So, what are the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you stick with the seaside 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 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 improbable 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 aspect of Costa Rica. This information will cowl the easiest issues to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether 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 can e book a non-public switch on to your lodging, or you’ll be able to 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 good 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 most effective regionally identified spots.
This Tasting Costa Rica Tour combines two excursions in a single. 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 be tasty if you happen to get the possibility to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You are certain to pattern some dishes that you just’ll need to attempt once more at residence.
You can simply e book a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. If you might be solely visiting for a couple of days or throughout peak season, we’d suggest 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 unhealthy climate.
2. Party in Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo has an thrilling leisure scene and among the best 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 efficient 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 environment. 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 most effective place.
3. Visit the Bri Bri Waterfalls
A hike to a group of gorgeous waterfalls is an effective way to spend a couple 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 can decide which one, as each are comparatively related when it comes to technical calls for and of an equal size. Allow a ten-minute stroll from both entrance to succeed in the falls.
Bri Bri Waterfalls has a shocking plunge pool that’s deep sufficient so that you can have a refreshing swim. Remember to carry a digital camera so you’ll be able to snap some photos 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 heart offering specialist veterinary take care of 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 in regards to the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You may see the extra sensible aspect of their rehab – like motor coaching on their out of doors climbing frames. If you’re keen on 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 you’re a professional already or are simply eager to develop the fundamentals, surf classes are probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Viejo. You can brush up in your abilities and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating gorgeous views of the Costa Rican shoreline.
Playa Cocles is just not solely one in all Costa Rica’s most gorgeous seashores but additionally among the best 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 fashionable 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 heart.
6. Take an in a single day journey
There are so many issues to do in Puerto Viejo. But, if you happen to keep for per week or longer, it’s 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 unimaginable in a single day journeys. Get prepared so as to add these two journeys to your listing.
How does ticking off two nations 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 of discover some stunning lodging. It can be 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 improbable vacation spot in case you are considering 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 many who love additional adventures and are excited on the prospect of tougher issues to do from Puerto Viejo. For those that 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 probably the most photogenic spots in Puerto Viejo and one other probably the most stunning seashores on the Caribbean coast. For those that 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 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. However, Playa Negra can be an awesome browsing and sunbathing spot in case you have extra time to spend there.
8. Go horseback driving 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 seaside – supreme for a romantic seaside day. But for additional pleasure, e book a horseback driving expertise on the seaside.
The tour firm Playa Chiquita Riding Adventures gives seaside rides that begin from an hour and might be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback driving on the seaside is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is a ravishing place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t must be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a non-public tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration if you happen to want any additional help. Riding alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast shall 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 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 driving heart.
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 residence to some stunning 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 heart.
Keep your eyes peeled for animals like sloths and monkeys within the treetops. Along 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 various, and this refuge is a superb place to understand that.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the right day trip for any animal or nature lover. The refuge gives a super immersion if you happen to haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Bring 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 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 robust because the park is residence to sea turtles and among the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an efficient technique 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 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 just’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero National 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 every year.
This 5 day tour allows 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 environment and tends to be quiet and with out crowds most days. You’ll have a straightforward introduction to ocean kayaking.
From your kayak, you’ll be able to 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 most effective 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 if you happen to like marine life, it’s a good spot to go to. Playa Manzanillo is fashionable amongst divers and snorkelers alike, who love the seaside 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 frequent, and, every so often, you’ll be able to spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.
If you don’t have your personal snorkeling gear, you’ll be able to simply hire some from the rental outlets alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Just drop by a spot like Bad Bart’s and hire some gear for a couple 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 finest seashores. It is small, not notably stunning, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why do you have to go to, chances are you’ll ask. In quick, 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 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’ve spent a couple of hours on the seaside, you’ll be able to 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 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 this expertise right here. And even higher, Puerto Viejo has its personal chocolate farm.
In Puerto Viejo, you’ll be able to take a improbable chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll by means of the cacao forest, the place you study in regards to 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 be an opportunity to get a glimpse into the manufacturing course of.
Out of all of the Caribbean meals you may style in Costa Rica, chocolate is likely one of the finest regionally produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) approach you study in regards to the course of first-hand.
15. Cahuita National Park
If you might be visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, it’s essential to 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’ll be able to simply think about how colourful and energetic the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and a whole lot of fowl 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 may spend hours wandering the climbing trails by means of 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 a bit of deceptive. You gained’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 improbable job advocating for and aiding 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 coated all the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do it’s essential to know? There is quite a bit to debate Puerto Viejo, so this subsequent part will present FAQs for all essentially 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 may fly to succeed in Puerto Viejo.
The quickest technique to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon International Airport. You can hire 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 may as well e book a shuttle on-line or in individual on the day. The foremost shuttle firm is named Caribe Shuttle and operates 3 times a day, taking about an hour to succeed in Puerto Viejo.
If you might be struggling to search out frequent flights to Limon International Airport, contemplate our second choice. This (additionally usually cheaper) choice is to fly into San Jose International Airport. However, it does take a bit of longer to succeed in Puerto Viejo when you land. Once you arrive in San Jose, you’ll must hire 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 bit of cake. The Puerto Viejo space is so tiny that you may simply discover it on foot. Any native sights inside 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 take advantage of, and you may be zipping round very quickly.
Cycling to close by cities and sights like Manzanillo and the Jaguar Rescue Center is extraordinarily simple. Think of motorbike leases as the right answer if you wish to sightsee simply exterior Puerto Viejo. It is speedier than strolling, and rental prices are low, making it a budget-friendly technique 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 completely 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 shall be your solely choice to go to additional afield. Finding return taxis in distant locations might be tough, and taxi costs can rapidly 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 straightforward to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Just verify the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service might be slightly 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 essentially the most nice temperatures, offering the most effective climate in your keep.
However, if you happen to’ve acquired the selection, we’d suggest visiting in September or October. This approach, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the top of the turtle nesting interval and have the best probability of seeing child turtles. If you’ve 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 wish to take pleasure in recognizing turtles and snorkeling in calmer, clearer waters.
Where to remain in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
So, final however not least, the place do you have to keep in Puerto Viejo? Despite being a bit of city, Puerto Viejo has plenty of lodging choices. Whatever your finances, 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 finances.
Luxury: Umami Hotel
Umami Hotel is a luxurious five-star lodge in Puerto Viejo’s heart. Guests entry a spa, out of doors pool, and room service. All rooms embrace luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making services. Check evaluations and charges on Booking.com
The lodge’s inside design is tasteful and comfy, with no expense spared. Umami Hotel is the one for you if you need a glitzy and upscale place to remain in Puerto Viejo.
Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo
Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is a ravishing two-star hostel, ideally suited to a mid-range finances. The charming property has a big out of doors pool, though you might be only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Beach if you wish to swim within the sea as an alternative. Further services embrace an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Check evaluations and charges on Booking.com
The hostel has diverse room choices; you’ll be able to select between dorms, non-public rooms, and full 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 a ravishing place to remain within the heart of Puerto Viejo. Guests 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. Check evaluations and charges on Booking.com
Choose between a non-public room or a traditional hostel dormitory. If you need to splash out, you’ll be able to improve to decide on a non-public room with an ensuite.
To Conclude
Excited to check out these items to do in Puerto Viejo? You needs to be. The city is a ravishing and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the right spot for an entertaining getaway.
If you get the possibility, take a look at our final Costa Rica journey ideas earlier than you go. Otherwise, have a improbable journey; we hope that you just expertise as a lot of these items to do in Puerto Viejo as doable.