16 Greatest Issues to do in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

So, what are the perfect issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you keep on with 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 stunning 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 implausible 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 situated on the Caribbean aspect 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 prime issues to do in Puerto Viejo will hold you entertained.

The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is almost two hours. You possibly can ebook a personal switch on to your lodging, or you possibly can take the extra reasonably priced shuttle service. It takes longer however is far 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 possibly can both be taught to prepare dinner the dishes your self or bounce round on a tasting escapade to all the perfect 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 embody Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and Casado. Caribbean rooster (Pollo Caribeno) can be tasty in the event you get the possibility to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You’re certain to pattern some dishes that you just’ll need to attempt once more at dwelling.

You possibly can simply ebook a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. If you’re 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. Get together 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 get together 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 efficient place to begin. The venue serves meals and drinks on the beachfront. You possibly can pattern a variety 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 ambiance. Seize a neighborhood beer or wine or select from the cocktail menu.

Downtown Puerto Viejo is a enjoyable place to be at evening. If you wish to expertise nightlife in Puerto Viejo, it’s simply the perfect place.

3. Go to the Bri Bri Waterfalls

A hike to a set of gorgeous waterfalls is an effective 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 good and handy. One entrance is signposted Catarata Ma-Cu, and the opposite is Bri Bri Sparking Waterfalls. You possibly can choose which one, as each are comparatively related when it comes to technical calls for and of an equal size. Enable a ten-minute stroll from both entrance to succeed in the falls.

Bri Bri Waterfalls has a surprising plunge pool that’s deep sufficient so that you can have a refreshing swim. Keep in mind to convey 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 without doubt one of 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 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 possibly can hear extra concerning the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You may as well see the extra sensible aspect of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. For those who love animals and need 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 possibly can brush up in your abilities and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating gorgeous views of the Costa Rican shoreline.

Playa Cocles just isn’t solely one in all Costa Rica’s most gorgeous seashores but in addition top-of-the-line spots for a surf lesson. The laid-back seaside is a calming spot with a number of house, good for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different standard 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 middle.

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 per week or longer, it is 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 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 situated 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 have the ability to discover some stunning lodging. It is usually an excellent 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 implausible vacation spot in case you are curious about geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. You possibly can 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 further adventures and are excited on the prospect of tougher issues to do from Puerto Viejo. For individuals who really feel this will likely 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 stunning seashores on the Caribbean coast. For individuals 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 on the lookout for issues to do in Puerto Viejo. The pure attraction is exceptionally putting.

Playa Negra is situated 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 points of interest. Nevertheless, Playa Negra can be an excellent browsing and sunbathing spot 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 – perfect for a romantic seaside day. However for further pleasure, ebook a horseback driving expertise on the seaside.

The tour firm Playa Chiquita Using Adventures provides 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 a gorgeous place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t should 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 further help. Using alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast will likely be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.

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

9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Puerto Viejo for nature lovers. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is dwelling to some stunning natural world. You possibly 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.

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

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the proper day trip for any animal or nature lover. The refuge provides 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 whenever you attain the ocean.

10. Tortuguero Nationwide Park

When you’ve visited Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero Nationwide Park ought to positively be in your record. The nationwide park is without doubt one of the trickiest locations to go to close to Puerto Viejo since it’s distant and has few roads. However the draw is robust because the park is dwelling to sea turtles and a few of the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an efficient 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. For those who go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you just’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero Nationwide Park is dwelling to leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and inexperienced sea turtles. All of those come again to their birthplace to put their very own eggs every year.

This 5 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 stress-free, however for an additional expertise, hire a kayak or buy a guided kayaking tour. The seaside 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.

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 without doubt one of the greatest water actions to mix a health problem with sightseeing. Playa Punta Uva is only a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. For the perfect expertise, go to Punta Uva in the course of the week slightly 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 great spot to go to. Playa Manzanillo is standard 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, now and again, you possibly can spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.

For those who don’t have your individual snorkeling gear, you possibly can simply hire some from the rental retailers alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Simply drop by a spot like Dangerous Bart’s and hire some tools for a number of hours.

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

Playa Puerto Viejo will not be one in all Costa Rica’s greatest seashores. It’s small, not significantly stunning, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, you might ask. Briefly, Playa Puerto Viejo has the perfect ambiance of all of the seashores on this information.

Playa Puerto Viejo is a beloved native spot to calm down 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 without doubt one of the most handy issues to do in Puerto Viejo. And, when you could have spent a number of hours on the seaside, you possibly can head to the row of beachfront bars to get together or seize some meals.

14. Take a chocolate tour

Most individuals know the origins of chocolate. Seeing the cacao timber and the method in individual, although, is a special expertise totally. 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 implausible 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. In fact, 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 without doubt one of the greatest regionally produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) means you be taught concerning the course of first-hand.

15. Cahuita Nationwide Park

If you’re visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, you have 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 possibly can simply think about how colourful and energetic the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and lots of of hen 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 by means of the coastal jungle. Visiting Cahuita Nationwide Park is an lively exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded in your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Make certain 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 identify is a bit deceptive. You received’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and styles. You 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 implausible job advocating for and helping injured wildlife.

You possibly can take self-guided excursions of the Jaguar Rescue Middle to see what this system is all about. The proceeds go in direction of working 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 Middle is without doubt one of the most healthful issues to do in Puerto Viejo.

Puerto Viejo FAQs

Now that we’ve lined all the perfect issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do it is advisable know? There’s a lot to debate Puerto Viejo, so this subsequent part will present FAQs for all essentially the most generally requested questions. Let’s get began.

The right way 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. Nevertheless, there are two airports comparatively close by which you can fly to succeed in Puerto Viejo.

The quickest solution to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon Worldwide Airport. You possibly can hire 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 even ebook a shuttle on-line or in individual on the day. The principle shuttle firm is known as Caribe Shuttle and operates thrice a day, taking about an hour to succeed in Puerto Viejo.

If you’re struggling to seek out frequent flights to Limon Worldwide Airport, think about our second possibility. This (additionally usually cheaper) possibility is to fly into San Jose Worldwide Airport. Nevertheless, it does take a bit longer to succeed in Puerto Viejo when you land. When you arrive in San Jose, you’ll must hire 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 chunk of cake. The Puerto Viejo space is so tiny which you can simply discover it on foot. Any native points of interest 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 points of interest like Manzanillo and the Jaguar Rescue Middle is extraordinarily simple. Consider bike leases as the proper resolution if you wish to sightsee simply exterior 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 is best to rent a automotive. You’ll must adapt to totally different driving kinds and street circumstances. Nonetheless, with a little bit of endurance and apply (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly respect the liberty.

Generally you actually do want public transport. For those who don’t drive, public transport will likely 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 way in which. It’s simple to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Simply examine the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service will be slightly 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 essentially the most nice temperatures, offering the perfect climate in your keep.

Nevertheless, in the event you’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 best likelihood of seeing child turtles. When you’ve got 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 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 bit city, Puerto Viejo has lots of lodging choices. No matter your finances, it is best to discover one thing applicable – so long as you don’t depart reserving lodging too late. These are our prime suggestions for every finances.

Luxurious: Umami Resort

Umami Resort is a luxurious five-star lodge in Puerto Viejo’s middle. Visitors entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embody luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making services. Examine evaluations and charges on Reserving.com

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

Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo

Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous two-star hostel, ideally suited to a mid-range finances. The charming property has a big outside pool, though you’re only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Seaside if you wish to swim within the sea as an alternative. Additional services embody an off-the-cuff restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Examine evaluations and charges on Reserving.com

The hostel has diverse room choices; you possibly can select between dorms, personal rooms, and full two-bedroom residences. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents if you’d like a extremely adventurous expertise.

Price range: Pagalu Hostel

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

Select between a personal room or a basic hostel dormitory. If you wish to splash out, you possibly can improve to decide on 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 a gorgeous and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the proper spot for an entertaining getaway.

For those who get the possibility, try our final Costa Rica journey suggestions earlier than you go. In any other case, have a implausible journey; we hope that you just expertise as lots of these items to do in Puerto Viejo as doable.