16 Best Things to do in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

So, what are the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you follow the seaside and go online, 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 unbelievable 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 aspect of Costa Rica. This information will cowl the perfect issues to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether or not you need nature, journey, culinary experiences, or tradition, these prime issues to do in Puerto Viejo will hold you entertained.

The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is sort of two hours. You may e book a private transfer on to your lodging, or you possibly can 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 full of conventional dishes to pattern. You may both study to prepare dinner the dishes your self or bounce round on a tasting escapade to all the most effective domestically 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 in the event you get the prospect to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You might be certain to pattern some dishes that you just’ll need to attempt once more at residence.

You may simply book a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. In case you are solely visiting for a number of days or throughout peak season, we’d advocate reserving upfront. Saying that cooking classes are good rainy-day actions, which is one thing to remember in the event you face a day of unhealthy climate.

2. Social gathering in Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo has an thrilling leisure scene and among the finest 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 social gathering 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 may pattern a variety of cocktails. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally transforms into a celebration location after darkish. With the motto “good meals, inventive drinks, and a respect for the native traditions”, it’s clear that Salsa Brava pioneers a enjoyable environment. Seize a neighborhood 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 the most effective place.

3. Go to the Bri Bri Waterfalls

A hike to a set of beautiful waterfalls is a good way to spend a number of hours. The entrances to the Bri Bri Waterfalls are solely a fifteen-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, which is sweet and handy. One entrance is signposted Catarata Ma-Cu, and the opposite is Bri Bri Sparking Waterfalls. You may choose which one, as each are comparatively related by way of 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. Bear in mind to carry a digicam so you possibly can 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 prime issues to do close to Puerto Viejo, and it’s simply half an hour’s drive north. The sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation heart 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 may hear extra concerning the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. It’s also possible to see the extra sensible aspect of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. In case you love animals and need to assist noble conservation efforts, then the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is one to your itinerary.

5. Take a browsing lesson at Playa Cocles

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

Playa Cocles is just not solely one among Costa Rica’s most beautiful seashores but additionally among the finest spots for a surf lesson. The laid-back seaside is a soothing spot with a lot of house, good for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different widespread surf spots like Playa Grande.

Playa Cocles is an uncovered seaside and reef break with nice surf, regardless 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 heart.

6. Take an in a single day journey

There are such a lot of issues to do in Puerto Viejo. However, in the event you keep for every week or longer, it’s best to make the most of Puerto Viejo’s very good 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 record.

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 just dedicate a day or two to visiting the opposite aspect. We recommend 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 to discover some lovely lodging. It’s also a superb spot to entry the jungle and go scuba diving or snorkeling.

If the effort of a border crossing doesn’t sound attractive, why not take an in a single day journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a unbelievable vacation spot in case you are all in favour of geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. You may spend time at Tabacon Scorching 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 many who love additional adventures and are excited on the prospect of more difficult issues to do from Puerto Viejo. For many who really feel this might 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 definitely one of the photogenic spots in Puerto Viejo and one other one of the lovely seashores on the Caribbean coast. For many who know a little bit of Spanish, you might have already guessed that Playa Negra is a black sand seaside. Visiting the seaside is a must-do in case you are in search of issues to do in Puerto Viejo. The pure attraction is exceptionally placing.

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

8. Go horseback driving 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 – best for a romantic seaside day. However for additional pleasure, e book a horseback driving expertise on the seaside.

The tour firm Playa Chiquita Using Adventures affords seaside rides that begin from an hour and will be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback driving on the seaside is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is an attractive place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t must be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a personal tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration in the event you want any additional help. Using alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast might be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.

If you need an thrilling however romantic factor to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback driving on Playa Chiquita undoubtedly ticks the field. Think about combining it with a go to to the Jaguar Rescue Heart or Playa Cocles, that are a brief stroll from the driving heart.

9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is among the prime issues to do in Puerto Viejo for nature lovers. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is residence to some lovely natural world. You may simply spend a day on its climbing trails and seashores. And the reserve is only a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo city heart.

Hold your eyes peeled for animals like sloths and monkeys within the treetops. Alongside the shoreline, you might be prone to spot hermit crabs and, in case you are fortunate, dolphins. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the most effective place close to Puerto Viejo to see animals of their pure habitat. Costa Rica’s wildlife is extremely numerous, and this refuge is a good place to understand that.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the proper day trip for any animal or nature lover. The refuge affords a really perfect immersion in the event you haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Carry bug spray, loads of water, a swimsuit, and snorkeling gear if you wish to go snorkeling over the coral reef if you attain the ocean.

10. Tortuguero Nationwide Park

When you’ve visited Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero National Park ought to undoubtedly be in your record. 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 because the park is residence to sea turtles and among the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an effective solution to see it from San Jose.

We recommend reserving a ship tour – which is able to whisk you across the distant canals you in any other case might by no means entry. You’ll spot caimans, toucans, and, hopefully, endangered sea turtles. In case you go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you just’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero Nationwide Park is residence 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 helps you to expertise a special aspect 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 enjoyable, however for an additional expertise, hire 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 possibly can discover the shoreline and entry all these areas you couldn’t on foot or by swimming. Kayaking is among the finest water actions to mix a health problem with sightseeing. Playa Punta Uva is only a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. For the most effective expertise, go to Punta Uva in the course of the week fairly 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 in the event you like marine life, it’s a excellent place to go to. Playa Manzanillo is widespread 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 frequent, and, once in a while, you possibly can spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.

In case you don’t have your personal snorkeling gear, you possibly can simply hire some from the rental retailers alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Simply drop by a spot like Unhealthy Bart’s and hire some gear for a number of hours.

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

Playa Puerto Viejo will not be one among Costa Rica’s finest seashores. It’s small, not significantly lovely, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, chances are you’ll ask. In brief, Playa Puerto Viejo has the most effective 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, often 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 might have spent a number of hours on the seaside, you possibly can head to the row of beachfront bars to social gathering or seize some meals.

14. Take a chocolate tour

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

In Puerto Viejo, you possibly can take a unbelievable chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll via the cacao forest, the place you study concerning the historical past and science behind chocolate. In fact, the chocolate tour whisks you away for a tasting session (be warned, early chocolate was bitter). There’s additionally an opportunity to get a glimpse into the manufacturing course of.

Out of all of the Caribbean meals you would style in Costa Rica, chocolate is among the finest domestically produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) means you study concerning the course of first-hand.

15. Cahuita Nationwide Park

In case you are visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, you need to go to Cahuita Nationwide Park. The nationwide park is part marine and half land reserve. It’s mentioned that its reef homes over 500 species of fish, so you possibly can simply think about how colourful and full of life the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and lots of 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 climbing trails via the coastal jungle. Visiting Cahuita Nationwide Park is an energetic exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded to your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Be certain to carry a digicam and your water bottle – you’ll want each in equal doses.

16. Go to the Jaguar Rescue Heart

The Jaguar Rescue Heart’s title is a little bit deceptive. You gained’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and shapes. You could possibly 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 Heart does a unbelievable job advocating for and helping injured wildlife.

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

Puerto Viejo FAQs

Now that we’ve coated all the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do it’s essential 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 you could fly to achieve Puerto Viejo.

The quickest solution to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon Worldwide Airport. You may hire a automobile from right here and drive simply an hour south alongside Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. In case you don’t drive, you may also e book a shuttle on-line or in individual on the day. The principle shuttle firm is named Caribe Shuttle and operates thrice a day, taking about an hour to achieve Puerto Viejo.

In case you are struggling to seek 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 little bit longer to achieve Puerto Viejo when you land. When you arrive in San Jose, you’ll need to hire a automobile 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 you could simply discover it on foot. Any native sights throughout the city are accessible on foot, like Playa Negra and the bars downtown. Even in the event you don’t fancy strolling, there are many bike leases to take advantage of, and you’ll be zipping round very quickly.

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

Ideally, if you wish to go to locations additional afield, it’s best to rent a automobile. You’ll must adapt to totally different driving types and highway circumstances. Nonetheless, with a little bit of persistence and observe (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly admire the liberty.

Typically you actually do want public transport. In case you don’t drive, public transport might be your solely possibility to go to additional afield. Discovering return taxis in distant locations will be troublesome, and taxi costs can shortly 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 examine the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service will be fairly sporadic.

The very best time to go to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

The very 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 the most effective climate to your keep.

Nonetheless, in the event you’ve obtained the selection, we’d advocate visiting in September or October. This manner, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the tip of the turtle nesting interval and have the very best likelihood of seeing child turtles. You probably have but to see child turtles, it’s best to undoubtedly 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 take pleasure in 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 little bit city, Puerto Viejo has lots of lodging choices. No matter your funds, it’s best to discover one thing acceptable – so long as you don’t depart reserving lodging too late. These are our prime suggestions for every funds.

Luxurious: Umami Lodge

Umami Hotel is a luxurious five-star resort in Puerto Viejo’s heart. Visitors entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embrace luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making services. Verify evaluations and charges on Booking.com

The resort’s inside design is tasteful and comfy, with no expense spared. Umami Lodge is the one for you in order for you a glitzy and upscale place to remain in Puerto Viejo.

Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo

Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is an attractive 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 Seashore if you wish to swim within the sea as an alternative. Additional services embrace an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Verify evaluations and charges on Booking.com

The hostel has diversified room choices; you possibly can select between dorms, personal rooms, and whole two-bedroom flats. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents in order for you a extremely adventurous expertise.

Price range: Pagalu Hostel

Low-key and budget-friendly, Pagalu Hostel is an attractive place to remain within the heart of Puerto Viejo. Visitors 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. Verify evaluations and charges on Booking.com

Select between a non-public room or a traditional hostel dormitory. If you wish to splash out, you possibly can improve to decide on a non-public room with an ensuite.

To Conclude

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

In case you get the prospect, take a look at our final Costa Rica travel tips earlier than you go. In any other case, have a unbelievable journey; we hope that you just expertise as lots of this stuff to do in Puerto Viejo as doable.