Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small but vibrant coastal town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica that will captivate you with its relaxed atmosphere, rich culture, and natural beauty.
Here, tropical rainforests meet endless beaches, and the Afro-Caribbean culture is felt everywhere – in the music, the cuisine, and the laid-back lifestyle of the locals, which is highly contagious.
Whether you’re seeking adventure like surfing and hiking or just want to relax – here are our top 10 Things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
1. Surfing at Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is the ideal spot for all surfers. It offers a laid-back vibe and consistent waves at a beach break that’s perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers. The spot is huge, so it can easily accommodate many people in the water.
The golden rule here: Just enjoy the waves and soak up the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
You can rent boards directly on the beach from local vendors. There are also several surf schools in Puerto Viejo, like Pirate’s Surf School, where you can book lessons with experienced surfers.
Costs for Surfing in Puerto Viejo
Renting a surfboard costs about $5 per 2 hours, depending on the rental shop and board you choose. If you rent a board for the entire day, you might be able to negotiate a discount. Expect to pay around $40-70 for a two-hour surfing session.
Tips for Surfing in Puerto Viejo
Be mindful of the currents, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s a good idea to ask for some advice when you rent your board. Where is the current strongest? Is there anything special you should know about paddling in and out?
And of course, don’t forget to use zinc and wear a long-sleeve shirt to protect yourself from the intense sun.
2. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center is a wildlife protection organization that cares for injured and orphaned animals before releasing them back into the wild. If you’re making a list of things to do in Puerto Viejo, this is a must-see. Here, you can get up close to sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds that you would normally only see deep in the jungle.
During a tour of the Rescue Center, you’ll learn about the care and rehabilitation process and hear about the experiences of the caregivers over the years.
The Jaguar Rescue Center offers a great way to gain insight into the challenges of wildlife conservation in Costa Rica and to actively support local conservation efforts.
But a quick note: there aren’t actually any jaguars at the center. The organization got its name from one of the first animals brought to the founders for care. A local once brought in what was thought to be an orphaned jaguar. Later, it turned out to be an ocelot – but by then, the name Jaguar Rescue Center was well-known in Puerto Viejo. 🙂
Costs for the Jaguar Rescue Center
Entry to the Jaguar Rescue Center costs about $20 for a guided tour. All proceeds go directly to the upkeep and care of the animals.
Tickets can be reserved at the center’s entrance or online through the Jaguar Rescue Center’s website.
The center is generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for morning tours and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for afternoon tours.
Tips for Visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center
Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be uneven. And don’t forget mosquito repellent.
3. Yoga with sea view
Our next Puerto Viejo highlight during your Costa Rica Itinerary is all about relaxation: a yoga class with sea view. Among the most peaceful things to do in Puerto Viejo, this activity allows you to enjoy the tranquility of nature and fully unwind during a yoga session.
Several yoga studios in Puerto Viejo offer classes. We highly recommend AmaSer | Public Yoga & All Veg Café.
Costs for Yoga in Puerto Viejo
A yoga class in Puerto Viejo costs between $5 and $10, depending on the length of the session.
4. Discover local cuisine at the Puerto Viejo Farmers Market
The local farmers market offers everything from fresh local fruits and vegetables to handcrafted products and local treats like patacones (delicious fried plantains). The market takes place every Saturday morning in the small coastal town and is a meeting point for everyone in the area.
Get there early to grab the freshest products – and treat yourself to an empanada or two.
5. of 10 Things to do in Puerto Viejo: Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is a combination of tropical rainforest, white beaches, and underwater world, and it’s one of the few national parks in Costa Rica that is essentially free of charge.
You can walk through well-maintained trails in the dense jungle and observe exotic animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and birds.
And if you’re up for it, the turquoise, crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling to discover coral and tropical fish.
There are different ways to visit Cahuita National Park. You can explore the park on your own or join a guided tour, which often combines snorkeling and hiking.
We simply drove for about 20 minutes from Puerto Viejo and arrived at the park, exploring the area on our own without a guide, though we might have missed spotting some wildlife. 🙂
Costs for Cahuita National Park
Entrance to the park is based on donations (at the entrance we chose, it was $5 per person) and is possible daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a guided tour including snorkeling, expect to pay around $25-35, depending on the provider and the duration of the tour.
If you want to book a tour, you can do so directly in the town of Cahuita or at one of the travel agencies in Puerto Viejo. There are also numerous providers offering combined hiking and snorkeling tours, such as Exploradores Outdoors.
Getting to Cahuita National Park
You can either drive there comfortably with a rental car, take a bus, or a shuttle from Puerto Viejo. The park is about 16 kilometers from Puerto Viejo, the drive takes about 30 minutes, and it costs just a few dollars by bus/shuttle.
Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the coastal road to Cahuita – a great route that’s perfect for a day trip.
Important information for visiting Cahuita National Park
There are two entrances to Cahuita National Park: one in Cahuita itself, known as the Kelly Creek entrance (Playa Blanca Sector), and the other at the opposite end of the park towards Puerto Viejo, known as the Puerto Vargas Sector. Both entrances have parking available.
Both entrances are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – entry at the Playa Blanca Sector is generally free, but a donation is appreciated and goes directly towards the park’s upkeep.
At the Puerto Vargas Sector, where we started, the entrance fee is $5 per person.
Generally, the Puerto Vargas Sector entrance is less crowded than the Playa Blanca Sector. That’s why we chose to start there, and we would do it again, as we encountered very few people and could fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings.
Tips for Visiting Cahuita National Park
- Visit the park in the morning – there are fewer visitors, and it can get very hot and humid in the afternoon, with some trails in direct sunlight. Also, the water is clearest for snorkeling in the morning.
- Bring mosquito repellent – jungles tend to bring mosquitos with them, and Cahuita National Park is no exception.
- Pack your snorkeling gear – if you’re eager to explore the underwater world.
6. Chocolate Tour at a local Cacao Plantation
If you love chocolate, this should be high on your list of things to do in Puerto Viejo. On a cacao plantation, you can experience the entire chocolate-making process – from cacao bean to finished chocolate. And of course, there’s plenty of tasting at the end. 🙂
Costs for a Cacao Tour in Puerto Viejo
A tour costs about $25-35, including tastings. In Puerto Viejo, there are several cacao plantation tour providers: Caribeans Chocolate is one of the most well-known.
Tips for a Cacao Tour in Puerto Viejo
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, as it can be warm and humid on the plantations. The tours usually take place in the morning when it’s not too hot. Enjoy!
7. Night Hike in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Our #7 of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is an experience of Costa Rica’s wilderness at night. On a guided night hike, you’ll see a wide range of nocturnal animals that are rarely visible during the day, such as frogs, snakes, and bats.
Costs for a Night Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
A guided tour in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge costs about $25-40 per person.
Tours can be booked in Puerto Viejo at one of the many travel agencies or directly at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Terraventuras Travel & Expeditions is one of the tour providers.
Tips for the Night Hike
Wear long clothing and sturdy shoes. And if you have a good flashlight, bring it along so you can better spot the animals and see where you’re stepping.
8. Bike tour along the coast
A bike tour along the coast from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo is the perfect way to explore the area. The route takes you past beautiful beaches, through the jungle, and by small villages, and it’s perfect for cycling.
P.S.: Plan the tour for the morning, as you’ll want to spend the midday sun, when temperatures can exceed 30°C, with a cold drink or ice cream on the beach. 🙂
Costs for Renting Bikes in Puerto Viejo
Renting a bike in Puerto Viejo costs about $7-10 per day.
You can rent bikes at almost any hostel or at one of the many bike rental shops in Puerto Viejo. Recommended rental shops include Banana Azul Bike Rentals and Puerto Viejo Bike Rentals. They offer a wide selection of bikes, and some even have baskets so you can easily carry your beach gear.
9. Day Trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama
If you feel like leaving Costa Rica for a bit, you can take a short boat ride to the Caribbean paradise of Bocas del Toro in Panama. Among the unique things to do in Puerto Viejo, this offers a change of scenery with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Costs for a Day Trip to Bocas del Toro
An organized tour from Puerto Viejo costs about $70-100, including transport.
Day trips are offered by almost all travel agencies in Puerto Viejo. Popular providers include Caribe Shuttle and Willie’s Tours, which handle all transport and border formalities for you.
Tips for a Day Trip to Bocas del Toro
Don’t forget your passport, as you’ll be crossing the border. Check the current entry requirements beforehand. (But your tour provider will probably give you all the necessary information.)
10. Visit the BriBri Waterfalls
The BriBri Waterfalls are a hidden gem near Puerto Viejo. Here, you can swim in clear water and enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Costs for the BriBri Waterfalls
Entry costs about $10. If you want to book a guided tour, add another $20-30.
Tours can be booked in Puerto Viejo, often in combination with a visit to an indigenous BriBri village. Here, you can immerse yourself in the culture and learn more about the BriBri’s traditions and chocolate-making.
Providers like Talamanca Ecotourism & Conservation Association (ATEC) offer such tours, giving deeper insights into authentic, rural Costa Rica.
Tips for Visiting the BriBri Waterfalls
Don’t forget your swimwear and bring a towel. The path to the waterfalls can be slippery, so it’s a good idea to wear sneakers or sturdy sandals. And as always, make sure you leave no trash behind.
Our Top 3 Places in Puerto Viejo
- Playa Punta Uva – This postcard-perfect beach is an absolute Puerto Viejo highlight, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Cahuita National Park – Unspoiled nature with the opportunity to snorkel at Costa Rica’s largest coral reef.
- Puerto Viejo Center – This is where the life pulses, especially in the evenings. Discover the vibrant mix of culture, music, and delicious food.
Our Top 3 Accommodations in Puerto Viejo
- Satta Lodge* – A luxurious accommodation with beautiful jungle cabanas. ($$$)
- Sonora Yoga & Jungle Retreat* – A stylish jungle retreat, ideal for yogis and those who prefer staying away from the hustle and bustle. ($$)
- La Tica y la Gata* – A cute hostel with a pool, perfect for budget travelers. ($)
Still looking for a different accommodation for your trip to Costa Rica? Find your favorites here*:
We almost always book our accommodations through Booking, and as a result, we’ve reached Genius Level 3. This gives us up to 20% off participating properties and, since Level 2, perks like free room upgrades or breakfast. We highly recommend the platform.
Our Top 3 Restaurants in Puerto Viejo
- Lidia’s Place – The best Casado we had on our Costa Rica trip, so delicious!
- Cocomar Comida Caribeña – Authentic Costa Rican food, yummy!
- GypSea Café | Playa Chiquita – A cute café and a perfect spot for a delicious breakfast.
Getting to Puerto Viejo
The journey to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast can be planned by car, bus, or shuttle.
By Bus to Puerto Viejo
The most affordable option is the bus, which runs several times a day from San José to Puerto Viejo. Buses depart from the MEPE Terminal in San José, located near Parque de la Merced. The trip takes about 5 hours and costs around $10.
It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during the high season or on weekends, as buses can fill up quickly. You can purchase tickets directly at the bus station or through the official website of the MEPE bus company.
Tips for Taking the Bus to Puerto Viejo
Make sure to arrive early at the terminal, as it can sometimes be a bit chaotic, and keep an eye on your luggage.
The buses are generally comfortable, but the air conditioning can be chilly – so bring something to keep warm.
By Shuttle to Puerto Viejo
Shuttle services offer a convenient and stress-free journey directly to your hotel in Puerto Viejo. Prices range from $35-50 per person.
Shuttle tickets can be booked online through providers like Caribe Shuttle or Interbus. Travel agencies and hostels in San José can also help you book a shuttle.
Shuttles are the comfortable choice, especially if you have a lot of luggage or don’t want to deal with the stress of public transportation. The shuttles pick you up directly at your hotel or a central pickup point in San José and take you straight to Puerto Viejo, often with short stops along the way.
By Car to Puerto Viejo
Driving from San José to Puerto Viejo takes about 3.5 hours. The roads are well-maintained, and you’ll drive through beautiful green landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Viejo
The best time to visit Puerto Viejo is from February to April and from September to October, when the weather is mostly dry and the conditions are perfect to enjoyPuerto Viejo to the fullest.
Generally, in the tropics, it’s always hard to predict the weather: For example, we were in Puerto Viejo in February and had a few heavy rain showers that abruptly ended after a short, intense half-hour.
Since the region doesn’t have strict dry or rainy seasons, you can visit Puerto Viejo year-round – and sometimes it’s not so bad to visit places outside the peak season.
That wraps up our top 10 Things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Do you have more tips or comments? Feel free to share them with us in the comments. 🙂
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