10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, positioned on the Caribbean shore of Limón province near the Panama boundary, is a charming town with a special character. Despite its small scale, this lovely town leaves a long-term feeling with its special Jamaican and Caribbean vibes, reggae music, busy bars, craft stalls, and idyllic beaches where time appears to stand still.

Throughout our visitation, we lost notion of time by exploring the shores on rented bikes and wandering through the colorful streets. The community of Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica attracts travelers from every corner of the globe, drawn in by its infectious vitality and surfing opportunities. Additionally, it’s one of the best regions for spotting sloths in Costa Rica! So, if you’re eager to meet these cute little beings, Puerto Viejo should undoubtedly be on your listing.

Moreover, there exist numerous activities available around Puerto Viejo, such as visiting Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo, two of the best attractions in Costa Rica.

So, if you’re curious to know what to do in Puerto Viejo, where to stay, and other useful details for your visit, this guide is your perfect companion. I’m sure you will fall in love with Puerto Viejo, just as we did.

1. Explore Cahuita National Park, the best thing to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Firstly, going to Cahuita National Park is perhaps the most remarkable experienceto have in Puerto Viejo. It’s one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica, providing both land and underwater wonders to explore.

Cahuita National Park features a 5-mile-long coastal trail with stunning perspectives. The final stretch of the trail meanders through far-reaching mangroves via a wooden stage. Take your time to soak in the beauty of the pristine beaches along the route – they’re like scenes directly from a postcard! Keep your eyes peeled, as wildlife sightings are very common here. We joined this tour with a guide, who expertly showed us sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and a myriad of bird species, ensuring we didn’t miss anything.

If you prefer exploring the area independently, remember the park has two entrances: Playa Blanca in Cahuita, providing free parking and entry by donation, or Puerto Vargas, which is nearest to Puerto Viejo, with a $5 admission charge. I’d advise the initial choice: take public transportation or a taxi to the town of Cahuita, enter through the Playa Blanca entrance, and then depart through the Puerto Vargas entrance. Lastly, take public transportation or a taxi back to Puerto Viejo.

What truly fascinated me about Cahuita was its mesmerizing coral reefs. I strongly recommend setting aside some time to explore them. Just be aware that going snorkeling by yourself here is prohibited, so you should hire a guide. Trust me; it’s worth it! You’ll be rewarded with sightings of six different coral varieties and vibrant tropical fish, and if you’re fortunate, you might even spot rays and reef sharks. It’s truly amazing!

2. Playa Punta Uva, an incredible attraction in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Playa Punta Uva is considered one of the premier beaches near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Its extensive stretch of pale sand and picturesque palm trees render it among the finest beaches in Costa Rica. It is situated just 5 miles from Puerto Viejo’s city center, so it’s quite convenient to access this authentic paradise.

What truly distinguishes Punta Uva Beach, in my assessment, is its vibrant underwater ecosystem and crystal-clear turquoise waters with excellent transparency. The shallow reef and gentle currents make it an ideal spot for observing marine life in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica through snorkeling—so don’t hesitate to don your mask and dive in. During our visit, we were treated to sightings of a diverse assortment of colorful fish, turtles, manta rays, and even an octopus.

For a spectacular view, follow the path at the end of the beach to reach the tip of the peninsula jutting into the sea—the Punta Uva viewpoint. From here, you’re treated to sweeping views of the coastline. I also recommend taking a small detour just before arriving at the viewpoint, leading to a secluded spot where you’ll find a small cave with a perfect archway, offering a wonderful vista.

3. Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a must-visit attraction in Puerto Viejo

Situated 8 miles from Puerto Viejo, Limón, and bordering Panama, lies the small community of Manzanillo—a tiny, self-reliant town with a distinctive charm. One of the most notable attractions in Manzanillo is the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a protected reserve where explorers can discover idyllic beaches and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.

It is important to note that entry to the refuge does not require a fee. However, to gain a deeper insight into the area’s abundant wildlife, I strongly advise opting for this guided tour led by a naturalist. By following an expert, you may observe turtles, alligators, crocodiles, sloths, toucans, parrots, and a wide range of other species, providing a glimpse into Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity.

During the tour, be sure to stop at the view at the end of Playa Manzanillo trail, with breathtaking sights of the rainforest below. The trip then continues to Punta Mona, a wild and scenic place featuring the beautiful island of Punta Mona offshore.

On our return trip, we opted to say farewell to our guide and spend some time unwinding and snorkeling on one of the lush beaches. If you happen to visit between March and June, you may potentially witness the nesting habits of leatherback turtles, considered one of the most iconic marine turtle species found in Costa Rica. Note that you will need to register for an evening excursion to observe this natural phenomenon.

If you plan to visit during the rainy season, exercise caution as trails may be muddy and challenging to navigate. That said, exploring Manzanillo ranks among the top activities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It’s a remote and less-congested area where you’ll encounter wildlife that isn’t found in the more tourist-frequented national parks.

4. Surfing at Playa Cocles, a fun thing to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Experiencing the waves is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities to engage in within Puerto Viejo. While you can surf at Playa Negra, the renowned black sand beach located in Puerto Viejo, I’d suggest venturing a bit farther to Playa Cocles, the finest beach in the surrounding area.

Please note however, that if you’re a beginner, Playa Cocles might not be the most suitable choice. The currents there can be rather strong, which can pull you seaward. But for experienced surfers, it’s an oasis. You’ll find both locals and travelers assembling to ride the waves crashing onto the shore.

To reach Playa Cocles, take a stroll along a beautiful route starting from Puerto Viejo Beach, right next to the Salsa Brava Restaurant. It’s about a 1.2-mile journey through a stunning natural area, where you might even spot monkeys and sloths, among other animals. Along the way, you’ll encounter some small coves, perfect for a refreshing dip in complete privacy.

5. Jaguar Rescue Center, one of the best places in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Visiting the Center for Rescuing Endangered Jaguars in the eastern region of Costa Rica, was genuinely one of the highlights of our journey, as it enabled us to directly witness an important protective effort. Here, various indigenous species native to Costa Rica, whether harmed, unwell or saved, locate refuge as they experience rehabilitation with the ultimate purpose of returning to their natural habitats.

If visiting, be sure to opt for a guided tour so you can gain insight into the tales and unique characteristics of each species. While there will be opportunities to observe the animals from near, touching, feeding, or taking photos with them is not allowed.

There are two tour options available. The primary is a public visit, priced at $22, which lasts 1.5 hours and is offered daily at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Alternatively, you can choose a private exploration for $75, which lasts 2 hours and takes place after the center closes at 2:00 p.m., ensuring a more solitary experience.

In both cases, all earnings go straight to backing the animals. In spite of the devoted efforts of volunteers, the center operates devoid of governmental funding. So, your visit aids maintain its operations to furnish round-the-clock veterinary care.

6. Visit the Bribrí indigenous community, an extraordinary experience in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Learning about the indigenous Bribrí community is undeniably one of the most captivating activities in Puerto Viejo. This ethnic group is among the few indigenous populations still residing in Costa Rica, with additional communities located across the border in Panama.

With approximately 11,500 inhabitants, the Bribrí individuals reside in tiny, self-contained towns where they obtain nourishment, medication, and materials for their homes directly from nature. Due to their isolation, they still retain their unique local dialect as well as a distinct form of sign language.

However, in recent years, the Bribrí community has welcomed tourism as a means of sharing their rich culture and way of living. So, you can join this excursion and delve into their history, beliefs, and customs. Your journey begins with a meeting with a shaman, who will warmly welcome you into their family and guide you through a traditional cocoa ceremony, a hallmark of local culture.

Following this, you will enjoy traditional Bribrí cuisine and explore two breathtaking waterfalls: the imposing 50-foot-high Volio Waterfall and the smaller yet equally stunning Bribrí Waterfall.

7. Swim in the natural pools of Playa Chiquita, one of the most unique activities in Puerto Viejo

For a change of scenery in Puerto Viejo, consider exploring the natural pools of Playa Chiquita. After days filled with hiking and exploration, a bit of relaxation might be precisely what you need. Playa Chiquita is located about 3.7 miles from the town center, easily accessible via a scenic nature trail winding through lush vegetation and teeming with local wildlife.

Beyond its stunning beaches home to fine sand and crystal clear waters, Playa Chiquita allows visitors the chance to unwind within natural pools forming along specific coastal points. Here, one can appreciate the tranquil surroundings of the jungle while observing fish trapped amidst the shifting tides.

8. Enjoy Caribbean food in one of the best restaurants in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

If you weren’t already aware, Christopher Columbus first set foot on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the year 1502, leaving behind a culturally rich legacy shaped by influences from Europe and Africa. This vibrant cultural heritage is clearly reflected in the region’s cuisine, which distinguishes it from the rest of the country. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is to indulge in some traditional Costa Rican dishes and delight your taste buds with new flavors.

Many of the traditional recipes feature basic ingredients, a testament to the challenging economic situations of the time and the significant African impact from slaves brought on ships. Take, for example, breadfruit, a fruit that’s fried with coconut milk. It was originally brought from Asia as an inexpensive food for slaves.

Other than classics like rice with beans or fish with fried green plantains, I also suggest sampling some other local specialties, such as fried yucca rounds, plantain and cheese pastries called plantintá, Jamaican plant root turnovers called patí, flavorful fish and coconut milk soup rondón, and sweet bread infused with fruits and raisins called pan bon, among others.

The Mawamba Lodge is one of the best-placed retreats in Costa Rica, specifically in Tortuguero, next to the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best spots to lodge in the area, and it offers direct beachfront access and incredible views of the Tortuguero canals. If your objective is to spot untamed wildlife in their all-natural habitat, I strongly recommend staying here.

9. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and reggae music in Puerto Viejo

There is no better way to finish the day than by enjoying a lively evening on the beach in Puerto Viejo, Limón. Reggae music plays an important role in Caribbean culture characterizing Puerto Viejo. Though, you`ll find diverse venues providing different atmospheres where you can groove to music, sip on drinks, and form new acquaintances.

As evening fell, the roads came alive, and festivities kicked into high gear at the beaches. We decided to call it an early night to replenish for the following day, but have no worries! You can always party in Puerto Viejo until daybreak with no issues.

While there are plenty of options available, most places serving drinks in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica offer a similar experience. No matter where you go, you can expect live performances, entertaining shows, and, of course, special prices on beverages during certain hours. You can check out Hot Rocks,Johnny’s Place, and Salsa Brava – three popular destinations for enjoying the nightlife in Puerto Viejo.

10. Excursion from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, Panama

Thanks to its close proximity to Panama, visiting Puerto Viejo can be an excellent chance to cross the boundary and investigate another astonishinggoal on theCaribbean coast: Bocas del Toro.

If making the journey by rented vehicle, be sure to check the rental company`s policies regarding international travel, as many prohibit it. In our case, we opted for this shuttle service to Bocas del Toro, which turned out to be a seamless and efficient option.

We invested three days at that place, but honestly, we could have simply stayed longer. If you’re looking to experience other memorable activities to do in Puerto Viejo, I highly recommend adding this paradisiacal island to your itinerary.

The transportation service takes you via van to the border, where another guide awaits to escort you to the docking point. From there, passengers will board a boat headed for Puerto Valencia on Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro. While going through customs can sometimes prove troublesome, this transport service aided in streamlining the process.

Where to stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Now that you’ve received all the details about popular things to do in Puerto Viejo, it’s time to choose the perfect lodging. If you are unsure about places to reside in Costa Rica, here are three suggestions catering to different spending plans:

• Umami Hotel: If luxury lodging is what you seek, consider Umami Hotel, one of the best high-end hotels in Costa Rica. Situated only 650 feet from the beach, this elegant hotel boasts stylish rooms with terraces and top-tier amenities. It also features an outdoor pool, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa for relaxation.

• Selina Puerto Viejo: If you’re attempting to save money but still want a comfortable place to reside, I recommend Selina Puerto Viejo, one of the premier hostels in Costa Rica. This hostel provides both shared and private living spaces, along with excellent facilities. Moreover, if you need to finish some work during your trip, you`ll appreciate the coworking area with roomy tables and a reliable internet connection.

• Terrazas del Caribe Aparthotel: This place is one of the highly recommended apartment options in Costa Rica, suitable for those seeking a home-like environment. These apartments feature one- and two-bedroom units, each equipped with a patio or terrace, a living room, and a dining area including a fully stocked kitchen. If you prefer not to cook yourself, you can always eat at the complex`s restaurant.

• Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: This hotel is one of the finest accommodations located in Limón, situated overlooking Playa Cocles. It provides a variety of room options to select from, such as those with a pool or ocean views, private pools, and terraces. This luxurious resort also boasts a beach club with activities for all ages, an outdoor pool, and a spa specializing in Ayurvedic treatments.

Map of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Below, you’ll find a map of Puerto Viejo highlighting the area of all the attractions stated in this guide. Additionally, I recommend consulting our tourist maps of Costa Rica to help plan your itinerary.

That wraps up our guide on the best things to do in Puerto Viejo. I hope it provided plenty of ideas for your next adventure, but if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Pura Vida!