
Doc
CARIBBEAN
SEA
© Onboard Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
COSTA
Costa Rica
RICA
F
REE
B U Y E R’S
GUA R A NTEE
only the stores listed on this map are guaranteed by the cruise line
6 0 - D AY
p l a cNOTES
es to see
1d
1f
1a
TOURIST
OFFICE
1b
1e
1c
A. Parque Vargas
Parque Vargas, a five-minute walk from the ship, is located on the waterfront. This main attraction has beautiful tropical
trees and flowers.
B. Sea Wall
Enjoy the pleasant walk along the sea wall of Puerto Limón. You can view the rocky headland upon which the city was
built.
C. Playa Bonita
Located northwest of town, this sandy beach has places to eat and picnic areas. Enjoy the backdrop of tropical
vegetation.
D. Central Market
This municipal market is where produce, crafts and sundries are sold.
E. VERAGUA RAINFOREST
Located less than one hour from the port, Veragua Rainforest is the ultimate research and adventure park that includes
a gondola ride through the canopy, interactive flora and fauna displays, and walking trails.