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Heading to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and wondering what are the best things to do in Puerto Viejo? I’m here to help!
From beautiful beaches to delicious food and exciting adventures, Puerto Viejo has something for everyone.
In this article, I tell you everything you need to know about Puerto Viejo and the best attractions around.
This will help you organise your trip and put together an itinerary for your time in Puerto Viejo.
1. Rent a Bike and Explore the area
One of the best ways to get around Puerto Viejo is by bike. The town is small enough to explore on two wheels and since it’s flat, it makes it very easy.
You can rent bikes from many places around town for as little as $7 per day. Your accommodation will also most likely offer the service so you can ask them first.
TOP TIP: When you hire the bike, ask them if they have a spare chain or repair kit you can take. A lot of these bikes aren’t always in the best state so it’s good to have somewhat of a back up.
Some shops in towns also offer the option of hiring electric bikes. Obviously, it’s a bit more expensive but they are in better condition and of course, it makes it easier during the day.
That having been said, since it is flat overall, it’s not hard with a normal bike either.
The roads are in good condition and there are a lot of cyclists so vehicles are used to it.
It can get a bit busy on the main road from Puerto Viejo to Playa Cocles though.
I particularly recommend going in the town centre, playa Negra, playa Puerto Viejo, Cocles or even all the way to Punta Uva.
2. Cahuita National Park
Located just 20km north of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park is a must-visit during your trip.
With its white sand beaches and crystal clear water, this park offers some of the best snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the area.
You can also hike through the park’s trails to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and various bird species.
PRO TIP: Make sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray with you as it can get hot and humid, and there are lots of mosquitoes in the area.
You can visit it by yourself or with a guide. If you go by yourself, there are two entrances you can take. The northern one, by Playa Blanca, is the most common. The entrance is donation based here.
If you opt for the southern entrance, in Puerto Vargas, there is a $5 fee.
The other option is to book a guided tour such as this one. I particularly recommend it because you will get to see a lot more animals with a guide.
Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and wildlife and unless you are an expert, you won’t get to see much unless someone shows you where to look.
You can easily spend half a day or even the entire day in the park since there is the walking path, the beach where you can swim and snorkeling opportunities.
3. Visit Jaguar Rescue Center
Located in Punta Cocles, the Jaguar Rescue Center is a must-visit for animal lovers.
This rescue center takes in injured and orphaned animals, rehabilitates them, and do their best to release them back into the wild.
All the animals they take care of wouldn’t be able to survive in the rainforest so it’s a very nice initiative.
They offer guided tours of the center every day. You get to see monkeys, sloths, birds, snakes and all sorts of animals. It costs $24 and lasts 90 minutes.
If you’d prefer, you can also opt for a private tour.
4. Playa Negra
If you’re looking for a beautiful black sand beach, Playa Negra is the place to go.
Located just a short walk from Puerto Viejo town center, this beach is quite unique and the perfect example of what a volcanic beach looks like.
You can park pretty much anywhere by the beach and walk from your vehicle to the sandy area.
This beach is a popular spot for beginner surfers but also the perfect place to go for a swim or just relax.
PRO TIP: Make sure you use even more sunscreen than usual here since the black sand attracts the sun a lot more. It’s more likely you’d get a sunburn here compared to other beaches.
5. BriBri Chocolate Workshop
No trip to Puerto Viejo would be complete without going to the BriBri reserve.
The BriBris are an indigenous group that live in the Talamanca region. You can visit one of their villages and learn more about this local culture.
The BriBris are also known for their production of cacao which means that during the tour, you also get to learn how chocolate is made from start to finish.
You can book your tour online here. It includes transport, the guide, the entrance to the BriBri reserve, the chocolate workshop and a waterfall.
When you start the tour, you will be greeted by a member of the community who will explain quite a few things about the tools they use.
You will then go around the reserve (it’s a short jungle walk) and discover some of the local plants and their use. Some of them are used as camouflage or lipstick. It’s very interesting.
You will then end the tour at the chocolate hut where you can roast the beans, grind them and make a cacao paste.
6. Punta Uva
Located about 30 minutes by bike (or 10 minutes by car) from Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a natural beach with wildlife.
This beautiful golden sand beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
There are also plenty of trees providing shade if you need to take a break from the sun. The water is warm and calm so it’s an excellent place for a swim.
You will also find a mangrove there which is a great place to go kayaking. You can book your kayak here and enjoy a peaceful paddle through the beautiful mangrove.
There are a lot of animals in the trees (and in the water) so keep an eye out to spot sloths, monkeys and more.
7. White Water Rafting Pacuare River
For adventure seekers, a white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River is an absolute must-do. This is one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting!
Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Puerto Viejo, this river offers class II-IV rapids that will provide an exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced people.
You can book your tour here. It includes pick up from Puerto Viejo and the rafting tour.
You will be with a professional instructor who will help you navigate through 50 rapids (29 km).
Along the way, you will also have a chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and exotic bird species. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines adrenaline with nature.
8. Playa Puerto Viejo
Playa Puerto Viejo is the main (and closest) beach in town. It’s only a few steps away from the center which makes it very accessible.
The sand is golden and thin which makes it a great place for a walk or just relax. It’s also a good place to visit with children since the water is pretty shallow.
9. Horse Back Riding
Horse riding is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. There is something quite magical about being on a horse, on a beach or the jungle.
Whether you are an experienced rider or not, that’s something you should definitely add to your bucket list.
There are a few options in and around Puerto Viejo but the most popular one is to ride on the beach in Punta Uva.
It lasts a couple of hours and includes parts in the jungle and the beach. Punta Uva is a stunning place and very well preserved so you’ll love it.
Click here to see the prices and availability.
10. Playa Cocles
Cocles beach is located about 3 km from Puerto Viejo. It’s a long and beautiful beach perfect for surfing, swimming or just relaxing on the sand.
You can easily get there from Puerto Viejo with a bike. There are loads of spots on the side of the road where you can leave your bike (make sure to use the padlock though)
There are also plenty of food options nearby, including beachfront restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes.
I particularly loved the soda Las Olas. It’s a small traditional soda with fresh food bowls (they even have a vegan bowl). You can sit at a table by the beach which is very nice.
11. Ma-Cuu Waterfall
Located only 15 minutes from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Ma-Cuu waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss.
It’s one of the BriBri waterfalls which means that if you booked a tour like this one, it will be included in the trip.
Otherwise, you can get there by car. There is a dedicated car park where you can pay for the entrance (again, this would be included in the tour).
The owner of the place also sells coconut water and coco locos so if you want a sweet treat after the walk, it’s a good place to get it.
There is a trail that goes down to the waterfall. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can go for a swim there.
12. Surfing in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is known as one of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica for beginners. The beach break offers consistent waves, which is ideal for people trying for the first time.
The best beach for surfing is playa cocles but you can also do it at playa Puerto Viejo.
If you’ve never surfed before, I highly recommend booking a lesson from one of the local surf places. Otherwise, you can simply hire a board.
Puerto Viejo is an authentic haven of thrilling activities and breathtaking beauty, a paradise tucked away in Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
It’s a place that blends adventure, relaxation, and culture in a unique way. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a beach lover, Puerto Viejo has something for everyone.
I hope this article will help you plan your trip to Puerto Viejo.
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