14 AWESOME Things To Do in Puerto Viejo & How To Get There
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica then you have come to the right place!
Hidden on the glistening shores of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast lies the laid-back, hippie town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Due to its location, this tropical paradise often gets missed on the ‘traditional’ tourist path. Which, in my opinion, makes Puerto Viejo all the more appealing. Whilst the town is small, there are still many wonderful things to do in Puerto Viejo.
Whether you want to sip Pina Coladas overlooking the beach, try your hand at surfing, or go in search of some sloths. You are guaranteed to leave this town with a full heart and a smile on your face.
After a fabulous two-week holiday in Costa Rica, I realised that Puerto Viejo was my favourite place of all.
I completely fell in love ❤️ with the chilled-out vibes, the vibrant atmosphere, and the influence of Caribbean culture (I certainly won’t be shocked if you do too). If you are looking for a destination that will truly capture your attention then Puerto Viejo is the place you need to visit!
So, what are the best things to do in Puerto Viejo? Read on below to find out!
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⬇️A QUICK GUIDE TO PUERTO VIEJO⬇️
⛵ WHAT TO DO ⛵
- Kayaking Tour through the Punta Uva Mangroves
- Chill out at Playa Cocoles
- Cycle around the town
- Visit Cahuita National Park
🛌🏻 WHERE TO STAY 🛌🏻
- Hotel Pura Vida (Budget)
- Hotel Banana Azul (Mid-Range)
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
- Playa 506 Beachfront Hostel (Hostel)
🍕 WHERE TO EAT 🍕
Enjoy A Day At Playa Cocles Beach
With crisp white sand and impressive 7-foot waves, Playa Cocles is one of the best beaches to visit in Puerto Viejo. Whether you are an experienced surfer, want to learn or simply want to chill out on the beach, Playa Cocles has something for everyone.
There are a handful of well-established surf shops and schools in Playa Cocles, so you will be well looked after whether you just want to rent a board or take some lessons. Two of the top-rated surf schools in Playa Cocles are Surf Meds Carbe and Pirate Surf School. A two-hour surf lesson starts at around $60 and board rentals start at $15.
Playa Cocles is just a short 10-minute drive (and 50-minute walk) from Puerto Viejo and is easily accessible by car/taxi, cycle and foot.
There isn’t much else to do in Playa Cocles apart from surfing or sunbathing so if that’s not your thing you can probably give this one a miss! ?
Sunset Cocktails at Puerto Pirata
I feel ashamed to admit that probably my favourite thing to do in Puerto Viejo was to spend time at this quirky little tiki bar drinking cocktails, but it really is a vibe.
Puerto Pirata is situated in the heart of Puerto Viejo, overlooking the beach and is one of the best sunset viewing spots in town. They also served up some of the best cocktails I had during my time in Puerto Viejo and the staff were super helpful and friendly, always on hand to give their recommendations.
I cannot recommend this place enough and suggest that you head down here just before sunset and sip on some delicious Pina Coladas (or mocktails) whilst watching the sun sink below the horizon.
Cahuita National Park
Recognised as one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths, a trip to Cahuita National Park should definitely not be missed off your Puerto Viejo itinerary. This was definitely the best activity I did during my time in Puerto Viejo and was such an awesome opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful nature and wildlife that Costa Rica is best known for.
Expect to see pristine white sandy beaches, an abundance of unique wildlife and thick lush greenery. And, don’t be shocked if you hear some strange noises coming from the depths of the jungle, that’s probably the sounds of the Howler Monkey echoing through the canopy.
You’re also free to go for a dip in the water so make sure to come prepared and pack your swimsuit and beach towel.
Cahuita is located just 30 minutes from Puerto Viejo and is easily accessible by public bus, shuttle or taxi. Alternatively, If you have rented a car or bike there are guarded car parks which you can pay to use (expect to pay around $2-3 USD to park for the day).
It’s also important to note that whilst the entrance to the park is actually free (Cahuita is one of the only free national parks in all of Costa Rica) you will be asked for a donation of $5 USD for park maintenance. I would definitely recommend donating this if you can to ensure that you are being a responsible and thoughtful traveller.
Also, you can either choose to explore the park at your own pace or hire a guide. You can either book a guide in advance or do this last minute as there are plenty of guides ready and waiting by the park entrance if you would prefer to decide on the day.
Hiring a guide can often be a much better decision as they have years of experience in spotting animals. If we didn’t hire a guide I would have completely missed all the sleeping sloths in the trees.
Book A Private Tour Of Cahuita
- Price: $40
- Rating: 5/5
- Duration: 2 hours
- Includes: 2 hours of hiking & telescope
Explore the town by Bicycle
One of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is to cruise through the town and its surrounding areas by bicycle. Almost all of the places that I have mentioned in this post are easily accessible by bike. Plus, it’s a great way to soak up all of the stunning scenery that Puerto Viejo has to offer.
And, one of the best things about Puerto Viejo is that the roads have been newly paved, so unlike most of Costa Rica, the roads are pot-hole free and cycle-ready!
There are a handful of bike rental companies in the town centre so you won’t be short of choice. You can rent a cycle for as little as $5 USD a day.
Make sure you are super-mindful about locking your bike when you park. I’ve heard some stories about bikes getting stolen and tourists having to pay out to the companies to resolve the issue.
One of the best companies to rent a bike from in Puerto Viejo is Puertoviehobikerentals.com who offer the option to rent both traditional bicycles and e-bikes.
Dinner at Koki Beach
One of THE BEST restaurants in Puerto Viejo has to be Koki Beach. Being a seaside town Puerto Viejo has quite a few seafood options but nowhere will beat the fresh and delicious seafood that you can find at Koki Beach.
You can choose from dishes like Ceviche and Steak but the standout dish has to be the grilled octopus which is honestly some of the best and most beautifully presented octopus I have ever eaten!
Koki Beach is one of the higher-end food options in Puerto Viejo and you can expect to pay upwards of $15 for a main dish.
Kayak through Punta Uva Mangroves
Another top-rated activity in Puerto Viejo has to be kayaking through the mangroves behind Punta Uva Beach.
At high tide, the mangroves come to life and offer a unique opportunity to explore this tropical paradise to spot some of Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, and sloths. One of the best sloth sightings I had during my time in Costa Rica was while exploring these mangroves so it’s definitely worth it if sloth-spotting is on your bucket list.
I recommend booking this kayaking tour which is one of the best ones in Puerto Viejo. You’ll spend over 2 hours with an experienced guide who can helpfully point out all of the animals, and give you more information about the history of this beautiful spot.
Book Your Punta Uva Kaykaing Tour
- Price: $55
- Rating: 5/5
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Includes: Kayaks
Party at Salsa Brava Rasta Bar
Love Reggae, Reggaeton Music and chilled-out vibes? Then make sure you pay a visit to Salsa Brava Rasta Bar both during the day and at night!
The bar itself is no-thrills and it’s probably better to order a beer from here rather than a cocktail, BUT the music and the atmosphere are vibrant and it overlooks the beach. I totally fell in love with the place.
I honestly could have stayed in this bar all night listening to the tunes, but unfortunately, my jet lag got the better of me! This is a great spot if you’re looking to party during your time in Puerto Viejo.
Take a trip to Manzanillo
This charming spot offers a laid-back atmosphere which is perfect for those looking to escape the bustle of Puerto Viejo. Manzanillo boasts stunning golden sand beaches and turquoise waters. This is the perfect location for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
The village is also home to some fantastic cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in a relaxed setting
To get here you can drive (if you have rented a car) take the public bus, or if you are up for the challenge you can cycle but be warned it is a 13 KM ride and will be quite the challenge under the hot Costa Rican sun.
Relax on Punta Uva Beach
Punta Uva is proudly featured on the list of Costa Rica’s Blue-Flag (cleanest) beaches. This beach is regarded as the most beautiful beach in Puerto Viejo and one of the best in Costa Rica.
With Its rich golden sand, palm tree-studded shores and clear waters, Punta Uva is a hit with both tourists and locals alike. This beach is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing and gives you the chance to experience a true gem of this country.
To get the most out of your time at Punta Uva you could also combine your time here with the kayaking and mangroves tour that I mentioned earlier in this post. I also noticed that almost all of the locals here had bought down a picnic for them to enjoy at the beach so this could be a good idea for you also.
Book on a Chocolate Tour
An interesting fact that I had no clue about before I visited Puerto Viejo is that one of its greatest exports is chocolate and it has an abundance of cacao farms in the area.
If you’re a chocolate fan, one of the coolest things you can do in Puerto Viejo is this chocolate tour. During the tour, you’ll learn all about how they grow and harvest cacao and how this is transformed into delicious chocolate in something they call the “bean to bar” process.
You’ll be pleased to know that you, of course, get to try a variety of different types of chocolates as part of the experience. You can book your chocolate tour here.
Enjoy a Chocolate Tour
- Price: $45
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Chocolate tasting, snacks, drinks
Wander through the boutique shops
As you are strolling through Puerto Viejo town you’ll notice that there are lots of cute and quirky clothes/souvenir shops. If like me, you’re keen to get your hands on some sloth-themed memorabilia then make sure to have a peak inside some of these stores.
These shops came in very handy when my boyfriend’s luggage was lost in transit en route to Costa Rica. He managed to pick up some really nice t-shirts from a super cool Costa Rican Brand at Wanderlust Puerto Viejo (and I also nabbed a very cute beach bag). Wanderlust Puerto Viejo in my opinion is the best clothes/souvenir shop in all of Puerto Viejo.
Visit Some Of The Other Beaches In Town
Whilst Playa Cocoles and Punta Uva were my favourites there are a couple of other beaches in town that you might find worth visiting; Playa Chiquita and Playa Negra.
Playa Chiquita is another blue flag beach in Costa Rica meaning its super clean. This beach is super rocky meaning it’s less popular with people as swimming here isn’t as easy. However, this is great if you’re after a little peace and quiet, as you might find you have the beach all to yourself.
Playa Negra (black beach) is a beautiful black sand beach in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for something a little more unique and interesting a visit to Playa Negra might be perfect for you.
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre
The admirable Jaguar Rescue Centre looks after ill, injured, illegally trafficked and orphaned animals. These can include wild cats, sloths, monkeys, and reptiles as well as a few other endangered species.
The purpose of the JRC is to provide 24/7 care to these animals in order to rehabilitate them and hopefully (if possible) re-introduce them to the wild.
You can help to support the JRC by booking a tour around the grounds, where you will be able to get up close with the animals and learn all about their stories from extremely knowledgeable and passionate guides. Tours start from $24 USD and you can book your tour here.
How To Get To Puerto Viejo
San Jose To Puerto Viejo
There are three main ways to get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose, either by renting a car, catching the public bus or booking a private shuttle.
Car
If you a planning to spend some time exploring Costa Rica then renting a car is a great option. I recommend only doing this if you are travelling with other people as car rental is expensive and the drives are long.
The drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is 217 KM and approximately a 4-hour drive. Be sure to allow for extra time when doing this journey as you might encounter traffic along the way. I think in the end it took my boyfriend and I around 6 hours to get here.
Public Bus
You can catch an MEPE bus from San Jose quite easily. Tickets cost around 6000 Colones which is roughly $10. There are 6 buses a day leaving San Jose. The first bus leaves at 6 am and the last at 4 pm. I recommend getting the first bus of the day as the bus journey will take at least 5-6 hours and I think it’s much better not to arrive in Puerto Viejo in the dark.
You do not have to book tickets in advance, you can arrive at the terminal which opens at 5:30 am and purchase a ticket on the day.
Private Shuttle
If you prefer the comfort of a private shuttle then you can prebook a minibus that will take door to door from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. Shuttle bus tickets are much more expensive, starting at around $60, but this is the price you pay for convenience in Costa Rica.
Many different shuttle bus services operate out of San Jose and I recommend booking your shuttle bus here.
Book Your Private Shuttle Bus
Want a stress free journey to Puerto Viejo? Book your private shuttle below.
Tortuguero To Puerto Viejo
Another popular travel route to Puerto Viejo is from the beautiful wild region of Tortugeruo. The journey here is somewhat longer as Tortgeuro is very remote and will require a few different parts of the journey.
CAR
From Tortuguero, you will need to board the boat to La Pavona which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Boats leave Tortuguero at 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. Tickets cost around $3 per person, with an additional $2 per bag.
If you have already travelled to Tortuguero by car then you will have left your car at the secure parking area in La Pavona. From La Pavona you will then need to do the drive to Puerto Viejo. The drive from La Pavona to Puerto Viejo is approximately 194 km and takes about 4–5 hours.
Public Bus
To travel from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo, start by taking a boat from Tortuguero to La Pavona. From La Pavona you will then need to board a bus to Cariari which is a 1.5-hour trip costing $3 that has been aligned with boat arrival times.
Next, you will need to take a COOPETRACA bus from Cariari to Guapiles which is a 1-hour journey for $2. At Guapiles be sure to catch a TRACASA bus to Limón which takes roughly 2 hours and costs about $6.
Finally, from Limón’s Gran Terminal del Caribe, you can take a MEPE bus to Puerto Viejo which departs hourly at 20 past the hour. This last leg takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs $4–6.
Bocas Del Toro To Puerto Viejo
If you’re travelling to Puerto Viejo as part of a larger Central America tour, you can easily travel here from Bocas Del Toro in Panama with a private shuttle bus. You can book a direct bus through 12goasia which costs around $30. Thankfully the journey should be fairly short (in Central America terms) at around 4-5 hours.
Where To Stay In Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo has a great range of accommodations to suit every budget and here are some of the top places to stay include:
Budget Hotels In Puerto Viejo
Mid-Range Hotels In Puerto Viejo
Luxury Hotels In Puerto Viejo
Hostels In Puerto Viejo
When Is The Best Time To Visit Puerto Viejo?
The best time to visit Puerto Viejo is during the months of December-April when Costa Rica experiences its dry season. Although the dry season isn’t as clear-cut as this. I know a lot of people who have visited Puerto Viejo outside of this window and have still experienced warm, glorious sunshine. If you prefer a more low-key and peaceful experience then I recommend visiting outside of the dry season as the town will be much quieter.
Is Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica worth visiting?
I spent two weeks exploring Costa Rica and I can safely say that Puerto Viejo was my favourite place and I 100% believe that Puerto Viejo is worth visiting. I think it was the mix of the beautiful beaches, the laid-back atmosphere with a big Caribbean influence and the chance to see cute sloths at every turn!
How many days do I need in Puerto Viejo?
To really get the most out of Puerto Viejo I recommend that you stay for at least 3 days. I spent only 2 days here and I definitely left longing for more.
Is Puerto Viejo a party town?
Puerto Viejo is one of those towns that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a party, a couple or a family looking for a more chilled-out experience you will be able to get something out of the town. If you’re looking for a good party a recommend staying in a sociable hostel in Puerto Viejo or asking the local staff in the bars around town about what events they have going on.
Is it safe to walk around Puerto Viejo at night?
I would say it’s fairly safe to walk around Puerto Viejo at night but only if you’re staying close to town. If you are a bit further out I would recommend using a taxi or tuk-tuk service. Additionally, if you are a solo female traveller I wouldn’t advise walking alone in the dark at all, not because Puerto Viejo is specifically dangerous, this is just the standard practice for us solo female travellers wherever we are in the world.
You might also enjoy…
- 20 Awesome Things to Do in Dominical, Costa Rica
- 2 Weeks in Costa Rica- The Ultimate Itinerary
- How To Get To Tortuguero
- 12 Awesome Things To Do In Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Prepare For Your Trip To Puerto Viejo
🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!
🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.
🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.
🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for just a few days, or a little longer Puerto Viejo offers so many opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy some of the best natural beauty spots that Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you want to chill at the beach, go sloth spotting in the national park or amongst the mangroves or simply soak up the laidback Caribbean vibe here there will be something for you.
I hope you have a wonderful time exploring all that Puerto Viejo has to offer. If you have any more questions about anything discussed in this blog post, please feel free to reach out!
Love the chocolate tour!! I would definitely want to do that. 🙂 Great post and beautiful pics, Christina!
Deffo a good choice! Thanks so much!!