16 Best Things to do in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

So, what are one of the best issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you persist with the seaside and log on, take a meals tour, and even use the city as a launchpad for an unbelievable in a single day journey? Let’s have a look!

The southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is famend for its lovely seashores and tradition, and the small city of Puerto Viejo doesn’t disappoint. You’ll discover white sand seashores, scrumptious Costa Rican meals, and nights that explode with reggae music. Puerto Viejo is a incredible place to go to.

Prime Issues to do in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a coastal city on the southeast shores of Costa Rica positioned on the Caribbean facet of Costa Rica. This information will cowl the easiest issues to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether or not you need nature, journey, culinary experiences, or tradition, these high issues to do in Puerto Viejo will preserve you entertained.

The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is sort of two hours. You’ll be able to e-book a private transfer on to your lodging, or you may take the extra reasonably priced shuttle service. It takes longer however is way more reasonably priced.

1. Take a meals tour or cooking lesson

Meals is a spotlight of any journey to Puerto Viejo. A Guided tour across the Puerto Viejo eating places and cooking classes at native chef’s homes are good methods to expertise Costa Rican delicacies. Small eating places (aka ‘sodas’) are filled with conventional dishes to pattern. You’ll be able to both be taught to prepare dinner the dishes your self or bounce round on a tasting escapade to all one of the best regionally recognized spots.

This Tasting Costa Rica Tour combines two excursions in a single. Beginning with wildlife viewing and ending with a cooking class to pattern native meals.

Should-try dishes embrace Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and Casado. Caribbean hen (Pollo Caribeno) can also be tasty if you happen to get the possibility to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You might be certain to pattern some dishes that you simply’ll wish to attempt once more at house.

You’ll be able to simply book a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. If you’re solely visiting for just a few days or throughout peak season, we’d advocate reserving upfront. Saying that cooking classes are good rainy-day actions, which is one thing to bear in mind if you happen to face a day of dangerous climate.

2. Celebration in Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo has an thrilling leisure scene and top-of-the-line issues to do in Puerto Viejo is to expertise its nightlife. Downtown Puerto Viejo is the place you’ll discover a handful of bars and lounges alongside the beachfront. What higher place to occasion than a bar overlooking the ocean? Downtown Puerto Viejo is a well-liked place to be after sunset.

Johnny’s Place is a long-running fixture and is an effective place to begin. The venue serves meals and drinks on the beachfront. You’ll be able to pattern a spread of cocktails. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally transforms into a celebration location after darkish. With the motto “good meals, artistic drinks, and a respect for the native traditions”, it’s clear that Salsa Brava pioneers a enjoyable environment. Seize an area beer or wine or select from the cocktail menu.

Downtown Puerto Viejo is a enjoyable place to be at night time. If you wish to expertise nightlife in Puerto Viejo, it’s simply one of the best place.

3. Go to the Bri Bri Waterfalls

A hike to a set of gorgeous waterfalls is a good way to spend just a few hours. The entrances to the Bri Bri Waterfalls are solely a fifteen-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, which is good and handy. One entrance is signposted Catarata Ma-Cu, and the opposite is Bri Bri Sparking Waterfalls. You’ll be able to choose which one, as each are comparatively comparable when it comes to technical calls for and of an equal size. Enable a ten-minute stroll from both entrance to achieve the falls.

Bri Bri Waterfalls has a shocking plunge pool that’s deep sufficient so that you can have a refreshing swim. Keep in mind to convey a digital camera so you may snap some footage of the expertise, too, because the waterfalls are actually a scenic spot to go to.

4. Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

Who doesn’t love sloths? Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is among the high issues to do close to Puerto Viejo, and it’s simply half an hour’s drive north. The sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation middle offering specialist veterinary look after injured sloths. Some long-stay residents have sadly been deemed unsuitable for launch. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority are launched again into the wild match and wholesome.

The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica welcomes guests on guided excursions. You’ll be able to hear extra concerning the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You can too see the extra sensible facet of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. For those who love animals and wish to help noble conservation efforts, then the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is one in your itinerary.

5. Take a browsing lesson at Playa Cocles

Costa Rica is rapidly establishing itself as a gem on the browsing scene. Whether or not you’re a professional already or are simply desirous to develop the fundamentals, surf classes are one of the enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Viejo. You’ll be able to brush up in your expertise and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating gorgeous views of the Costa Rican shoreline.

Playa Cocles isn’t solely one in every of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous seashores but additionally top-of-the-line spots for a surf lesson. The laid-back seaside is a calming spot with plenty of house, good for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different well-liked surf spots like Playa Grande.

Playa Cocles is an uncovered seaside and reef break with nice surf, irrespective of the tide – making it a dependable place for browsing classes. Even higher? Playa Cocles is only a ten-minute drive (or a fifty-minute coastal stroll) away from Puerto Viejo city middle.

6. Take an in a single day journey

There are such a lot of issues to do in Puerto Viejo. However, if you happen to keep for per week or longer, it is best to make the most of Puerto Viejo’s excellent location. Puerto Viejo is ideally located on the Caribbean Sea and is a perfect base for a lot of unbelievable in a single day journeys. Prepare so as to add these two journeys to your checklist.

How does ticking off two international locations in a single journey sound? Since Puerto Viejo is positioned proper subsequent to the Panama border, it’s only becoming that you simply dedicate a day or two to visiting the opposite facet. We propose catching a shuttle throughout the Panama border and visiting Bocas del Toro.

Bocas del Toro is famed for overwater lodges, so that you’ll be capable of discover some lovely lodging. It is usually an excellent spot to entry the jungle and go scuba diving or snorkeling.

If the trouble of a border crossing doesn’t sound attractive, why not take an in a single day journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a incredible vacation spot if you’re fascinated by geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to spend time at Tabacon Sizzling Springs and admire the Chato and Arenal volcanoes. Simply catch one of many shuttle buses between Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna.

We advocate in a single day journeys solely for individuals who love further adventures and are excited on the prospect of more difficult issues to do from Puerto Viejo. For individuals who really feel this shall be an excessive amount of effort, don’t fear; there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in Puerto Viejo in your doorstep.

7. Playa Negra

Playa Negra is well one of the photogenic spots in Puerto Viejo and one other one of the lovely seashores on the Caribbean coast. For individuals who know a little bit of Spanish, you will have already guessed that Playa Negra is a black sand seaside. Visiting the seaside is a must-do if you’re searching for issues to do in Puerto Viejo. The pure attraction is exceptionally putting.

Playa Negra is positioned close to Puerto Viejo, so it’s simply slotted into busy itineraries. It is a superb place to take a fast detour between close by sights. Nonetheless, Playa Negra can also be a fantastic browsing and sunbathing spot when you have extra time to spend there.

8. Go horseback using on Playa Chiquita

Only a twelve-minute drive down the coast from Puerto Viejo, you’ll discover Playa Chiquita. Playa Chiquita is a serene, tropical seaside – splendid for a romantic seaside day. However for further pleasure, e-book a horseback using expertise on the seaside.

The tour firm Playa Chiquita Driving Adventures presents seaside rides that begin from an hour and will be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback using on the seaside is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is a good looking place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t have to be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a personal tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration if you happen to want any further help. Driving alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast shall be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.

If you’d like an thrilling however romantic factor to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback using on Playa Chiquita positively ticks the field. Take into account combining it with a go to to the Jaguar Rescue Middle or Playa Cocles, that are a brief stroll from the using middle.

9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is among the high issues to do in Puerto Viejo for nature lovers. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is house to some lovely natural world. You’ll be able to simply spend a day on its mountaineering trails and seashores. And the reserve is only a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo city middle.

Hold your eyes peeled for animals like sloths and monkeys within the treetops. Alongside the shoreline, you might be more likely to spot hermit crabs and, if you’re fortunate, dolphins. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is one of the best place close to Puerto Viejo to see animals of their pure habitat. Costa Rica’s wildlife is extremely various, and this refuge is a good place to understand that.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the proper time out for any animal or nature lover. The refuge presents a super immersion if you happen to haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Convey bug spray, loads of water, a swimsuit, and snorkeling gear if you wish to go snorkeling over the coral reef once you attain the ocean.

10. Tortuguero Nationwide Park

When you’ve visited Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero National Park ought to positively be in your checklist. The nationwide park is among the trickiest locations to go to close to Puerto Viejo since it’s distant and has few roads. However the draw is powerful for the reason that park is house to sea turtles and a number of the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an effective method to see it from San Jose.

We propose reserving a ship tour – which can whisk you across the distant canals you in any other case may by no means entry. You’ll spot caimans, toucans, and, hopefully, endangered sea turtles. For those who go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you simply’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero Nationwide Park is house to leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and inexperienced sea turtles. All of those come again to their birthplace to put their very own eggs annually.

This five day tour allows you to expertise a unique facet of Costa Rica combining 5 days in Tortuguero NP and Puerto Viejo. Leaving from San Jose, you’ll spend 5 days touring Costa Rica’s Caribbean together with lodging and transportation.

11. Go kayaking at Playa Punta Uva

A go to to Playa Punta Uva is all the time stress-free, however for an additional expertise, lease a kayak or buy a guided kayaking tour. The seaside is famed for its calm waters and serene environment and tends to be quiet and with out crowds most days. You’ll have a simple introduction to ocean kayaking.

Out of your kayak, you may discover the shoreline and entry all these areas you couldn’t on foot or by swimming. Kayaking is among the greatest water actions to mix a health problem with sightseeing. Playa Punta Uva is only a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. For one of the best expertise, go to Punta Uva throughout the week moderately weekend to keep away from the additional crowds.

12. Go snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo

Playa Manzanillo is only a 20-minute drive away from Puerto Viejo, and if you happen to like marine life, it’s a great spot to go to. Playa Manzanillo is well-liked amongst divers and snorkelers alike, who love the seaside for its calm waters and vibrant underwater surroundings. However snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo is the least technical of the 2 and equally rewarding. Dolphin sightings are widespread, and, from time to time, you may spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.

For those who don’t have your individual snorkeling gear, you may simply lease some from the rental retailers alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Simply drop by a spot like Unhealthy Bart’s and lease some gear for just a few hours.

13. Spend a lazy morning at Playa Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Playa Puerto Viejo is probably not one in every of Costa Rica’s greatest seashores. It’s small, not significantly lovely, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, you could ask. Briefly, Playa Puerto Viejo has one of the best environment of all of the seashores on this information.

Playa Puerto Viejo is a beloved native spot to loosen up and unwind. You are able to do the identical, normally whereas listening to the background sound of reggae music. Due to its central location, visiting Playa Puerto Viejo is among the most handy issues to do in Puerto Viejo. And, when you’ve spent just a few hours on the seaside, you may head to the row of beachfront bars to occasion or seize some meals.

14. Take a chocolate tour

Most individuals know the origins of chocolate. Seeing the cacao timber and the method in particular person, although, is a unique expertise solely. Since chocolate has such an illustrious, prolonged historical past in Costa Rica, it’s only becoming that you’ve this expertise right here. And even higher, Puerto Viejo has its personal chocolate farm.

In Puerto Viejo, you may take a incredible chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll by means of the cacao forest, the place you be taught concerning the historical past and science behind chocolate. After all, the chocolate tour whisks you away for a tasting session (be warned, early chocolate was bitter). There may be additionally an opportunity to get a glimpse into the manufacturing course of.

Out of all of the Caribbean meals you possibly can style in Costa Rica, chocolate is among the greatest regionally produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) manner you be taught concerning the course of first-hand.

15. Cahuita Nationwide Park

If you’re visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, it’s essential to go to Cahuita Nationwide Park. The nationwide park is a component marine and half land reserve. It’s mentioned that its reef homes over 500 species of fish, so you may simply think about how colourful and full of life the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and a whole bunch of fowl species.

Cahuita Nationwide Park is only a 20-minute drive north of Cahuita Nationwide Park. It is a perfect day journey from Puerto Viejo, and you’ll spend hours wandering the mountaineering trails by means of the coastal jungle. Visiting Cahuita Nationwide Park is an energetic exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded in your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Be sure to convey a digital camera and your water bottle – you’ll want each in equal doses.

16. Go to the Jaguar Rescue Middle

The Jaguar Rescue Middle’s title is a bit of deceptive. You received’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and styles. You possibly can come face-to-face with a primate, m0nkey, or reptile. All of the animals are present process rehab to nurse them again into well being for launch again into the wild or have been deemed unsuitable for launch and are staying completely. The Jaguar Rescue Middle does a incredible job advocating for and helping injured wildlife.

You’ll be able to take self-guided excursions of the Jaguar Rescue Middle to see what this system is all about. The proceeds go in the direction of operating the charity and caring for all residents, so it’s good to know that your cash goes in the direction of a worthwhile trigger. The Jaguar Rescue Middle is among the most healthful issues to do in Puerto Viejo.

Puerto Viejo FAQs

Now that we’ve lined all one of the best issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do you must know? There’s a lot to debate Puerto Viejo, so this subsequent part will present FAQs for all probably the most generally requested questions. Let’s get began.

How one can get to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Puerto Viejo doesn’t have its personal airport, which is sensible, contemplating it’s only a small city. Nonetheless, there are two airports comparatively close by that you would be able to fly to achieve Puerto Viejo.

The quickest method to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon Worldwide Airport. You’ll be able to lease a automotive from right here and drive simply an hour south alongside Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. For those who don’t drive, you can too e-book a shuttle on-line or in particular person on the day. The principle shuttle firm known as Caribe Shuttle and operates 3 times a day, taking about an hour to achieve Puerto Viejo.

If you’re struggling to search out frequent flights to Limon Worldwide Airport, take into account our second possibility. This (additionally usually cheaper) possibility is to fly into San Jose Worldwide Airport. Nonetheless, it does take a bit of longer to achieve Puerto Viejo when you land. When you arrive in San Jose, you’ll must lease a automotive and drive 4 to 5 hours to Puerto Viejo. Alternatively, catch a three-hour shuttle with an organization like Willie’s Excursions Costa Rica Shuttles or a less expensive seven-hour public bus.

Getting round Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Getting round Puerto Viejo is a bit of cake. The Puerto Viejo space is so tiny that you would be able to simply discover it on foot. Any native sights throughout the city are accessible on foot, like Playa Negra and the bars downtown. Even if you happen to don’t fancy strolling, there are many bike leases to profit from, and you’ll be zipping round very quickly.

Biking to close by cities and sights like Manzanillo and the Jaguar Rescue Middle is extraordinarily easy. Consider bike leases as the proper resolution if you wish to sightsee simply outdoors Puerto Viejo. It’s speedier than strolling, and rental prices are low, making it a budget-friendly method to get round.

Ideally, if you wish to go to locations additional afield, it is best to rent a automotive. You’ll must adapt to completely different driving types and street circumstances. Nonetheless, with a little bit of endurance and apply (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly recognize the liberty.

Typically you actually do want public transport. For those who don’t drive, public transport shall be your solely possibility to go to additional afield. Discovering return taxis in distant locations will be tough, and taxi costs can rapidly add up anyway. Fortunately two Puerto Viejo buses join the city with the remainder of the southern Caribbean coast. The 2 routes run from Limon to Sixaola and Limon to Manzanillo, stopping at notable locations like Bri Bri and Cahuita alongside the best way. It’s straightforward to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Simply test the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service will be moderately sporadic.

One of the best time to go to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

One of the best time to go to Puerto Viejo is between February and April or September to October. These months are the driest and have probably the most nice temperatures, offering one of the best climate in your keep.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’ve acquired the selection, we’d advocate visiting in September or October. This fashion, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the top of the turtle nesting interval and have the very best probability of seeing child turtles. You probably have but to see child turtles, it is best to positively go to throughout this era.

September and October are additionally the optimum snorkeling season. These are the months to go to if you wish to get pleasure from recognizing turtles and snorkeling in calmer, clearer waters.

The place to remain in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

So, final however not least, the place must you keep in Puerto Viejo? Regardless of being a bit of city, Puerto Viejo has a number of lodging choices. No matter your funds, it is best to discover one thing applicable – so long as you don’t go away reserving lodging too late. These are our high suggestions for every funds.

Luxurious: Umami Resort

Umami Hotel is a luxurious five-star lodge in Puerto Viejo’s middle. Company entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embrace luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making services. Examine opinions and charges on Booking.com

The lodge’s inside design is tasteful and cozy, with no expense spared. Umami Resort is the one for you if you would like a glitzy and upscale place to remain in Puerto Viejo.

Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo

Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is a good looking two-star hostel, ideally suited to a mid-range funds. The charming property has a big outside pool, though you might be only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Seaside if you wish to swim within the sea as a substitute. Additional services embrace an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Examine opinions and charges on Booking.com

The hostel has different room choices; you may select between dorms, personal rooms, and full two-bedroom flats. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents if you would like a very adventurous expertise.

Funds: Pagalu Hostel

Low-key and budget-friendly, Pagalu Hostel is a good looking place to remain within the middle of Puerto Viejo. Company obtain locker entry, wi-fi, parking, and all-day tea and occasional. The communal areas are extremely cozy, with a terrace with hammocks and a separate patio space. Examine opinions and charges on Booking.com

Select between a personal room or a traditional hostel dormitory. If you wish to splash out, you may improve to decide on a personal room with an ensuite.

To Conclude

Excited to check out this stuff to do in Puerto Viejo? You ought to be. The city is a good looking and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the proper spot for an entertaining getaway.

For those who get the possibility, take a look at our final Costa Rica travel tips earlier than you go. In any other case, have a incredible journey; we hope that you simply expertise as lots of this stuff to do in Puerto Viejo as attainable.