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This is the ultimate guide to visiting Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica including how to get there, where to stay, and of course, the 15 absolute best things to do in Puerto Viejo and nearby!
Costa Rica is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in all of Central America – and with good reason! With beautiful beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, mountains, and a cosmopolitan capital there is so much to experience.
But here’s a secret. If you want to see a part of Costa Rica that many often miss, then you need tohead to the Caribbean coast to check out one of Costa Rica’s best beach towns – Puerto Viejo!
This beachside town, formally called Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. is the best place in Costa Rica to experience laid-back vibes, enjoy a unique Caribbean culture,andtake in thecrystal blue water.
Not only that, but there are plenty of fun activities in Puerto Viejo to keep you busy during your visit!
Whether you just want to sit on a sandy beach and watch the palm trees sway, or, you want to hike to a remote waterfallor learn about the permaculture of the area, Puerto Viejo has something for you!
With such a range of amazing things to do and see in Puerto Viejo, it can be hard to know where to best spend your time. That’s why in this blog, I’ve narrowed it down to the 15 absolute best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica to help you plan your trip! I’ve also included lots of info that will come in handy for visiting Puerto Viejo.
15 BEST Things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
1. Hike and swim in CahuitaNational Park
If the magnificent waters of the Caribbean and the Reggae beats aren’t enough to lure you to Costa Rica’s Caribbean side of paradise, maybe a visit to one of the world’s most gorgeous national parks will!
CahuitaNational Park, just north of Puerto Viejo, is one of the best spots on the Caribbean coast.It is also easily one of the best places to visit in all of Costa Rica with a huge range of wildlife to see and stunning scenery to explore.
The park was established in 1970 to protect both a large area of land and a beautiful stretch of coastline and reef. If you are a snorkeler, hire a guide and visit one of Costa Rica’s most important underwater ecosystems.
Even if you’re not intosnorkeling, you’llstill want to visitCahuita National Park. The hiking trail, which runs along the coast, provides you with the opportunity to see a huge number of Costa Rica’s native animals in their natural habitat. Monkeys, sloths,coatis, crabs, tree frogs, and SO MANY BIRDS are in abundance and easy to spot with the naked eye.
If you access the park from the entrance closest to Puerto Viejo – in the town ofCahuita– the entrance fee is simply a donation to the park. Park hours are every day from 8 am to 4 pm (although hours can change so check their website before you go.) If you’re going to see the animals, go as early as you can!
From Puerto Viejo, you can either take a 45-minute public bus to the town of Cahuita or jump on a guided tour. The benefit of a guided tour is the expertise of the guide at spotting wildlife. Honestly, wildlife (especially sloths) can be very hard to see if you don’t know where to look. A guide is an expert, plus many of the guides in the park often communicate to ensure you see everything the other guides have spotted too!
A guided tour also includes transport, which will save you time when compared with navigating the public bus. This guided tour comes highly rated and even visits a waterfall so you can cool off in a freshwater swim after your date hiking in the park.
No matter how you plan to visit, don’t missCahuita as it is easily one of the top attractions in Puerto Viejo. Also, be sure to read our blog that is a complete guide to visiting Cahuita National Park for more details on getting there and helpful tips!
Related Read: Another great place to visit if you love wildlife is Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. Here, you’ll see tons – believe me!
2. Go on a chocolate tour
If you like chocolate – who doesn’t like chocolate? – then I highly recommend that you go on a chocolate tour! There are a number of companies in and around Puerto Viejo to choose from, but our personal recommendation is this chocolate tour that takes you out to a local indigenous village of the Bribri people.
To us, this is the most authentic chocolate experience in Puerto Viejo where the people in the village will show you the most traditional method of making chocolate! The tour includes pick-up in Puerto Viejo, the chocolate-making experience, and then even a visit to the Bribri Waterfall (another one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo!). You’ll also learn all about the Bribri indigenous culture, something many don’t get the chance to do.
This Bribri indigenous chocolate tour lasts for about 6 hours and costs around $85 USD per person. It comes highly rated and is one of the most raved-about tours in Puerto Viejo.
For another chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo that’s more commercial, but also more convenient, you can check outCaribeansCoffee & Chocolate right in town! Here, you can buy gifts and have a chocolate tasting in the shop, or, learn all about how chocolate is produced and what different types there are – all in what the owners like to call their “Bean to Bar” experience.
But the real star here is their Chocolate Tour! This tour lasts for 2 hours and covers a distance of about a mile or 1.6 kilometers. During this short walk, you’ll learn all about the cacao forest and howchocolate is made. You will be awed by the beauty and, if you’re like me, totally surprised at all you didn’t know about chocolate.
No reservations are required for the tour but be sure to know the hours of the tours and arrive a bit early.Toursare offeredMondayto Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm.The price of the tour is $32 USD.The location of Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate is found on Google Maps.
3. Ejoy the nightlife!
For such a small town, Puerto Viejo has vibrant nightlife! Pretty much every night of the week you can find something to do once the sun goes down from lively dancefloors to live music to even Salsa lessons!
There are a lot of bars to choose from for a beach town of this size, so you may have trouble picking one.But,if you like to dance that choice is pretty easy. Hot Rocks is impossible to miss! It sits at probably the busiest intersection in town, and the beach isright there – talk about a view!
But you came to dance! Most nights during Happy Hour (5-7 pm) Hot Rocks offers free Salsa lessons. Sunday there is a live band and lots of people dancing Salsa. Learn a bit, people watch a bit, and before you know it you’ll be burning up the dance floor like a pro!What better souvenir could you take home than the art of Salsa?
Dancing Salsa at Hot Rocks is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Viejo, and as a tourist, it’s something you need to experience for yourself. The vibrant atmosphere is electric, and even if you’re not particularly keen on dancing, you’ll still have a great time!
Hot Rocks also hosts fire shows and other events that are worthwhile. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to know exactly what’s going on when you;re there.
For another place to party, check out the Selina hostel in town. Although a hostel, this place is stunning and the bar is always lively. It’s one of the more popular places to party in Puerto Viejo, especially for tourists.
4. Visit PuntaUva
When I think of a tropical beach,I want soft sand, palm trees,and turquoise waterwith just a little bit of surf. There are few other beachesin all of Costa Ricathat can compete with PuntaUvato hit all the right notes. This place is postcard perfect!
PuntaUvais actually two beaches separated by a point. You get to either by walking down a beautiful jungle path.Pay close attention as you walkeither path – these trees are known for being full of monkeys and sloths. Have your camera ready!
A day spent lounging on these beaches is something you will remember for years to come. You’ll try to describe it to your friends, but no onewill believe it is that perfect! Trust me, it is.
You can find a few restaurants in PuntaUva, butif I wasyouI’djust go ahead and bring a snack or two with you.
Toget to PuntaUvajust head south on 256 out of Puerto Viejo until you seeRestauranteSelvin.It is about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Puerto Viejo and is easily reached by car, taxi, or bike.
Once at the beach, you can walk around and explore, swim in the calm waters, or even go kayaking! It is the perfect place to spend a day while you’re visiting Puerto Viejo.
5. Rent a bike and explore
Puerto Viejo is a small town, and as such, it can easily be explored on a bicycle! In fact, with a bike, you can easily reach most of the places mentioned in this blog!
The best part? Renting a bike in Puerto Viejo costs as little as $10 USD for 24 hours! There are tons of different shops in downtown Puerto Viejo that offer bike rentals.
We actually rented bikes for the duration of our stay in Puerto Viejo. It made getting around really easy, plus it was fun!
6. Take Yoga classes
Most people know thatCosta Ricaisahugesurfing destination. But did you know that it is alsoa yoga destination?People flock to Costa Rica to find their center and get bendy.Whether you do yoga daily or you’ve never done yoga before, the yoga studio in Puerto Viejo called AmaSer is an amazing place!
I mean… it’sin a treehouse in a tropical jungle!Just being there is relaxing but doing yoga in this space is so beautiful. You can just drop in and take a class for as little as $5 USD. Of course,they also offer retreats, but if you are just looking for the experience – this is well worth checking out.
Before you go, check their daily calendar to see what is on.
There are also several other places to practice yoga around Puerto Viejo. Just take a walk through town and you’ll see yoga class offerings including plenty at hostels and hotels in the area.
7. Go white water rafting
Ready for a full day of adrenaline? What about scenic views? A waterfall? Well then, you simply must go on the Pacuare River rafting tour from Puerto Viejo!
The Pacuare River is known as one of the best places in the world for white water rafting because of the number of rapids so close together. In fact, on this rafting tour from Puerto Viejo you will actually go through around 50 rapids of a 29 kilometer (18 mile) section of the river. The rapids range from class II to IV, meaning you’ll have some really relaxing parts as well as a few more extreme sections.
Not only is it exciting, the Pacuare River is known as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rivers. You’ll even see waterfalls!
This tour includes transport from Puerto Veijo, breakfast and lunch, as well as the exciting white water rafting. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo.
8. Tour FincaLa Isla
I know what you’re thinking, who goes on vacation and decides to tour a working farm? I promise that you won’t regret this.
FincaLa Isla is anorganic farmthathas been in operation for 30+years.They have over150 different types of treesand plantsthatthey grow here. Once you walk in, you willdefinitelywant totake the self-guided tour.
This place is incredible! Take a walk while you learnabout all of the edible things in this forestand then head back to receptionto sample some of the fresh fruit andjuice!If you are interested in learning more they even offer classes.
They also have a shop where you can take home a bit of the junglein the form of soap or candy.
The Botanical Garden is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from 10 am to 4 pm.It costs $6 USD and you can expect to spend 1 to 3 hours.
To get to Finca La Isla, head about 500 metersnorth ofPuertoViejo, turn left at theBlackBeach (Playa Negra) bus stop and follow the signs.
9. Visit KekoldiIndigenous Reserve
The indigenous people of the Caribbean coast in Costa Rica are theBribri. These beautiful people have maintained their culture and traditions despite the changes the land has seen in the last 400 years.
Just outside of Puerto Viejo isKekoldiIndigenous Reserve, an environmental and cultural reserve that you won’t want to miss.
Book a tour with any number of agencies or guides to see this incredibly preserved forest and to meet and learn more abouttheBribripeople.
Highlights? Waterfalls, bird watching from a famous tower, and learning about the relationship of theBribrito their sacred drink –our oldfriend, chocolate. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Viejo and one that everybody will enjoy!
10. Relax at PlayaCocles
You can’t say you’ve been to Puerto Viejo if you haven’t spent some sun time on one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! PlayaCoclesis everybody’s favorite and you will definitely see why.
This is the spotforsurfing on this side of Costa Rica. And if you’ve come here to learn, this is where you want to do it. Easy waves andover 2 kilometers ofbeautiful soft, sandy beach.
Maybe you want to snorkel or just sunbathe… or try your hand at Stand Up Paddle Boarding.Coclesis the place to do it all – and the place to do absolutely nothing.
And if you want toreallysay you’ve been toCocles, be sure to pop into Tasty Waves. This bar is iconic to the area and who doesn’t want to sing karaoke on the beach?
Playa Coclesis just south of Puerto Viejo. You can’t miss it.
11. Tour the Jaguar Rescue Center
If you are an animal lover, simply do not miss thisgem. The work they do is inspiring andthe opportunityto be so close to the animals is something special.All the animals for which Costa Rica is so famous are usually represented among their temporary and permanent rescues.
You maydecide to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in hopes of seeing a jaguar. Thankfully, the chances of that are pretty slim. The goal of the Jaguar Rescue Center is to have as many of the animals they work with returned to the jungle – and so far, all the jaguars have been able to go back!
My personal favorite animals we saw at the Jaguar Rescue Center were baby sloths! They were so cute and fun to just watch for a while. If you’ve ever wanted to see a baby sloth, this is the place to do so.
Be sure to plan accordingly. Tours are Monday through Saturday and they leave at 9:30 and 11:30. The price for the public tour is $22 USD. You can only enter the center on a guided tour, so it is important to arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure your spot on one of the scheduled public tours. Otherwise, you can organize a private tour but it will cost significantly more.
To reach the Jaguar Rescue Center, head South on 256 out of Puerto Viejo. When you come to PuntaCoclesyou will see the Jaguar Rescue Center on the right side of the road. We just rode our bikes here and it was a quick and easy ride. Alternatively, this tour includes a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center and a few other attractions around Puerto Viejo!
To me, touring the Jaguar Rescue Center and seeing all of the animals was definitely one of the best activities in Puerto Viejo! In fact, many people who arrive in the nearby town of Puerto Limon on a cruise ship actually travel to Puerto Viejo just to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center – it’s that highly rated!
Related read: If you love sloths and other animals then be sure to visit the cute town of La Fortuna. There are lots of animal experiences and fun things to do in La Fortuna!
12. Shop at the Old Harbor Art & Craft Market
Just about in the center of town, you’ll find the Old Harbor Art & Craft Market. This market is small but lovely. What makes it so special is that the artisans are all local.
You will find jewelry made from native plants and shells, sarongs, honey, candles… and any number of surprises! Prices are great and you can feel good about taking home something made locally. I mean there’s nothing wrong with a t-shirt featuring a red-eyed tree frog, but maybe you’d like a handmade beach bag to take home as well?
The Art & Craft Market is a weekend-only affair, so be sure to plan for it. They are open Friday through Sunday during high tourist season, but Saturdays only if you happen to be there in the low season.Be sure to bring cashas most ofthebooths won’t be able to take your credit card!
13. Visit the village and beach of Manzanillo
Ever wonder what was at the end of the road? Well on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, that’s pretty easy to find out – and you’ll be happy you did!
This little town is removed and peaceful without feeling remote.You will encounter far fewer of your fellow travelers down here. Still, it is a perfectplace to go snorkeling ordo some fishing. You can also go on a dolphin sightseeing tour that leaves from Manzanillo.
Manzanillo is the very last town in Costa Rica before you come to the border with Panama. In fact, beyond Manzanillo, it is mostly dirt roads. But I don’t think you’ll be all that interested in leaving anyway.
To reach Manzanillo, get on 256 and just drivesouthuntil you can’t drive anymore!From Puerto Viejo, the drive should only take about 20 minutes, which makes it the perfect day trip from Puerto Viejo!
You can also join this tour, which is a guided bike ride from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo.
There are also lots of great hotels in Manzanillo and nearby, so you can stay for a night or two if you want some real relaxation!
14. Eat and drink at Salsa Brava Rasta Bar
Do you like Caribbean food? Reggae music?The ocean? How about all three?Toss in some great drinks and you have a bit of paradise.
Our favorite hangout in Puerto Viejo is Salsa Brava.The vibe is as laid-back as you would expect from a Reggae bar.Regardless if you areeating, the drinks are great andyou cannot beat this location. Sitting beachfront, enjoying a cool Caribbean breeze and a great drink is the definition of Pura Vida.
Honestly, this is why you came to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.Soak it up!
You can find Salsa Brava’s location on Google Maps and they are open every day from noon until midnight.
15. Learn to surf!
Let’s face it, Puerto Viejo isn’t necessarily known for its surf. When compared to other surf destinations in Costa Rica such as Nosara, Santa Teresa, or even Jaco, Puerto Viejo just isn’t as famous for surfing.
But that’s a shame because there is a great surf break right near town!
If you’re an advanced surfer, then you should plan to visit Puerto Viejo from December to March when the swells are the best. You’ll definitely want to surf the Salsa Brava break. But if you’re just a beginner, you really can learn to surf here any time of the year. There are a few different surf schools to choose from with one of the most popular being Surf the Jungle Costa Rica. Here, you can join a group lesson for as little as $55 USD.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Your options are literally endless in terms of accommodation in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. From busy hostels to luxury hotels there really is something for every type of traveler (with all budgets!)
So, without further ado, here are the best places to stay in Puerto Viejo!
Roots Family – Low Budget Hostel
Roots family is the perfect place to stay in Puerto Viejo if you’re on a tight budget. They offer both affordable private rooms and even cheaper dorm beds! This hostel has lots of communal spaces including a kitchen and it is located right in the heart f Puerto Viejo walking distance to beaches and tons of restaurants and bars!
You can book Roots Family on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Sueño Grande B&B – Modest Budget Hotel
This small hotel only offers a handful of rooms, suites, and one 2-bedroom house giving it a homey feel. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and kitchenettes. The B&B is located right in the heart of Puerto Viejo only two blocks from the ocean. It is amazing value for money with a plunge pool onsite too!
You need to book Sueño Grande B&B in advance as there is limited availability. You can book and see prices and availability on Booking.com.
Relax Natural Village – Luxury Hotel
If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious stay in Puerto Viejo, then this is your best choice. Located just on the outskirts of town, this hotel has a resort feel being set in nature – and it’s quiet! All rooms are modern with luxury finishes you’d expect and it is right across from Playa Cocles beach. There is a large pool on site and breakfast is included in the room rate.
You can check prices and availability on Booking.com.
Terrazas del Caribe Aparthotel – Apartments
This holiday home is one of the best value places to stay in Puerto Viejo (especially if you’re traveling in a group or with family!) This facility only offers holiday apartments, and you can choose between one and two-bedroom units sleeping up to four people. onsite there is also a gorgeous pool and the place feels like a jungle retreat.
The only place to secure this gorgeous apartment is on Booking.com.
How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
There is no airport in Puerto Viejo, so car or bus is your only option for reaching Puerto Viejo.
San Jose to Puerto Viejo
Buses to Puerto Viejo leave from Terminal Atlantico Norte in San Jose and drop you on Avenida 73 in Puerto Viejo, this is the same the opposite way.
The bus costs around $10 USD and takes about 4 hours. Buses leave every 2 hours starting at7 amand finishing in the late afternoon.
Alternatively, you can also book a direct shuttle which is faster than the public bus.
Starting your travels in San Jose? Read our blog about the best areas and hotels to stay at in San Jose, Costa Rica before booking a place!
Panama to Puerto Viejo
From the Sixaola-Guabitoborder (the border you’ll cross if you’re coming from Bocas del Toro) there are regular direct buses to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. The bus costs $3 USD and takes 1.5 hours.
For more detailed information, check our blog that is a complete guide to crossing the border between Panama and Costa Rica!
If that all sounds like too much effort, there is also a direct shuttle available from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo.
Renting a car in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to maximize your trip. Not only do you have the freedom to explore hidden gems along the highways and in between destinations, but you’ll also save a lot of money.
For me, it’s a no-brainer every time I’m in Costa Rica. Even if I don’t rent a vehicle for the entire time, I’ll get one for a few days, especially if I’m traveling to La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, Jaco, and Tamarindo. These places involve lots of exploring that can be done without tours, so a rental car really helps.
There are a ton of companies to choose from. However, I’ve personally only ever rented from one smaller local rental company calledAguaire Costa Rica. I love these guys because they offer hotel pick up and drop off, and they operate 24/7. If my flights are really late at night, I get the car delivered to my hotel first thing the next morning – it works perfectly for me.
When it comes to price, most companies cost around the same. The most expensive part of the rental is the mandatory insurance (by the Costa Rican government) that third-party booking sites won’t tell you about. Trust me, you’ll get a nice surprise if you book through them when you arrive.
If you would like to get a quote from Aguaire, you can contact them with the details below. If not, be sure to get a full quote including insurance from companies such as Rentalcars.com to Discover Cars.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ElitecarCR/
Whatsapp: +506 60039243 or +506 60659854
Website:https://www.aguairecostarica.com
Before you go…
Puerto Viejo is one of those places that as soon as you arrive you are thinking of ways to come back. It is rare to find a place so beautiful and peaceful, yet with so much to do and explore. I hope you will enjoy Puerto Viejo, and all of its many activities, as much as we did!
Be sure to check out all of our other blogs about Costa Rica, as well as a few personal favorites below:
15 BEST Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
The BEST Places to Visit in Central America
Things to do in Bocas del Toro, Panama
-Bailey
