Puerto Viejo
Destination Highlight:
Laid-back Caribbean culture
Don’t Miss
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Places to see in & around Puerto Viejo
Cahuita National Park
A short drive from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park boasts well-maintained hiking trails through lush rainforests and along stunning coastal paths. It’s a great place for wildlife enthusiasts, with chances to spot howler monkeys, sloths, and various bird species.
Related Article: Cahuita National Park Guide
Jaguar Rescue Center
This rehabilitation center is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals, including monkeys, sloths, and big cats. Guided tours offer an up-close look at these amazing creatures and the conservation efforts in the area.
Things to Do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca:
Beach Hopping
Beaches are the main attraction of Puerto Viejo. Explore the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline. To the north, Playa Negra has a unique black-sand beach calm enough for swimming. A favorite for many is Punta Uva. The beach shoulders out into the turquoise with warm shallow water and reefs accessible from shore – prime for underwater discovery! South of Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles is known for its excellent surfing conditions, while Playa Chiquita offers a more secluded and serene atmosphere.
Surfing
Puerto Viejo is a surfer’s paradise, offering waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Many local surf schools and rental shops provide lessons and equipment for those looking to catch some waves. The iconic Salsa Brava surf break is famous for its powerful waves, attracting the most skilled surfers.
Snorkeling and Diving
The vibrant coral reefs just off the coast make for fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can explore the underwater world and encounter a variety of colorful marine life. From Playa Arrecife, you can snorkel from the beach. There is also a big coral reef in Cahuita National Park accessible by boat. Additionally, there is a shallow reef off Manzanillo for diving and snorkeling.
Biking
Rent a bicycle and explore the town and its surroundings at a leisurely pace. The flat terrain and well-marked paths make biking an enjoyable way to soak in the scenery.
Indigenous and Cultural Experiences
Learn about the local Bribri indigenous culture through guided tours that might include visits to indigenous communities, cacao farms, and traditional medicine workshops.
Nightlife and Music
Puerto Viejo comes alive at night with a vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy live music, dance to reggae beats, and savor delicious cocktails at the various bars and restaurants.
Local Cuisine
Indulge in the rich flavors of Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try dishes like rice and beans, coconut-infused seafood, and traditional Rondón soup. All fish dishes are fresh, delicious, and essential.
Relaxation
Of course, one of the main draws of Puerto Viejo is simply relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
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Best Time To Visit Puerto Viejo
On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. The months of February, March, September, and October are all great choices. They typically offer the driest and sunniest weather, making them ideal for beach activities, wildlife watching, and rainforest adventures.
How to Get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
As Puerto Viejo is on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica not far from Panama, it is quite far from both major international airports. With a 5-hour drive from San Jose and a whopping 7.5-hour drive from Liberia, getting to Puerto Viejo by car can be a longer endeavor. If you want to drive yourself or book a private car, our experts recommend choosing San Jose as a starting point. Better yet, you could much more easily book a quick domestic flight to the much closer city of Limon and then drive about 1 hour to Puerto Viejo. Either way, you have options! Don’t hesitate to ask one of our experts which route would best suit your individual travel needs.
By Car:
From Limon: Puerto Viejo is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Limon, heading south on Route 36. The drive is straightforward and scenic along the coast.
- From San José: The drive from San José takes about 4 to 5 hours. Head east on Route 32 (also known as the Caribbean Highway), a scenic drive through the mountains and rainforest. You’ll pass through Limon before reaching Puerto Viejo. The roads are paved, but some parts can be curvy, so be prepared for a winding route.
By Air:
- Domestic flights from San José to Limon are available, typically taking around 25-30 minutes. Once you arrive in Limon, you can take a taxi or shuttle for the 45-minute drive to Puerto Viejo.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca:
We work with a handful of amazing properties near the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, each with its own unique charms. Some are closer to Puerto Viejo than others, but even if you are outside town, keep in mind that our experts would be happy to help you sort out the logistics of visiting town from your hotel.
Banana Azul Hotel
Set along a pristine stretch of black sand beach, this hotel is simple and welcoming. Venture beyond the hotel’s beachfront to explore the coastline that leads into central Puerto Viejo. Among the property’s gorgeous gardens, guests will find freely hanging hammocks – the perfect spot for meditation, lounging, or curling up with a good book!
Hotel Aguas Claras
This boutique property is a collection of Victorian-style houses and suites, located a little way outside Puerto Viejo. Each house is unique, incorporating an artful mix of Caribbean culture and local handicrafts. Even Solar panels and recycled material can look luxurious! Their philosophy encourages environmental awareness, sustainability, and the positive impact of creativity while surrounded by natural beauty.
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
This contemporary resort creates a relaxing and elegant vibe tailored to the upscale traveler. Their minimalist design creates a modern atmosphere with light effects inside the rooms that change colors daily. Le Cameleon is small and comfortable, with an ambiance that fits in with the Caribbean’s laid-back style.
Tree House Lodge
This hidden treasure is located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Built on two levels with stable steel cable bridges, adventurous travelers will find a home in these treetop bedrooms! It is located just steps from Punta Uva Beach and guests have private access to this serene stretch of sand.
Hotels on the Southern Caribbean Coast
Vacation Packages with the Southern Caribbean Coast
Southern Caribbean vacation packages offer an idyllic blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation along one of Costa Rica’s most stunning coastlines. Packages typically include stays at eco-friendly resorts and boutique hotels nestled in the lush rainforests and pristine beaches of the Southern Caribbean, such as Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. Many vacation packages combine accommodation with exciting activities like snorkeling or diving in the Cahuita National Park, exploring the vibrant coral reefs, wildlife tours to spot sloths and monkeys, and surfing lessons at renowned beaches like Salsa Brava. Packages can also include excursions to explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or Indigenous reserves, where you can learn about local culture and biodiversity.
Boutique Hotels & Resorts
The plentiful boutique hotels of Costa Rica provide some of the most intimate and unique accommodations available in the country.
Budget Hotels & Lodges
Discover our expertly chosen Costa Rica budget hotels and lodges for all styles and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions about traveling to Puerto Viejo
Why visit Puerto Viejo?
This Caribbean paradise offers a unique and captivating experience that makes it a worthwhile destination for a variety of travelers. In essence, Puerto Viejo offers an authentic blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking an active vacation, a cultural immersion, or simply a tranquil escape by the sea, Puerto Viejo has something to offer every type of traveler.
What should I pack for Puerto Viejo?
Remember that Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a place where “pura vida” reigns, which translates to “pure life” and reflects the laid-back and joyful attitude of the locals. Embrace the opportunity to unwind, explore, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and natural beauty of this charming coastal town. Loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing is the name of the game here, similar to other Costa Rican destinations—it’s a very casual atmosphere. If you want to see what our experts recommend for packing for any trip to Costa Rica, please check out our Expert Recommended Packing List.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca consists of both wet and dry seasons, like the rest of Costa Rica. However, given the tropical climate, these seasons are not as distinct, and there is some amount of daily rainfall nearly year-round. Here’s a general overview of the weather throughout the year: Dry Season (December-April) when temperatures are warm and pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-34°C), and Green Season (May through November) when temperatures remain warm, with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29-31°C). As it is on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo also experiences a short Hurricane Season.