So, what are the very best points to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you adhere to the coastline and also go searching, take a food trip, or perhaps make use of the community as a launch pad for an unbelievable over night journey? Let’s have a look!
The southerly Caribbean shore of Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning coastlines and also society, and also the village of Puerto Viejo does not let down. You’ll locate white sand coastlines, tasty Costa Rican food, and also evenings that blow up with reggae songs. Puerto Viejo is a wonderful area to check out.
Top Things to do in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a seaside community on the southeast coasts of Costa Rica situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. This overview will certainly cover the best points to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether you desire nature, experience, cooking experiences, or society, these leading points to do in Puerto Viejo will certainly maintain you delighted.
The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is virtually 2 hrs. You can reserve an exclusive transfer straight to your holiday accommodation, or you can take the a lot more inexpensive shuttle bus solution. It takes longer yet is a lot more inexpensive.
1. Take a food trip or food preparation lesson
Food is an emphasize of any type of journey to Puerto Viejo. A Guided trip around the Puerto Viejo dining establishments and also cooking lessons at regional cook’s residences are dazzling methods to experience Costa Rican food. Small dining establishments (also known as ‘sodas’) are loaded with conventional meals to example. You can either find out to prepare the meals on your own or jump about on a sampling adventure to all the very best in your area recognized places.
This Tasting Costa Rica Tour integrates 2 trips in one. Starting with wild animals watching and also finishing with a food preparation course to example regional food.
Must-attempt meals consist of Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and also Casado. Caribbean poultry (Pollo Caribeno) is additionally yummy if you obtain the opportunity to attempt it, and also the meal is seasoned with pleasant coconut milk. You make sure to example some meals that you’ll wish to attempt once more in your home.
You can conveniently reserve a directed trip or food preparation lesson online. If you are just seeing for a couple of days or throughout peak period, we’d suggest reservation beforehand. Saying that food preparation lessons are excellent rainy-day tasks, which is something to bear in mind if you encounter a day of poor climate.
2. Party in Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo has an amazing home entertainment scene and also among the very best points to do in Puerto Viejo is to experience its night life. Downtown Puerto Viejo is where you’ll locate a handful of bars and also lounges along the beachfront. What much better area to event than a bar forgeting the sea? Downtown Puerto Viejo is a prominent area to be after dusk.
Johnny’s Place is a long-running component and also is an excellent area to begin. The location offers food and also beverages on the beachfront. You can example a variety of alcoholic drinks. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally changes right into a celebration area after dark. With the adage “good food, creative drinks, and a respect for the local traditions”, it is clear that Salsa Brava leaders an enjoyable environment. Grab a regional beer or a glass of wine or select from the mixed drink food selection.
Downtown Puerto Viejo is an enjoyable area to be in the evening. If you wish to experience night life in Puerto Viejo, it is conveniently the very best area.
3. Visit the Bri Bri Waterfalls
A walking to a collection of magnificent falls is an excellent means to invest a couple of hrs. The entryways to the Bri Bri Waterfalls are just a fifteen-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, which behaves and also hassle-free. One entryway is signposted Catarata Ma-Cu, and also the various other is Bri Bri Sparking Waterfalls. You can select which one, as both are fairly comparable in regards to technological needs and also of an equivalent size. Allow a ten-minute stroll from either entryway to get to the drops.
Bri Bri Waterfalls has a magnificent dive swimming pool that is deep sufficient for you to have a rejuvenating swim. Remember to bring a cam so you can break some photos of the experience, also, as the falls are genuinely a beautiful area to check out.
4. Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
Who doesn’t like sloths? Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is among the leading points to do close to Puerto Viejo, and also it is simply half a hr’s drive north. The refuge is a rescue and also rehab facility offering professional vet look after hurt sloths. Some long-stay homeowners have actually regrettably been regarded improper for launch. Still, the huge bulk are launched back right into the wild healthy and fit.
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica invites site visitors on led trips. You can listen to a lot more concerning the sloths’ tales, their injuries, and also the preservation initiatives the refuge is introducing. You can additionally see the a lot more functional side of their rehabilitation – like electric motor training on their exterior climbing up structures. If you like pets and also wish to sustain honorable preservation initiatives, after that the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is one for your schedule.
5. Take a searching lesson at Playa Cocles
Costa Rica is swiftly developing itself as a treasure on the searching scene. Whether you are a professional currently or are simply wishing to establish the essentials, browse lessons are just one of one of the most enjoyable points to do in Puerto Viejo. You can review your abilities and also toenail some excellent relocations while valuing magnificent sights of the Costa Rican shoreline.
Playa Cocles is not just one of Costa Rica’s most magnificent coastlines yet additionally among the very best places for a browse lesson. The easygoing coastline is a soothing area with great deals of room, excellent for surfing with much less of a jampacked feeling of various other prominent browse places like Playa Grande.
Playa Cocles is a revealed coastline and also coral reef brake with fantastic browse, despite the trend – making it a trustworthy area for surfing lessons. Even much better? Playa Cocles is simply a ten-minute drive (or a fifty-minute seaside stroll) far from Puerto Viejo community facility.
6. Take an over night journey
There are many points to do in Puerto Viejo. But, if you remain for a week or longer, you ought to make use of Puerto Viejo’s fantastic area. Puerto Viejo is preferably positioned on the Caribbean Sea and also is an optimal base for several amazing over night journeys. Get prepared to include these 2 journeys to your checklist.
How does checking off 2 nations in one journey noise? Since Puerto Viejo lies right beside the Panama boundary, it is just suitable that you commit a day or 2 to seeing the opposite side. We recommend capturing a shuttle bus throughout the Panama boundary and also seeing Bocas del Toro.
Bocas del Toro is well known for overwater lodges, so you’ll have the ability to locate some stunning lodgings. It is additionally a great area to access the forest and also go diving or snorkeling.
If the inconvenience of a boundary going across doesn’t appear attracting, why not take an over night journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a wonderful location if you want geothermal task and also is taken into consideration the entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park. You can hang around at Tabacon Hot Springs and also appreciate the Chato and also Arenal volcanoes. Just catch among the shuttle in between Puerto Viejo and also La Fortuna.
We suggest over night journeys just for those that like added experiences and also are thrilled at the possibility of even more difficult points to do from Puerto Viejo. For those that feel this will certainly be excessive initiative, don’t stress; there are still lots of points to do in Puerto Viejo on your front door.
7. Playa Negra
Playa Negra is conveniently among one of the most photogenic places in Puerto Viejo and also an additional among one of the most stunning coastlines on the Caribbean shore. For those that recognize a little bit of Spanish, you might have currently thought that Playa Negra is a black sand coastline. Visiting the coastline is a must-do if you are seeking points to do in Puerto Viejo. The all-natural tourist attraction is extremely striking.
Playa Negra lies near Puerto Viejo, so it is conveniently slotted right into active travel plans. It is a superb area to take a fast detour in between close-by tourist attractions. However, Playa Negra is additionally an excellent searching and also sunbathing area if you have even more time to invest there.
8. Go horseback riding on Playa Chiquita
Just a twelve-minute drive down the shore from Puerto Viejo, you’ll locate Playa Chiquita. Playa Chiquita is a calm, exotic coastline – excellent for an enchanting coastline day. But for added exhilaration, publication a horseback riding experience on the coastline.
The trip business Playa Chiquita Riding Adventures uses coastline trips that begin with a hr and also can be included 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback riding on the coastline is a desire for several, and also Playa Chiquita is an attractive area to make that desire a truth. You don’t require to be a seasoned cyclist to delight in the trip. Since it is an exclusive trip, you’ll have your overview’s complete interest if you require any type of added aid. Riding along the stunning coastlines of the southerly Caribbean shore will certainly be a memory that lasts a life time.
If you desire an amazing yet enchanting point to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback riding on Playa Chiquita most definitely ticks package. Consider incorporating it with a check out to the Jaguar Rescue Center or Playa Cocles, which are a brief stroll from the riding facility.
9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is among the leading points to do in Puerto Viejo for nature fans. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is house to some stunning plants and also animals. You can conveniently invest a day on its treking tracks and also coastlines. And the book is simply a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo community facility.
Keep your eyes peeled off for pets like sloths and also apes in the treetops. Along the shoreline, you are most likely to identify hermit crabs and also, if you are fortunate, dolphins. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the very best area near Puerto Viejo to see pets in their all-natural environment. Costa Rica’s wild animals is extremely varied, and also this haven is an excellent area to value that.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the excellent day out for any type of pet or nature enthusiast. The haven uses an optimal immersion if you haven’t experienced the rain forest prior to. Bring insect repellent, lots of water, a swimwear, and also snorkeling equipment if you wish to go snorkeling over the reef when you get to the sea.
10. Tortuguero National Park
Once you’ve seen Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero National Park ought to most definitely get on your checklist. The national forest is among the trickiest locations to check out near Puerto Viejo considering that it is remote and also has couple of roadways. But the draw is solid considering that the park is house to sea turtles and also a few of one of the most remarkable forest surroundings. This half-day trip is an excellent way to see it from San Jose.
We recommend scheduling a watercraft trip – which will certainly blend you around the remote canals you or else might never ever gain access to. You’ll identify caimans, toucans, and also, with any luck, jeopardized sea turtles. If you check out in between July and also September, there’s an opportunity that you’ll identify turtles nesting. Tortuguero National Park is house to leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and also eco-friendly sea turtles. All of these returned to their native home to lay their very own eggs every year.
This 5 day trip allows you experience a various side of Costa Rica incorporating 5 days in Tortuguero NP and also Puerto Viejo. Leaving from San Jose, you’ll invest 5 days visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean consisting of holiday accommodation and also transport.
11. Go kayaking at Playa Punta Uva
A see to Playa Punta Uva is constantly unwinding, but also for an additional experience, lease a kayak or acquire a directed kayaking trip. The coastline is well known for its tranquil waters and also peaceful environment and also has a tendency to be peaceful and also without groups most days. You’ll have a very easy intro to sea kayaking.
From your kayak, you can discover the shoreline and also gain access to all those locations you couldn’t walking or by swimming. Kayaking is among the very best water tasks to mix a health and fitness obstacle with taking in the sights. Playa Punta Uva is simply a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. For the very best experience, browse through Punta Uva throughout the week instead weekend break to stay clear of the added groups.
12. Go snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is simply a 20-minute repel from Puerto Viejo, and also if you like aquatic life, it is an excellent area to check out. Playa Manzanillo is prominent among scuba divers and also snorkelers alike, that like the coastline for its tranquil waters and also vivid undersea surroundings. But snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo is the least technological of both and also just as fulfilling. Dolphin discoveries prevail, and also, occasionally, you can identify manatees seeing the waters from their close-by mangroves.
If you don’t have your very own snorkeling equipment, you can conveniently lease some from the rental stores along Manzanillo’s beachfront. Just come by an area like Bad Bart’s and also lease some tools for a couple of hrs.
13. Spend a careless early morning at Playa Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Playa Puerto Viejo might not be just one of Costa Rica’s ideal coastlines. It is little, not specifically stunning, and also backs straight onto the active community of Puerto Viejo. So why ought to you check out, you might ask. In short, Playa Puerto Viejo has the very best environment of all the coastlines in this overview.
Playa Puerto Viejo is a cherished regional area to unwind and also relax. You can do the very same, generally while paying attention to the history noise of reggae songs. Because of its main area, seeing Playa Puerto Viejo is among one of the most hassle-free points to do in Puerto Viejo. And, when you have actually invested a couple of hrs on the coastline, you can head to the row of beachfront bars to event or get hold of some food.
14. Take a delicious chocolate trip
Most individuals recognize the beginnings of delicious chocolate. Seeing the cacao trees and also the procedure personally, however, is a various experience completely. Since delicious chocolate has such a remarkable, extensive background in Costa Rica, it is just suitable that you have this experience below. And also much better, Puerto Viejo has its very own delicious chocolate ranch.
In Puerto Viejo, you can take a wonderful delicious chocolate trip. The trip consists of a directed go through the cacao woodland, where you find out about the background and also scientific research behind delicious chocolate. Of program, the delicious chocolate trip blends you away for a sampling session (be cautioned, very early delicious chocolate was bitter). There is additionally an opportunity to obtain a look right into the manufacturing procedure.
Out of all the Caribbean food you might taste in Costa Rica, delicious chocolate is among the very best in your area generated foods. A delicious chocolate trip is an enjoyable (and also tasty) means you find out about the procedure first-hand.
15. Cahuita National Park
If you are seeing Costa Rica and also love nature and also wild animals, you should check out Cahuita National Park. The national forest belongs aquatic and also component land book. It is claimed that its coral reef residences over 500 types of fish, so you can conveniently think of just how vibrant and also vibrant the aquatic book is. On land, you’ll locate apes, nesting sea turtles, and also numerous bird types.
Cahuita National Park is simply a 20-minute drive north of Cahuita National Park. It is an optimal excursion from Puerto Viejo, and also you can invest hrs straying the treking tracks with the seaside forest. Visiting Cahuita National Park is an energetic task near Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully compensated for your initiatives with wild animals discoveries galore. Make certain to bring a cam and also your canteen – you’ll require both in equivalent dosages.
16. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center’s name is a little deceptive. You won’t simply locate jaguars at this pet medical facility, yet pets of all sizes and shapes. You might come in person with a primate, m0nkey, or reptile. All the pets are going through rehabilitation to registered nurse them back right into health and wellness for launch back right into the wild or have actually been regarded improper for launch and also are remaining completely. The Jaguar Rescue Center does a wonderful task supporting for and also aiding hurt wild animals.
You can take self-guided trips of the Jaguar Rescue Center to see what the program is everything about. The continues go in the direction of running the charity and also taking care of all homeowners, so it behaves to recognize that your cash is going in the direction of a rewarding reason. The Jaguar Rescue Center is among one of the most wholesome points to do in Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve covered all the very best points to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do you require to recognize? There is a great deal to talk about Puerto Viejo, so this following area will certainly offer Frequently asked questions for all one of the most frequently asked inquiries. Let’s start.
How to reach Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo does not have its very own flight terminal, that makes feeling, considering it is just a village. However, there are 2 airport terminals fairly close by that you can fly to get to Puerto Viejo.
The quickest means to reach Puerto Viejo is to fly right into Limon International Airport. You can lease a vehicle from below and also drive simply a hr southern along Costa Rica’s Caribbean shore to Puerto Viejo. If you don’t drive, you can additionally reserve a shuttle bus online or personally on the day. The major shuttle bus business is called Caribe Shuttle and also runs 3 times a day, taking concerning a hr to get to Puerto Viejo.
If you are having a hard time to locate constant trips to Limon International Airport, consider our 2nd alternative. This (additionally generally less costly) alternative is to fly right into San Jose International Airport. However, it does take a little bit longer to get to Puerto Viejo when you land. Once you show up in San Jose, you’ll need to lease a vehicle and also drive 4 to 5 hrs to Puerto Viejo. Alternatively, capture a three-hour shuttle bus with a firm like Willie’s Tours Costa Rica Shuttles or a more affordable seven-hour public bus.
Getting around Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Getting around Puerto Viejo is a breeze. The Puerto Viejo location is so little that you can conveniently discover it walking. Any regional tourist attractions within the community come walking, like Playa Negra and also benches midtown. Even if you don’t elegant strolling, there are lots of bike services to take advantage of, and also you can be zooming around quickly.
Cycling to close-by communities and also tourist attractions like Manzanillo and also the Jaguar Rescue Center is very uncomplicated. Think of bike services as the excellent option if you wish to travel simply outdoors Puerto Viejo. It is faster than strolling, and also rental expenses are reduced, making it an economical means to navigate.
Ideally, if you wish to check out locations better afield, you ought to work with a vehicle. You’ll require to adjust to various driving designs and also roadway problems. Still, with a little bit of perseverance and also technique (and also insurance coverage), you’ll quickly value the flexibility.
Sometimes you truly do require public transportation. If you don’t drive, public transportation will certainly be your only alternative to check out more afield. Finding return taxis cab in remote locations can be tough, and also taxi costs can swiftly build up anyhow. Luckily 2 Puerto Viejo buses link the community with the remainder of the southerly Caribbean shore. The 2 courses range from Limon to Sixaola and also Limon to Manzanillo, quiting at significant locations like Bri Bri and also Cahuita along the road. It is very easy to navigate Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Just inspect the schedules ahead of time, as the Limon to Manzanillo solution can be instead erratic.
The ideal time to check out Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
The ideal time to check out Puerto Viejo is in between February and also April or September to October. These months are the driest and also have one of the most positive temperature levels, offering the very best climate for your keep.
However, if you’ve obtained the option, we’d suggest seeing in September or October. This means, you’ll be getting here in the nick of time for completion of the turtle nesting duration and also have the greatest opportunity of seeing child turtles. If you have yet to see child turtles, you ought to most definitely check out throughout this duration.
September and also October are additionally the ideal snorkeling period. These are the months to check out if you wish to delight in finding turtles and also snorkeling in calmer, more clear waters.
Where to remain in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
So, lastly, where should you remain in Puerto Viejo? Despite being a little community, Puerto Viejo has a great deal of holiday accommodation alternatives. Whatever your budget plan, you ought to locate something suitable – as long as you don’t leave scheduling holiday accommodation far too late. These are our leading referrals for every budget plan.
Luxury: Umami Hotel
Umami Hotel is a deluxe first-class resort in Puerto Viejo’s facility. Guests gain access to a medical spa, exterior swimming pool, and also space solution. All spaces consist of high-end features like an outdoor patio or terrace, plus tea and also coffee-making centers. Check evaluations and also prices on Booking.com
The resort’s interior decoration is classy and also comfy, without cost saved. Umami Hotel is the one for you if you desire a glitzy and also high end area to remain in Puerto Viejo.
Mid-variety: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo
Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is an attractive two-star hostel, preferably matched to a mid-range budget plan. The enchanting residential or commercial property has a huge exterior swimming pool, although you are simply a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Beach if you wish to swim in the sea rather. Further centers consist of an informal dining establishment, shared kitchen area, child’s play ground, browse club, and also picturesque balcony. Check evaluations and also prices on Booking.com
The hostel has actually differed space alternatives; you can pick in between dormitories, exclusive spaces, and also whole two-bedroom apartment or condos. There are also glamping alternatives in teepee camping tents if you desire a truly daring experience.
Budget: Pagalu Hostel
Low-essential and also economical, Pagalu Hostel is an attractive area to remain in the facility of Puerto Viejo. Guests get storage locker gain access to, wi-fi, car park, and also all-day tea and also coffee. The common locations are extremely comfy, with a balcony with hammocks and also a different outdoor patio location. Check evaluations and also prices on Booking.com
Choose in between an exclusive space or a timeless hostel dorm. If you wish to sprinkle out, you can update to pick an exclusive space with an ensuite.
To Conclude
Excited to check out these points to do in Puerto Viejo? You ought to be. The community is an attractive and also fun-packed location in Costa Rica and also the excellent area for an enjoyable vacation.
If you obtain the opportunity, have a look at our supreme Costa Rica traveling suggestions prior to you go. Otherwise, have a wonderful journey; we really hope that you experience as much of these points to do in Puerto Viejo as feasible.
