So, what are the very best issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you stick to the seashore and go online, take a meals tour, and even use the city as a launchpad for an unimaginable 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.
Top Things 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 perfect issues to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether you need nature, journey, culinary experiences, or tradition, these high issues to do in Puerto Viejo will maintain you entertained.
The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is almost two hours. You can guide a personal switch instantly to your lodging, or you possibly can take the extra inexpensive shuttle service. It takes longer however is rather more inexpensive.
1. Take a meals tour or cooking lesson
Food 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 sensible methods to expertise Costa Rican delicacies. Small eating places (aka ‘sodas’) are full of conventional dishes to pattern. You can both study to cook dinner the dishes your self or bounce round on a tasting escapade to all the very best regionally identified spots.
This Tasting Costa Rica Tour combines two excursions in one. Starting with wildlife viewing and ending with a cooking class to pattern native meals.
Must-try dishes embrace Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and Casado. Caribbean hen (Pollo Caribeno) can also be tasty for those who get the prospect to strive it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You are certain to pattern some dishes that you simply’ll need to strive once more at dwelling.
You can simply guide a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. If you might be solely visiting for a number of days or throughout peak season, we’d suggest reserving in advance. Saying that cooking classes are good rainy-day actions, which is one thing to maintain in thoughts for those who face a day of dangerous climate.
2. Party 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 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 can pattern a variety of cocktails. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally transforms into a celebration location after darkish. With the motto “good food, creative drinks, and a respect for the local traditions”, it’s clear that Salsa Brava pioneers a enjoyable ambiance. Grab a neighborhood beer or wine or select from the cocktail menu.
Downtown Puerto Viejo is a enjoyable place to be at evening. If you need to expertise nightlife in Puerto Viejo, it’s simply the very best place.
3. Visit the Bri Bri Waterfalls
A hike to a group 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 can decide which one, as each are comparatively comparable in phrases of technical calls for and of an equal size. Allow a ten-minute stroll from both entrance to attain the falls.
Bri Bri Waterfalls has a surprising plunge pool that’s deep sufficient for you to have a refreshing swim. Remember to carry a digital camera 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 likely one of 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. Still, the overwhelming majority are launched again into the wild match and wholesome.
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica welcomes guests on guided excursions. You can hear extra concerning the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You also can see the extra sensible facet of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. If you’re keen on animals and wish to assist 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 shortly establishing itself as a gem on the browsing scene. Whether you’re a professional already or are simply wanting to develop the fundamentals, surf classes are one of the enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Viejo. You can brush up in your abilities and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating beautiful views of the Costa Rican shoreline.
Playa Cocles just isn’t solely certainly one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful seashores but in addition top-of-the-line spots for a surf lesson. The laid-back seashore is a calming spot with a number of area, good for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different widespread surf spots like Playa Grande.
Playa Cocles is an uncovered seashore 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 so many issues to do in Puerto Viejo. But, for those who keep for per week or longer, it’s best to benefit from Puerto Viejo’s excellent location. Puerto Viejo is ideally located on the Caribbean Sea and is a perfect base for a lot of unimaginable in a single day journeys. Get prepared to add these two journeys to your listing.
How does ticking off two international locations in one 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 counsel catching a shuttle throughout the Panama border and visiting Bocas del Toro.
Bocas del Toro is famed for overwater lodges, so that you’ll give you the chance to discover some lovely lodging. It can also be a superb spot to entry the jungle and go scuba diving or snorkeling.
If the effort of a border crossing doesn’t sound engaging, why not take an in a single day journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a incredible vacation spot if you’re in geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. You can spend time at Tabacon Hot Springs and admire the Chato and Arenal volcanoes. Just catch one of many shuttle buses between Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna.
We suggest 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 those that really feel this can 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 those that know a little bit of Spanish, you’ll have already guessed that Playa Negra is a black sand seashore. Visiting the seashore is a must-do if you’re on the lookout 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 wonderful place to take a fast detour between close by sights. However, Playa Negra can also be an excellent browsing and sunbathing spot when you have extra time to spend there.
8. Go horseback using on Playa Chiquita
Just a twelve-minute drive down the coast from Puerto Viejo, you’ll discover Playa Chiquita. Playa Chiquita is a serene, tropical seashore – ultimate for a romantic seashore day. But for further pleasure, guide a horseback using expertise on the seashore.
The tour firm Playa Chiquita Riding Adventures presents seashore rides that begin from an hour and might be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback using on the seashore is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is an attractive place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t want to be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a non-public tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration for those who want any further help. Riding alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast can be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.
If you need an thrilling however romantic factor to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback using on Playa Chiquita positively ticks the field. Consider combining it with a go to to the Jaguar Rescue Center or Playa Cocles, that are a brief stroll from the using middle.
9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is likely one of the high issues to do in Puerto Viejo for nature lovers. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is dwelling to some lovely natural world. You can simply spend a day on its climbing trails and seashores. And the reserve is only a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo city middle.
Keep your eyes peeled for animals like sloths and monkeys in the treetops. Along the shoreline, you might be doubtless to spot hermit crabs and, if you’re fortunate, dolphins. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the very best place close to Puerto Viejo to see animals in their pure habitat. Costa Rica’s wildlife is extremely numerous, and this refuge is a superb place to respect that.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the proper time out for any animal or nature lover. The refuge presents a perfect immersion for those who haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Bring bug spray, loads of water, a swimsuit, and snorkeling gear if you need to go snorkeling over the coral reef if you attain the ocean.
10. Tortuguero National Park
Once you’ve visited Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero National Park ought to positively be in your listing. The nationwide park is likely one of the trickiest locations to go to close to Puerto Viejo since it’s distant and has few roads. But the draw is powerful because the park is dwelling to sea turtles and a number of the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an effective means to see it from San Jose.
We counsel reserving a ship tour – which is able to 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. If you go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you simply’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero National Park is dwelling to leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and inexperienced sea turtles. All of those come again to their birthplace to lay their very own eggs annually.
This 5 day tour helps you to expertise a distinct 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 seashore is famed for its calm waters and serene ambiance and tends to be quiet and with out crowds most days. You’ll have a straightforward introduction to ocean kayaking.
From your kayak, you possibly can discover the shoreline and entry all these areas you couldn’t on foot or by swimming. Kayaking is likely one of 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 very best expertise, go to Punta Uva throughout the week quite 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 for those who like marine life, it’s a excellent place to go to. Playa Manzanillo is widespread amongst divers and snorkelers alike, who love the seashore for its calm waters and vibrant underwater surroundings. But snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo is the least technical of the 2 and equally rewarding. Dolphin sightings are widespread, and, now and again, you possibly can spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.
If you don’t have your personal snorkeling gear, you possibly can simply lease some from the rental retailers alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Just drop by a spot like Bad Bart’s and lease some gear for a number of hours.
13. Spend a lazy morning at Playa Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Playa Puerto Viejo is probably not certainly one of Costa Rica’s finest seashores. It is small, not significantly lovely, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, it’s possible you’ll ask. In brief, Playa Puerto Viejo has the very best ambiance of all of the seashores in this information.
Playa Puerto Viejo is a beloved native spot to calm down and unwind. You can do the identical, normally whereas listening to the background sound of reggae music. Because of its central location, visiting Playa Puerto Viejo is likely one of the most handy issues to do in Puerto Viejo. And, when you have got spent a number of hours on the seashore, you possibly can head to the row of beachfront bars to social gathering or seize some meals.
14. Take a chocolate tour
Most folks know the origins of chocolate. Seeing the cacao bushes and the method in particular person, although, is a distinct expertise completely. 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 possibly can take a incredible chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll via the cacao forest, the place you study concerning the historical past and science behind chocolate. Of course, the chocolate tour whisks you away for a tasting session (be warned, early chocolate was bitter). There can also be 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 likely one of the finest regionally produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) means you study concerning the course of first-hand.
15. Cahuita National Park
If you might be visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, you could go to Cahuita National Park. The nationwide park is a component marine and half land reserve. It is alleged that its reef homes over 500 species of fish, so you possibly can simply think about how colourful and vigorous the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and lots of of chook species.
Cahuita National Park is only a 20-minute drive north of Cahuita National 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 National Park is an lively exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded in your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Make certain to carry a digital camera and your water bottle – you’ll want each in equal doses.
16. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center’s identify is somewhat deceptive. You received’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and styles. You may come face-to-face with a primate, m0nkey, or reptile. All 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 Center does a incredible job advocating for and helping injured wildlife.
You can take self-guided excursions of the Jaguar Rescue Center 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 Center is likely one of the most healthful issues to do in Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo FAQs
Now that we’ve lined all the very best issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do you want to know? There is so much to talk about Puerto Viejo, so this subsequent part will present FAQs for all probably the most generally requested questions. Let’s get began.
How to get to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo doesn’t have its personal airport, which is sensible, contemplating it’s only a small city. However, there are two airports comparatively close by that you could fly to attain Puerto Viejo.
The quickest means to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon International Airport. You can lease a automobile from right here and drive simply an hour south alongside Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. If you don’t drive, you too can guide a shuttle on-line or in particular person on the day. The essential shuttle firm known as Caribe Shuttle and operates 3 times a day, taking about an hour to attain Puerto Viejo.
If you might be struggling to discover frequent flights to Limon International Airport, take into account our second choice. This (additionally usually cheaper) choice is to fly into San Jose International Airport. However, it does take somewhat longer to attain Puerto Viejo when you land. Once you arrive in San Jose, you’ll have to lease a automobile and drive 4 to 5 hours to Puerto Viejo. Alternatively, catch a three-hour shuttle with an organization like Willie’s Tours Costa Rica Shuttles or a less expensive seven-hour public bus.
Getting round Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Getting round Puerto Viejo is a chunk of cake. The Puerto Viejo space is so tiny that you could simply discover it on foot. Any native sights inside the city are accessible on foot, like Playa Negra and the bars downtown. Even for those who don’t fancy strolling, there are many bike leases to take advantage of, and you’ll be zipping round in no time.
Cycling to close by cities and sights like Manzanillo and the Jaguar Rescue Center is extraordinarily simple. Think of motorcycle leases as the proper resolution if you need to sightsee simply exterior Puerto Viejo. It is speedier than strolling, and rental prices are low, making it a budget-friendly means to get round.
Ideally, if you need to go to locations additional afield, it’s best to rent a automobile. You’ll want to adapt to totally different driving kinds and highway circumstances. Still, with a little bit of endurance and apply (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly respect the liberty.
Sometimes you actually do want public transport. If you don’t drive, public transport can be your solely choice to go to additional afield. Finding return taxis in distant locations might be tough, and taxi costs can shortly add up anyway. Luckily two Puerto Viejo buses join the city with the remainder of the southern Caribbean coast. The two routes run from Limon to Sixaola and Limon to Manzanillo, stopping at notable locations like Bri Bri and Cahuita alongside the best way. It is simple to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Just examine the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service might be quite sporadic.
The finest time to go to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
The finest 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 very best climate in your keep.
However, for those who’ve obtained the selection, we’d suggest visiting in September or October. This means, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the tip of the turtle nesting interval and have the best likelihood of seeing child turtles. If you have got but to see child turtles, it’s 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 need to get pleasure from recognizing turtles and snorkeling in calmer, clearer waters.
Where to keep in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
So, final however not least, the place must you keep in Puerto Viejo? Despite being somewhat city, Puerto Viejo has a whole lot of lodging choices. Whatever your price range, it’s best to discover one thing acceptable – so long as you don’t depart reserving lodging too late. These are our high suggestions for every price range.
Luxury: Umami Hotel
Umami Hotel is a luxurious five-star resort in Puerto Viejo’s middle. Guests entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embrace luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making amenities. Check opinions and charges on Booking.com
The resort’s inside design is tasteful and cozy, with no expense spared. Umami Hotel is the one for you if you need a glitzy and upscale place to keep 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 price range. The charming property has a big outside pool, though you might be only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Beach if you need to swim in the ocean as an alternative. Further amenities embrace an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Check opinions and charges on Booking.com
The hostel has diverse room choices; you possibly can select between dorms, non-public rooms, and whole two-bedroom residences. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents if you need a very adventurous expertise.
Budget: Pagalu Hostel
Low-key and budget-friendly, Pagalu Hostel is an attractive place to keep in the middle of Puerto Viejo. Guests 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. Check opinions and charges on Booking.com
Choose between a personal room or a basic hostel dormitory. If you need to splash out, you possibly can improve to select a personal room with an ensuite.
To Conclude
Excited to check out these items to do in Puerto Viejo? You ought to be. The city is an attractive and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the proper spot for an entertaining getaway.
If you get the prospect, take a look at our final Costa Rica journey suggestions earlier than you go. Otherwise, have a incredible journey; we hope that you simply expertise as a lot of these items to do in Puerto Viejo as attainable.