Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃
🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 
🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)
🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 
🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 
🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 
🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 
🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising
10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮 1 nig 10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮
1 night - Leon 🌋
2 nights -San Juan Del Sur or Popoyo 🏄🏽‍♀️
2 nights - Ometepe 🌋
2 nights - Laguna de Apoyo/ Granada 🛶
3 nights - Little Corn Island 🌴🌽
📆For those of us who are limited to 25 days of holiday a year - 10 days in Nicaragua is TOTALLY doable. You’ll be on a tight schedule and will need to spend more on transport/taxis to get to places on time …. but it’s all worth it. ✈️
⏰If you have more time, I would say stretch to 14 days and up some of the stays to 3 nights. This will give you a chance to relax in each location. 💤
Would you visit Nicaragua for 10 days?
Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴 📍 Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴
📍Locations
Anse Source D’Argent 
Anse Cocos
Anse Major
Deffo still need to practise being a drone pilot but one step at a time right? 😂
🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in t 🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in the Seychelles it’s one of the only places in the country where you will see wild tortoises roam freely. 
🐢The whole island of Curieuse is a protected marine park where more than 200 🐢🐢🐢 live out their lives in a protected paradise. 
🐢There age of tortoises on the island range from 0-90years old 
🐢You can visit Curieuse Island  on an all boat trip from the nearby Praslin Island (we booked ours through @getyourguide) 
Would you like to see these gentle giants?
Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also tot Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also totally lying to themselves 😂🍁🍂❄️☃️🧣
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what society expects of you. Live your life by your own rules 🧡
From where I’d rather be with my @dockandbay be From where I’d rather be with my  @dockandbay beach towel🌴🇸🇨🐚
If you’re going if you love swimming or are going backpacking/on holiday soon then you NEED this @dockandbay towel! 
🍃It’s extremely compact
🍃it’s quick drying
🍃it’s sand resistant 
🍃it’s sustainable 
@dockandbay have also just dropped a brand new product so go and check it out 😉
🔖For 15% discount use code CCEV51UN at checkout to get
#dbcabanaclub#gifted
Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺 Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺
Days 1-2 - Mahe Island 
🌴Beau Vallon Beach 
🌴Anse Major Hike 
Days 2-4 - Praslin Island 
🌴Anse Lazio beach day 
🌴Valle de Mai trail
🌴Curieuse Island day trip to see Aldabra Tortoises 
Days 4-7 - La Digue Island
🌴Anse Source D’Argent 
🌴Anse Cocos Hike
🌴Anse Severe
When you start throwing peace signs ironically and When you start throwing peace signs ironically and it accidentally becomes part of your aesthetics✌🏽
I blame my friends 😅
Anyone else like this? 😅
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊
🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)
South Coast (November to April) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 
There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 
East Coast (May-October) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 
Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️ What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️
Not sure this applies to everyone because I someho Not sure this applies to everyone because I somehow don’t think I’m anyone’s airport crush when this is the airport aesthetic 😂😂
Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️ Tell Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️
Tell me a random fact about yourself 💬💕⬇️
(PS I honestly don’t know why I turn around and look shocked at the rainbow in this video. 🌈The rainbow is literally the reason I asked for a picture 😂😂. One too many seltzers I think)
🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya If you’re l 🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya
If you’re looking to spend a boujee day in Sri Lanka make sure you head to @laplaya.hiriketiya. For a cold glass of wine 🍷and some delish pizza 🍕
This was my favourite place in Hiriketiya and the music is just 👌🏽😍
🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in 🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in the Seychelles🍃🌴
😍Pretty much Every Beach on La Digue is incredible but because this one takes a little more work to get to 🥾🌋 you’ll only find handful of other tourists here (in my experience at least) 
🚴🏽‍♀️ How to get there 🚴🏽‍♀️
🍃Head to the entrance of Grand Anse Beach. Most people cycle here and you will see straight in front of you a place to park your bikes 
🍃Head down the small path and follow the trail
🍃You will hike up and over one hill and come to another beach. Don’t get too excited this is Petit Anse beach not cocos so still a bit more to go.
🍃Continue up and over the second hill (this is a little bit longer than the first) 
🍃You have arrived at Anse Cocos
🍃This will take you about 30 minutes in total 
🍹Head straight to the beach shack and grab a mango daiquiri
🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴 Anse Lazio is on t 🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴
Anse Lazio is on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles! It’s one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen 😍
Are you adding this one to your bucket list 💕
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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Beach Holidays, Central America, Costa Rica · February 14, 2023

Best Things to do In Puerto Viejo: The Ultimate Bucket List

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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!

Punta Uva - Things to do in Puerto Viejo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 

Contents show
1 Sunset Cocktails at Puerto Pirata
2 Playa Cocles Beach
3 Cahuita National Park
4 Explore the town by Bicycle
5 Dinner at Koki Beach
6 Kayak through Punta Uva Mangroves
7 Party at Salsa Brava Rasta Bar
8 Take a trip to Manzanillo
9 Relax on Punta Uva Beach
10 Book on a Chocolate Tour
11 Wander through the boutique shops
12 Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre
13 Happy Exploring

Sunset Cocktails at Puerto Pirata

Overlooking Puerto Viejo beach lies the super cool Tiki Bar, Puerto Pirata. Puerto Pirata is one of the best sunset viewing spots in all of Puerto Viejo, it also has the best cocktails in town and extremely friendly and helpful staff. One of my favourite things to do in Puerto Viejo of an evening was to head down to Puerto Pirata just before sunset and sip on some delicious Pina Coladas whilst watching the sun sink below the horizon.

Puerto Pirata - Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Pirata - Things to do in Puerto Viejo

Playa Cocles Beach

With Crisp white sand and impressive 7-foot waves, Playa Cocles is one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo for those who love to surf (or want to give surfing a go). 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. One of the top-rated surf schools in Playa Cocles is Surf Meds Carbe. 

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, so if that’s not your thing you can probably give this one a miss! 😅

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. 

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. 

Being able to completely immerse myself in nature made visiting Cahuita National Park one of my favourite things to do in Puerto Viejo. 

Cahuita National Park Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Cahuita National Park -Things to do in Puerto Viejo

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.

Cahuita National Park - Things to do in Puerto Viejo

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.

Booking.com

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.

Puerto

Dinner at Koki Beach

Seafood lovers, dinner at Koki Beach is the one for you. As you would expect from a seaside town the seafood is super fresh and just all-around delicious. I had the grilled octopus dish and it was honestly the best octopus I have ever eaten! Do not skip dinner at Koki Beach.

Koki Beach - Puerto Viejo

Kayak through Punta Uva Mangroves

At high tide, you can meander through the thick, lush mangroves of Punta Uva in search of more of Costa Rica’s fantastic wildlife. Such as toucans, monkeys and of course, the sloth! Willies tours are one of the top-rated companies to book with. Don’t miss out on this trip as it’s one of the most incredible things to do in Puerto Viejo.

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 is vibrant and it overlooks the beach. I totally fell in love with the place.  

I honestly could have stayed in this bar all night, but unfortunately, my jet lag got the better of me!

Puerto Pirata - Puerto Viejo

Take a trip to Manzanillo

Not to be confused with the Playa Manzanillo on Costa Rica’s west coast. This Manzanillo is just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. Manzanillo is a calm and tranquil fishing village with yet another stunning beach and some great cafes and restaurants. If you are craving some respite from the livelier Puerto Viejo then a trip to Manzanillo could do the trick.

Relax on Punta Uva Beach

Featured on the list of Costa Rica’s Blue-Flag (cleanest) beaches is the beautiful Punta Uva. Punta Uva is one of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo if not all of Costa Rica. The rich golden sand and the palm tree-studded shores make Punta Uva a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. 

What makes Punta Uva even more special is the law against building anything within 50 metres of the high tide line. Meaning the beach is free, open and ready for you to enjoy. Make sure you do not skip a trip to Punta Uva as it’s one of the most beautiful things to do in Puerto Viejo.

Punta Uva - Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Punta Uva - Things to do in Puerto Viejo

Book on a Chocolate Tour 

One of Puerto Viejo’s greatest exports is chocolate and it has an abundance of cacao farms in the area. During the tour, you’ll learn all about how they grow and harvest cacao and how they transform this into delicious chocolate. No chocolate tour would be complete without some taste-testing, so you’ll be pleased to know you’ll get to try a variety of different types of chocolates. You can book your chocolate tour here

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.

Things to do in Puerto Viejo

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 plight from extremely knowledgeable and passionate guides. Tours start from $24 USD and you can here to book your tour directly with the JRC.

Puerto Viejo

Happy Exploring

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!

Looking for more Costa Rica inspiration? Check out my guide to Dominical

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In: Beach Holidays, Central America, Costa Rica

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Comments

  1. Kristen Valenti says

    March 2, 2023 at 11:12 am

    Love the chocolate tour!! I would definitely want to do that. 🙂 Great post and beautiful pics, Christina!

    Reply
    • christinasophiapatel says

      June 26, 2023 at 11:33 am

      Deffo a good choice! Thanks so much!!

      Reply

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of this beautiful world.

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christina.inthe.clouds

Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
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