Puerto Viejo
Caribbean Vibes and a Tropical Paradise in Costa Rica
On Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast lies the lively village of Puerto Viejo, where tropical nature, beautiful sandy beaches and the rhythm of reggae come together. Here you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere with strong influences from Afro-Caribbean culture and a way of life centred on simplicity and a connection with nature. Colourful wooden cottages, local markets and friendly, welcoming locals all combine to create an authentic experience. You’ll soon feel at home here, far away from the hustle and bustle, where daily life flows in harmony with the jungle and the sea!
Discover Puerto Viejo
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Explore Puerto Viejo by bike
Cycling in Puerto Viejo and the surrounding area is a sustainable and relaxing way to explore the countryside and beaches. The quiet roads are easy to cycle on, and along the way you can stop at small beaches, local eateries or nature reserves.
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Traditional cocoa production
Learn more about the traditional cocoa production process whilst visiting one of Costa Rica’s oldest indigenous communities. Gain an insight into their traditions, language and sustainable way of life.
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Costa Rica’s Caribbean Sea
With crystal-clear, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and a wealth of biodiversity, Puerto Viejo is pure bliss. Enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking and swimming, or relax on palm-fringed beaches surrounded by the unique Caribbean culture and atmosphere
The Caribbean coast, and certainly Puerto Viejo in particular, is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant culture. This colourful coastal town offers a blend of Afro-Caribbean traditions and Costa Rican hospitality. The locals are friendly and relaxed, adding to the charm of this region. In Puerto Viejo, enjoy freshly prepared dishes, including ‘arroz con pollo’ and ‘coconut rice & beans’, often served with fresh local fish. The rhythmic sounds of reggae and calypso can be heard everywhere, blending perfectly with everyday life. In Puerto Viejo, simplicity and authenticity take centre stage, and time seems (still) to stand still.
How to get there
Although Puerto Viejo is a little off the beaten track compared to Costa Rica’s larger cities, it is very easy to get to. Here are the options we work with:
From San José by car
By car, it’s about a 4-hour drive from San José. From San José, take Route 32 to Limón and then continue south along the coastal road, Route 36.
From Limón
Limón is the nearest major town with an airport. From Limón, it is about a 1½ to 2-hour drive to Puerto Viejo.
By domestic flight
From San José, you can take a short domestic flight to Limón. The flight takes about 40 minutes. From Limón, you’ll then travel to Puerto Viejo by transfer or rental car, a journey of about 1½ hours.
Across the border from Panama
As Puerto Viejo is close to the border with Panama, many travellers come to Puerto Viejo from Panama. Travellers often come from Bocas del Toro, a popular archipelago in Panama. After crossing the border, it takes about another 1.5 to 2 hours by transfer to reach Puerto Viejo.
For all overland travel options, although the roads are in good condition – particularly the main route from San José – it is important to bear in mind seasonal rain showers, which can sometimes affect journey times.
Best travel time
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a tropical rainforest climate, characterised by fairly high temperatures throughout the year. There is also a chance of rainfall throughout the year and humidity is high. Despite the fact that there is a chance of rainfall all year round, the Caribbean coast has a dry season running from December to April; however, tropical showers can still occur during this period.
The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring mainly in September and October.
Places of interest
Puerto Viejo itself isn’t very big, but there’s plenty to see and do in the immediate vicinity:
Visit Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This protected area combines tropical rainforest with unspoilt beaches and coral reefs. Explore the jungle along well-marked trails and spot sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and colourful frogs. For a deeper insight into the National Park’s biodiversity, it’s best to venture into the park with an experienced guide.
Visit the beaches
Enjoy the (secluded) beaches and turquoise waters in Cahuita National Park, or visit Playa Cocles, which is popular for surfing and beach parties. Playa Negra stands out for its unique black sand and relaxed atmosphere. For a more peaceful experience, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva are ideal, with secluded coves and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling or swimming. Manzanillo beach is stunning, with palm trees framing the white sand.
Visit the Bribri
The Bribri are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Costa Rica, known for their enduring deep connection with nature and traditional way of life. During a visit to the Bribri, you’ll learn more about their customs, language and agricultural techniques, such as cocoa processing. You’ll gain an insight into their sustainable way of life and have the chance to sample authentic dishes. Your visit also helps to support and preserve the Bribri community.
Birdwatching
The region around Puerto Viejo is home to a rich variety of birdlife, including the colourful throat-billed toucan, the quetzal and the black-and-white mangrove kingfisher. One of the best places for birdwatching is Cahuita National Park. Discover a variety of ecosystems on a leisurely walk, focusing on the impressive birdlife.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a popular activity based in Puerto Viejo. The best spot is in Cahuita National Park, where the water is crystal-clear and you can admire coral reefs and exotic fish. As well as colourful fish, you’ll find sea turtles, stingrays and vibrant coral here. Thanks to the calm waters, snorkelling at this location is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.
Kayaking
Kayaking from Puerto Viejo is a brilliant way to explore the natural beauty of the Caribbean coast. The best spot is the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where calm waters wind through mangroves and past unspoilt beaches. Paddle past lush green banks, spot exotic birds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The area and conditions are ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
Unique accommodation
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Shawanda Ecolodge
The Shawanda Ecolodge is conveniently situated in the rainforest near the beaches of Puerto Viejo. The hotel stylishly combines nature and comfort. The 14 bungalows are built using natural materials and are surrounded by tropical gardens teeming with local flora and fauna.
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Awa Beach Hotel
This modern boutique hotel has just 9 rooms and offers direct access to the beach. The rooms combine comfort with style and are surrounded by nature. Thanks to its central location and direct access to the beach, it is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.
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Hotel Aguas Claras
Aguas Claras is situated near Playa Chiquita and offers 12 unique rooms, including spacious suites and artistic bungalows, all of which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The hotel is strongly committed to sustainability and art, which is reflected in its creative design and environmentally friendly policies.
Fancy a trip of Costa Rica?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Costa Rica and are you curious about the options? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.
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