So, what are the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Will you persist with the seashore and log on, take a meals tour, and even use the city as a launchpad for an unbelievable in a single day journey? Let’s have a look!
The southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is famend for its stunning seashores and tradition, and the small city of Puerto Viejo doesn’t disappoint. You’ll discover white sand seashores, scrumptious Costa Rican meals, and nights that explode with reggae music. Puerto Viejo is a improbable place to go to.
High Issues to do in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a coastal city on the southeast shores of Costa Rica positioned on the Caribbean aspect of Costa Rica. This information will cowl the perfect issues to do in Puerto Viejo. Whether or not you need nature, journey, culinary experiences, or tradition, these high issues to do in Puerto Viejo will maintain you entertained.
The drive from San Jose to Costa Rica is sort of two hours. You may e book a non-public switch on to your lodging, or you possibly can take the extra inexpensive shuttle service. It takes longer however is rather more inexpensive.
1. Take a meals tour or cooking lesson
Meals is a spotlight of any journey to Puerto Viejo. A Guided tour across the Puerto Viejo eating places and cooking classes at native chef’s homes are sensible methods to expertise Costa Rican delicacies. Small eating places (aka ‘sodas’) are full of conventional dishes to pattern. You may both be taught to prepare dinner the dishes your self or bounce round on a tasting escapade to all the most effective regionally identified spots.
This Tasting Costa Rica Tour combines two excursions in a single. Beginning with wildlife viewing and ending with a cooking class to pattern native meals.
Should-try dishes embrace Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and Casado. Caribbean rooster (Pollo Caribeno) can also be tasty should you get the prospect to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You might be positive to pattern some dishes that you just’ll wish to attempt once more at dwelling.
You may simply e book a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. In case you are solely visiting for just a few days or throughout peak season, we’d suggest reserving upfront. Saying that cooking classes are good rainy-day actions, which is one thing to bear in mind should you face a day of unhealthy climate.
2. Occasion in Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo has an thrilling leisure scene and among the finest issues to do in Puerto Viejo is to expertise its nightlife. Downtown Puerto Viejo is the place you’ll discover a handful of bars and lounges alongside the beachfront. What higher place to celebration than a bar overlooking the ocean? Downtown Puerto Viejo is a well-liked place to be after sunset.
Johnny’s Place is a long-running fixture and is an effective place to begin. The venue serves meals and drinks on the beachfront. You may pattern a variety of cocktails. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally transforms into a celebration location after darkish. With the motto “good meals, inventive drinks, and a respect for the native traditions”, it’s clear that Salsa Brava pioneers a enjoyable ambiance. Seize a neighborhood beer or wine or select from the cocktail menu.
Downtown Puerto Viejo is a enjoyable place to be at night time. If you wish to expertise nightlife in Puerto Viejo, it’s simply the most effective place.
3. Go to the Bri Bri Waterfalls
A hike to a group of beautiful waterfalls is an effective way to spend just a few hours. The entrances to the Bri Bri Waterfalls are solely a fifteen-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, which is good and handy. One entrance is signposted Catarata Ma-Cu, and the opposite is Bri Bri Sparking Waterfalls. You may decide which one, as each are comparatively related when it comes to technical calls for and of an equal size. Permit a ten-minute stroll from both entrance to achieve the falls.
Bri Bri Waterfalls has a surprising plunge pool that’s deep sufficient so that you can have a refreshing swim. Bear in mind to deliver a digicam so you possibly can snap some photos of the expertise, too, because the waterfalls are really a scenic spot to go to.
4. Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
Who doesn’t love sloths? Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is without doubt one of the high issues to do close to Puerto Viejo, and it’s simply half an hour’s drive north. The sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation middle offering specialist veterinary take care of injured sloths. Some long-stay residents have sadly been deemed unsuitable for launch. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority are launched again into the wild match and wholesome.
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica welcomes guests on guided excursions. You may hear extra in regards to the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You can even see the extra sensible aspect of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. In the event you love animals and wish to help noble conservation efforts, then the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is one to your itinerary.
5. Take a browsing lesson at Playa Cocles
Costa Rica is rapidly establishing itself as a gem on the browsing scene. Whether or not you’re a professional already or are simply desirous to develop the fundamentals, surf classes are probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Viejo. You may brush up in your abilities and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating beautiful views of the Costa Rican shoreline.
Playa Cocles isn’t solely one in all Costa Rica’s most beautiful seashores but additionally among the finest spots for a surf lesson. The laid-back seashore is a soothing spot with a lot of house, good for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different standard surf spots like Playa Grande.
Playa Cocles is an uncovered seashore and reef break with nice surf, regardless of the tide – making it a dependable place for browsing classes. Even higher? Playa Cocles is only a ten-minute drive (or a fifty-minute coastal stroll) away from Puerto Viejo city middle.
6. Take an in a single day journey
There are such a lot of issues to do in Puerto Viejo. However, should you keep for every week or longer, you need to make the most of Puerto Viejo’s excellent location. Puerto Viejo is ideally located on the Caribbean Sea and is a perfect base for a lot of unbelievable in a single day journeys. Prepare so as to add these two journeys to your checklist.
How does ticking off two nations in a single journey sound? Since Puerto Viejo is positioned proper subsequent to the Panama border, it’s only becoming that you just dedicate a day or two to visiting the opposite aspect. We propose catching a shuttle throughout the Panama border and visiting Bocas del Toro.
Bocas del Toro is famed for overwater lodges, so that you’ll be capable to discover some stunning lodging. It’s also a superb spot to entry the jungle and go scuba diving or snorkeling.
If the trouble of a border crossing doesn’t sound attractive, why not take an in a single day journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a improbable vacation spot if you’re concerned with geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. You may spend time at Tabacon Sizzling Springs and admire the Chato and Arenal volcanoes. Simply catch one of many shuttle buses between Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna.
We suggest in a single day journeys solely for individuals who love additional adventures and are excited on the prospect of more difficult issues to do from Puerto Viejo. For many who really feel this might be an excessive amount of effort, don’t fear; there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in Puerto Viejo in your doorstep.
7. Playa Negra
Playa Negra is well probably the most photogenic spots in Puerto Viejo and one other probably the most stunning seashores on the Caribbean coast. For many who know a little bit of Spanish, you will have already guessed that Playa Negra is a black sand seashore. Visiting the seashore is a must-do if you’re searching for issues to do in Puerto Viejo. The pure attraction is exceptionally hanging.
Playa Negra is positioned close to Puerto Viejo, so it’s simply slotted into busy itineraries. It is a superb place to take a fast detour between close by sights. Nevertheless, Playa Negra can also be an important browsing and sunbathing spot when you have extra time to spend there.
8. Go horseback using on Playa Chiquita
Only a twelve-minute drive down the coast from Puerto Viejo, you’ll discover Playa Chiquita. Playa Chiquita is a serene, tropical seashore – supreme for a romantic seashore day. However for additional pleasure, e book a horseback using expertise on the seashore.
The tour firm Playa Chiquita Driving Adventures presents seashore rides that begin from an hour and may be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback using on the seashore is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is an attractive place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t should be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a non-public tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration should you want any additional help. Driving alongside the gorgeous seashores of the southern Caribbean coast might be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.
If you need an thrilling however romantic factor to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback using on Playa Chiquita positively ticks the field. Take into account combining it with a go to to the Jaguar Rescue Middle or Playa Cocles, that are a brief stroll from the using middle.
9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Visiting Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Puerto Viejo for nature lovers. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is dwelling to some stunning wildlife. You may simply spend a day on its climbing trails and seashores. And the reserve is only a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo city middle.
Hold your eyes peeled for animals like sloths and monkeys within the treetops. Alongside the shoreline, you might be prone to spot hermit crabs and, if you’re fortunate, dolphins. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the most effective place close to Puerto Viejo to see animals of their pure habitat. Costa Rica’s wildlife is extremely numerous, and this refuge is a good place to understand that.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the proper time out for any animal or nature lover. The refuge presents a really perfect immersion should you haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Deliver bug spray, loads of water, a swimsuit, and snorkeling gear if you wish to go snorkeling over the coral reef while you attain the ocean.
10. Tortuguero Nationwide Park
When you’ve visited Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Tortuguero Nationwide Park ought to positively be in your checklist. The nationwide park is without doubt one of the trickiest locations to go to close to Puerto Viejo since it’s distant and has few roads. However the draw is powerful because the park is dwelling to sea turtles and among the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an effective strategy to see it from San Jose.
We propose reserving a ship tour – which can whisk you across the distant canals you in any other case may by no means entry. You’ll spot caimans, toucans, and, hopefully, endangered sea turtles. In the event you go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you just’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero Nationwide Park is dwelling to leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and inexperienced sea turtles. All of those come again to their birthplace to put their very own eggs annually.
This 5 day tour allows you to expertise a special aspect of Costa Rica combining 5 days in Tortuguero NP and Puerto Viejo. Leaving from San Jose, you’ll spend 5 days touring Costa Rica’s Caribbean together with lodging and transportation.
11. Go kayaking at Playa Punta Uva
A go to to Playa Punta Uva is at all times stress-free, however for an additional expertise, lease a kayak or buy a guided kayaking tour. The seashore is famed for its calm waters and serene ambiance and tends to be quiet and with out crowds most days. You’ll have a simple introduction to ocean kayaking.
Out of your kayak, you possibly can discover the shoreline and entry all these areas you couldn’t on foot or by swimming. Kayaking is without doubt one of the finest water actions to mix a health problem with sightseeing. Playa Punta Uva is only a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. For the most effective expertise, go to Punta Uva throughout the week somewhat weekend to keep away from the additional crowds.
12. Go snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is only a 20-minute drive away from Puerto Viejo, and should you like marine life, it’s a excellent spot to go to. Playa Manzanillo is standard amongst divers and snorkelers alike, who love the seashore for its calm waters and vibrant underwater surroundings. However snorkeling at Playa Manzanillo is the least technical of the 2 and equally rewarding. Dolphin sightings are frequent, and, every now and then, you possibly can spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.
In the event you don’t have your individual snorkeling gear, you possibly can simply lease some from the rental outlets alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Simply drop by a spot like Unhealthy Bart’s and lease some gear for just a few hours.
13. Spend a lazy morning at Playa Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Playa Puerto Viejo will not be one in all Costa Rica’s finest seashores. It’s small, not significantly stunning, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, chances are you’ll ask. Briefly, Playa Puerto Viejo has the most effective ambiance of all of the seashores on this information.
Playa Puerto Viejo is a beloved native spot to calm down and unwind. You are able to do the identical, often whereas listening to the background sound of reggae music. Due to its central location, visiting Playa Puerto Viejo is without doubt one of the most handy issues to do in Puerto Viejo. And, when you may have spent just a few hours on the seashore, you possibly can head to the row of beachfront bars to celebration or seize some meals.
14. Take a chocolate tour
Most individuals know the origins of chocolate. Seeing the cacao timber and the method in individual, although, is a special expertise solely. Since chocolate has such an illustrious, prolonged historical past in Costa Rica, it’s only becoming that you’ve got this expertise right here. And even higher, Puerto Viejo has its personal chocolate farm.
In Puerto Viejo, you possibly can take a improbable chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll by the cacao forest, the place you be taught in regards to the historical past and science behind chocolate. In fact, the chocolate tour whisks you away for a tasting session (be warned, early chocolate was bitter). There’s additionally an opportunity to get a glimpse into the manufacturing course of.
Out of all of the Caribbean meals you might style in Costa Rica, chocolate is without doubt one of the finest regionally produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) manner you be taught in regards to the course of first-hand.
15. Cahuita Nationwide Park
In case you are visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, you will need to go to Cahuita Nationwide Park. The nationwide park is a component marine and half land reserve. It’s stated that its reef homes over 500 species of fish, so you possibly can simply think about how colourful and vigorous the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and lots of of chook species.
Cahuita Nationwide Park is only a 20-minute drive north of Cahuita Nationwide Park. It is a perfect day journey from Puerto Viejo, and you’ll spend hours wandering the climbing trails by the coastal jungle. Visiting Cahuita Nationwide Park is an energetic exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded to your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Be sure to deliver a digicam and your water bottle – you’ll want each in equal doses.
16. Go to the Jaguar Rescue Middle
The Jaguar Rescue Middle’s title is just a little deceptive. You received’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and styles. You may come face-to-face with a primate, m0nkey, or reptile. All of the animals are present process rehab to nurse them again into well being for launch again into the wild or have been deemed unsuitable for launch and are staying completely. The Jaguar Rescue Middle does a improbable job advocating for and helping injured wildlife.
You may take self-guided excursions of the Jaguar Rescue Middle to see what this system is all about. The proceeds go in direction of working the charity and caring for all residents, so it’s good to know that your cash goes in direction of a worthwhile trigger. The Jaguar Rescue Middle is without doubt one of the most healthful issues to do in Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo FAQs
Now that we’ve coated all the most effective issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do you should know? There’s a lot to debate Puerto Viejo, so this subsequent part will present FAQs for all probably the most generally requested questions. Let’s get began.
Easy methods to get to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo doesn’t have its personal airport, which is smart, contemplating it’s only a small city. Nevertheless, there are two airports comparatively close by you can fly to achieve Puerto Viejo.
The quickest strategy to get to Puerto Viejo is to fly into Limon Worldwide Airport. You may lease a automobile from right here and drive simply an hour south alongside Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. In the event you don’t drive, you may as well e book a shuttle on-line or in individual on the day. The primary shuttle firm is known as Caribe Shuttle and operates 3 times a day, taking about an hour to achieve Puerto Viejo.
In case you are struggling to seek out frequent flights to Limon Worldwide Airport, think about our second choice. This (additionally usually cheaper) choice is to fly into San Jose Worldwide Airport. Nevertheless, it does take just a little longer to achieve Puerto Viejo when you land. When you arrive in San Jose, you’ll need to lease a automobile and drive 4 to 5 hours to Puerto Viejo. Alternatively, catch a three-hour shuttle with an organization like Willie’s Excursions Costa Rica Shuttles or a less expensive seven-hour public bus.
Getting round Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Getting round Puerto Viejo is a chunk of cake. The Puerto Viejo space is so tiny you can simply discover it on foot. Any native sights throughout the city are accessible on foot, like Playa Negra and the bars downtown. Even should you don’t fancy strolling, there are many bike leases to profit from, and you’ll be zipping round very quickly.
Biking to close by cities and sights like Manzanillo and the Jaguar Rescue Middle is extraordinarily simple. Consider bike leases as the proper answer if you wish to sightsee simply exterior Puerto Viejo. It’s speedier than strolling, and rental prices are low, making it a budget-friendly strategy to get round.
Ideally, if you wish to go to locations additional afield, you need to rent a automobile. You’ll have to adapt to completely different driving kinds and street circumstances. Nonetheless, with a little bit of persistence and follow (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly recognize the liberty.
Typically you actually do want public transport. In the event you don’t drive, public transport might be your solely choice to go to additional afield. Discovering return taxis in distant locations may be troublesome, and taxi costs can rapidly add up anyway. Fortunately two Puerto Viejo buses join the city with the remainder of the southern Caribbean coast. The 2 routes run from Limon to Sixaola and Limon to Manzanillo, stopping at notable locations like Bri Bri and Cahuita alongside the way in which. It’s simple to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Simply examine the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service may be somewhat sporadic.
The very best time to go to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
The very best time to go to Puerto Viejo is between February and April or September to October. These months are the driest and have probably the most nice temperatures, offering the most effective climate to your keep.
Nevertheless, should you’ve obtained the selection, we’d suggest visiting in September or October. This manner, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the tip of the turtle nesting interval and have the very best probability of seeing child turtles. When you’ve got but to see child turtles, you need to positively go to throughout this era.
September and October are additionally the optimum snorkeling season. These are the months to go to if you wish to get pleasure from recognizing turtles and snorkeling in calmer, clearer waters.
The place to remain in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
So, final however not least, the place must you keep in Puerto Viejo? Regardless of being just a little city, Puerto Viejo has a number of lodging choices. No matter your funds, you need to discover one thing applicable – so long as you don’t depart reserving lodging too late. These are our high suggestions for every funds.
Luxurious: Umami Lodge
Umami Lodge is a luxurious five-star resort in Puerto Viejo’s middle. Visitors entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embrace luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making amenities. Examine evaluations and charges on Reserving.com
The resort’s inside design is tasteful and comfy, with no expense spared. Umami Lodge is the one for you if you need a glitzy and upscale place to remain in Puerto Viejo.
Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo
Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is an attractive two-star hostel, ideally suited to a mid-range funds. The charming property has a big outside pool, though you might be only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Seaside if you wish to swim within the sea as a substitute. Additional amenities embrace an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Examine evaluations and charges on Reserving.com
The hostel has diverse room choices; you possibly can select between dorms, non-public rooms, and full two-bedroom residences. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents if you need a extremely adventurous expertise.
Funds: Pagalu Hostel
Low-key and budget-friendly, Pagalu Hostel is an attractive place to remain within the middle of Puerto Viejo. Visitors obtain locker entry, wi-fi, parking, and all-day tea and low. The communal areas are extremely cozy, with a terrace with hammocks and a separate patio space. Examine evaluations and charges on Reserving.com
Select between a non-public room or a traditional hostel dormitory. If you wish to splash out, you possibly can improve to decide on a non-public room with an ensuite.
To Conclude
Excited to check out this stuff to do in Puerto Viejo? You have to be. The city is an attractive and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the proper spot for an entertaining getaway.
In the event you get the prospect, take a look at our final Costa Rica journey ideas earlier than you go. In any other case, have a improbable journey; we hope that you just expertise as lots of this stuff to do in Puerto Viejo as attainable.
