Veragua Rainforest & Tortuguero Canal Tour from Limon

Summary

Limon Shore Excursion: Rainforest Tram & Canal Wildlife

You’ll get to walk real rainforest trails, ride an aerial tram past ancient trees, and spot wildlife from a boat on the Tortuguero Canal—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s a full day, but you’ll see Costa Rica’s wild side up close.

What’s the experience like?

Rain hit the van windows as we left the Limon pier, but it was warm—almost steamy. Our guide, Carlos, chatted about the city’s Afro-Caribbean roots and pointed out a bakery where he gets his favorite coconut bread. The streets felt lively, with reggae music drifting from a corner shop and the smell of fried plantains in the air. We passed murals and open-air fruit stands before heading out of town, deeper into the green hills.

At Veragua Rainforest, the air changed—thicker, with a sweet, earthy scent. We followed Carlos along a trail slick with last night’s rain. He stopped to show us a tiny red poison dart frog tucked under a leaf. The tram ride was slow and open, gliding through layers of green. I could hear cicadas and the distant rush of water. Down by the riverbank, the Trail of the Giants really lives up to its name—some trees are so wide it’d take three people to hug one. If you’re up for it, there’s a steeper path to Puma Waterfall; I stuck to the main trail and didn’t regret it.

Afterwards, we drove to Puerto Moin, where small boats bobbed at the dock. The Tortuguero Canal felt quiet at first, but then we spotted a sloth curled up in a cecropia tree and a line of howler monkeys crossing overhead. Our boat captain, José, slowed so we could watch an iguana sunning itself on a branch. There’s something about drifting along the water, with birds calling and the occasional splash from a fish, that makes you forget about time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Limon City and Rainforest Tour

• Explore Limon city and culture
• Walk trails and ride tram in Veragua Rainforest
• Boat tour through Tortuguero Canals

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

The trails are mostly flat and the tram is easy to board, but there are some steps and uneven ground. Kids love it, but strollers aren’t practical. Seniors who are comfortable walking should be fine.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear light clothes, closed shoes with grip (it gets muddy), and bring a rain jacket just in case. Bug spray helps too. They provide bottled water and fruit snacks.

Will we see animals for sure?

Wildlife is unpredictable, but we saw sloths, monkeys, and lots of birds on our trip. Guides are great at spotting things you’d miss on your own.

What’s included

Your day includes guided rainforest walks, an aerial tram ride at Veragua, a boat tour on Tortuguero Canal, bottled water, fresh tropical fruit snacks, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. A local naturalist guide is with you the whole way.