Plizio Visual Lab
APM Terminals Moin
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
Weather…
Water temperature…
APM Terminals Moín (MCT) is one of the most modern and efficient container ports in Latin America, located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Opened in February 2019, the terminal was built on an artificial island and represents an investment of over one billion US dollars. It was specifically designed to handle the world's largest container vessels (Post-Panamax), connecting Costa Rica directly to global markets without relying on transshipments in other countries. The facility features fully automated cranes and a state-of-the-art logistics management system that has drastically reduced turnaround times. Economically, the terminal has revolutionized the export of fresh agricultural products like pineapples and bananas by optimizing cold chain logistics. APM Terminals operates under a 33-year concession and contributes significantly to increasing national competitiveness. The project has also led to the creation of hundreds of specialized jobs in the Limón Province.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Nearby: Boquete area / San Vito (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 170 | 98 | 106 | 143 | 288 | 294 | 311 | 254 | 260 | 348 | 349 | 222 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
APM Terminals Moin is a modern container terminal on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, handling the country's international trade. It replaces the old Limón port and provides efficient logistics for exports like bananas and pineapples.
Visiting
The terminal is a high-security industrial site and not open to the public. From the nearby coastal road, one can see the container cranes and ship traffic.
Where to view it
The viewing platform at the Moin visitor center has a limited view of the terminal. Better is the Limón beach promenade, from where the container gantries are visible in the distance.
Local products
The region mainly exports bananas, pineapples, coffee, and palm oil through this terminal. At local markets in Limón, fresh tropical fruits are offered directly from the plantations.
Active season
The terminal operates 24/7 year-round to handle continuous exports. Peak activity occurs during the banana harvest seasons, January to March and July to September.
Nearby
Combine a visit with a tour of the region's banana plantations. The nearby Tortuguero National Park with its sea turtles is an excellent addition.
Geography
Facts
- Investment volume exceeds 1.1 billion US dollars.
- The official opening took place in February 2019.
- Constructed on a 40-hectare artificial island.
- Capable of handling vessels with up to 8,500 containers.
- Equipped with fully electric ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.
- Operates under a 33-year long-term concession.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town APM Terminals Moin (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is APM Terminals Moín?
A state-of-the-art container terminal that has vastly improved Costa Rica's connection to global trade.
What ships can dock here?
Thanks to its deep waters, huge Post-Panamax ships can be serviced here.
Where is the terminal located?
It is located on an artificial island off the coast of Moín near Puerto Limón.
Are there jobs for locals there?
Yes, the terminal is one of the largest employers in the Limón region with hundreds of specialists.
Can you visit the terminal?
Closed to the public; professional visitors require prior permission and security clearance.
APM Terminals Moin: where is it located?
APM Terminals Moin is located in Costa Rica.
APM Terminals Moin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
APM Terminals Moin: why is it worth visiting?
APM Terminals Moín (MCT) is one of the most modern and efficient container ports in Latin America, located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in Costa Rica →
Nearby cities
🗺️
Boquete area / San Vito
A tranquil highland region near the Panama border, renowned for its Italian heritage, cool climate, and biodiversity.
Bribri
The administrative center of Talamanca, reflecting the strong indigenous presence and culture of the region near the border with Panama.
Ciudad Neily
The main commercial hub in the southern border region of Corredores, serving as a primary link for trade with Panama.
Cahuita
Cahuita is a laid-back Caribbean coastal town in Costa Rica, famous for its stunning national park and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Zancudo
Zancudo is a tranquil beach town offering one of the safest swimming beaches in Costa Rica, featuring miles of dark sand and stunning sun…
Pavones
Pavones is a remote surfer's paradise in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, famous for having one of the longest left-hand surf b…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A vibrant coastal town famous for its eclectic Caribbean culture, reggae music, world-class surf, and proximity to wildlife sanctuaries.
Corn Island
Main town of the Corn Islands, a Caribbean paradise.
Matina
A town in Limon, primarily driven by large-scale banana and pineapple production.
Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez is the main town on the Osa Peninsula, offering rustic charm and serving as the primary launching point for expeditions in…
Chiriquí Highlands (Tierras Altas)
The fertile mountain region at the foot of Volcán Barú, famous for Geisha coffee, vibrant flowers, and eternal spring.
Concepción, Bugaba
The capital of the Bugaba district in Chiriquí.
Siquirres
A bustling town in the Limon province, positioned between the highlands and the Caribbean coast.
History & landmarks
Limon Carnival
A spectacular Afro-Caribbean festival in Puerto Limón, celebrating the region's unique cultural heritage with parades and music.
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
The world's first sloth-only rescue center.
Boruca Mask Art
Exquisite hand-carved masks created by the Boruca people, traditionally used in the annual 'Dance of the Devils' festival.
Jaguar Rescue Center
A rescue center for injured and orphaned wild animals near Puerto Viejo.
More places
Moin Refinery
The only oil refinery in Costa Rica.
Puerto Limon
Costa Rica's main Caribbean port and a key export gateway.
Puerto Cito
A coastal port facility supporting local maritime trade and the regional economy through logistics services.
🗺️
Banana Plantation
The vast fields that made Costa Rica a top exporter.
Puerto Cacao
A small coastal port linked to cacao growing and local export activity.
🗺️
Puerto Matina
Smaller port on the Caribbean coast for local goods.
Bribri Cocoa Tradition
The Bribri cocoa tradition links cacao to indigenous knowledge on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
🗺️
Old Railway of La Palma
Remains of the old 'Jungle Train' to the Atlantic coast, which was crucial for the banana export industry.