Puerto Viejo

Enjoy a Caribbean vacation in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica!

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Visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located on the Southern Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.

Puerto Viejo truly embraces the easy-going Caribbean way of life and the unique mix of Afro-Caribbean, Costa Rican, BriBri Native American and ex-pats makes it a cultural destination that you don’t want to miss. During the day the atmosphere is easy going and peaceful. Visitors who are not visiting sloths at the Jaguar Rescue Center or hiking through Cahuita National Park are usually relaxing on the beach, cares left behind. At night the exotic fusion restaurants, markets, and discos wake up, creating a bustling atmosphere in this Caribbean village.

Highlights

Surfing

Costa Rica Surf TripThe legendary reef break Salsa Brava explodes from December to April. It can also be good around June and July. It’s perfect for professionals and experienced surfers. 

 

Cahuita National Park

cahuita national parkPuerto Viejo is a great place to see wildlife. Visit Cahuita for a gentle hike and a chance to spot monkeys, sloths and iguanas. 

 

Snorkeling

Cahuita Snorkeling ReefCahuita National Park is also a great place see protected coral reefs. There is also great snorkeling at many beaches located near Puerto Viejo including Punta Uva Beach and Manzanillo Beach.

 

Sloth Sanctuary

Baby SlothLearn about and see protected sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary, located about 30 minutes from Puerto Viejo. 

 

 

Beach Hopping

Playa Cocles Beach ViewThere are so many great beaches around Puerto Viejo you won’t know where to start. We recommend visiting Punta Uva, Playa Cocles, and Manzanillo to start.

 

Nightlife

Puerto ViejoExperience laid back, Caribbean nightlife in Puerto Viejo. Nightlife styles  in Puerto Viejo vary from relaxed reggae to jumping dance clubs to sports bars. Whichever you chose, you’re sure to feel Caribbean and pura vida vibes from tourists and locals. 

Tips

Visit September-October: Unlike the rest of Costa Rica, the “summer” season in Puerto Viejo is during September and October.

Rent a bike: Locals and tourists alike get around on bicycles. Save gas and money and see Puerto Viejo from a local perspective. 

Watch for wildlife: It’s not unusual to see sloths, crabs, monkeys or iguanas anywhere around Puerto Viejo so keep your eye out! Especially if you are driving. Animals often cross the roads and are hard to see. 

Follow the music: When looking for nightlife, ask locals about the best place each night and follow the live music, offered almost every night of the week. 

Watch your valuables: Be aware that petty theft does occur so do not leave valuables unattended (especially on the beach). If you rent a car, always lock it and keep valuables in the trunk when you park.

Pack smart: Make sure to bring rain attire, swim suit, insect repellent and reef-safe sunblock. 

Getting There

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria, San Jose  (SJO)

Costa Rica shuttleShuttle: Shuttle transfers are an affordable and convenient way to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. They cost around $55 per person. They are not private, however, so plan on the shuttle making multiple stops for other passengers along the way. 

Private Transfer: Private transfer is a great way to travel. The driver will take you door to door and you don’t have to worry about making stops for other passengers. For two passengers traveling from San Jose to Puerto Viejo it costs about $270. 

Driving: You can rent a car upon your arrival to Costa Rica. Renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace and schedule. For a week long vacation budget around $600. 

Domestic Flight: Domestic flights are a great option for fast and easy travel. You can take a domestic flight with Sansa Airlines from San Jose and arrive quickly and safely in Limón for about $100 per person in about 30 minutes. From Limón you can take a shuttle, private transfer or rent a car to arrive to Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo is about 1 1/2 hours away from Limón. 

Puerto Viejo - Get Info

Puerto Viejo Map

Puerto Viejo is located 5 hours from San Jose on the Southern Caribbean Coast. It is easily accessible by rental car, shuttle or domestic flight!  

Click to Enlarge Puerto Viejo Map

Puerto Viejo Vacation Packages

Get the best of what Puerto Viejo has to offer with any of our vacation packages. Let us help you plan the perfect vacation for you and your family.

Caribbean Exploration Tour

Caribbean Exploration Tour

SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream

Caribbean Dream

SJO
Caribbean Eco-Adventure

Caribbean Eco-Adventure

8
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

16
SJO
Romantic Adventure Experience

Romantic Adventure Experience

10
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Caribbean Fusion – A Costa Rica Caribbean Vacation

Caribbean Fusion – A Costa Rica Caribbean Vacation

8
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Nature Birding Tour

Nature Birding Tour

10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo

Pacific & Caribbean Combo

10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Jungle Exploration

Caribbean Jungle Exploration

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.

Puerto Viejo Hotels

Enjoy a unique cultural experience at Puerto Viejo hotels. The Caribbean vibes guarantee a relaxed, laid back stay. 

Shawandha Lodge

Shawandha Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Villas del Caribe

Villas del Caribe

3
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Banana Azul

Hotel Banana Azul

3
From: $125 - $200
Samasati Nature Retreat

Samasati Nature Retreat

3
2
From: $125 - $200

Puerto Viejo Tours

Explore nearby jungles and see sloths, monkeys, snakes and iguanas in their natural habitat, raft down the Pacuare River or explore the BriBri Indigenous Reservation. 

Jaguar Rescue Center

Jaguar Rescue Center

3
From: Under $50
Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

From: $75 - $100
Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors

Punta Uva Sea Kayaking and Rain Forest Hike with Exploradores Outdoors

BriBri  Indigenous Reserve

BriBri Indigenous Reserve

From: $50 - $75
Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

From: Under $50
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

From: $50 - $75
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour

From: $50 - $75
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