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So, what are the very best 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 unimaginable 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 incredible place to go to.
Prime 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 almost two hours. You may e-book a personal switch on to your lodging, or you possibly can take the extra inexpensive shuttle service. It takes longer however is far 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 very best domestically 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 embody Gallo pinto, olla de Carne, and Casado. Caribbean hen (Pollo Caribeno) can also be tasty should you get the possibility to attempt it, and the dish is flavored with candy coconut milk. You’re certain to pattern some dishes that you just’ll wish to attempt once more at house.
You may simply e-book a guided tour or cooking lesson on-line. If you’re solely visiting for a number of days or throughout peak season, we’d suggest reserving prematurely. Saying that cooking classes are excellent rainy-day actions, which is one thing to remember should you face a day of dangerous climate.
2. Get together 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 efficient place to begin. The venue serves meals and drinks on the beachfront. You may pattern a spread of cocktails. Salsa Brava Restaurant additionally transforms into a celebration location after darkish. With the motto “good meals, artistic 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 very best place.
3. Go to the Bri Bri Waterfalls
A hike to a group of beautiful waterfalls is a good way to spend a number of hours. The entrances to the Bri Bri Waterfalls are solely a fifteen-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, which is sweet 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 by way of 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 shocking plunge pool that’s deep sufficient so that you can have a refreshing swim. Keep in mind to convey a digital camera so you possibly can snap some footage 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 heart offering specialist veterinary look after 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 concerning the sloths’ tales, their accidents, and the conservation efforts the sanctuary is pioneering. You can too see the extra sensible aspect of their rehab – like motor coaching on their outside climbing frames. If you happen to love animals and wish to assist noble conservation efforts, then the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is one on 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 expertise and nail some spectacular strikes whereas appreciating beautiful views of the Costa Rican shoreline.
Playa Cocles will not be 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 calming spot with a lot of area, excellent for browsing with much less of a crowded really feel of different common 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 heart.
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 must benefit from Puerto Viejo’s excellent location. Puerto Viejo is ideally located on the Caribbean Sea and is a perfect base for a lot of unimaginable in a single day journeys. Prepare so as to add these two journeys to your record.
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 is usually an excellent spot to entry the jungle and go scuba diving or snorkeling.
If the effort of a border crossing doesn’t sound attractive, why not take an in a single day journey in Costa Rica? La Fortuna is a incredible vacation spot if you’re curious about geothermal exercise and is taken into account the gateway to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. You may spend time at Tabacon Scorching 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 individuals 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 individuals who know a little bit of Spanish, you’ll have already guessed that Playa Negra is a black sand seashore. Visiting the seashore is a must-do if you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Puerto Viejo. The pure attraction is exceptionally placing.
Playa Negra is positioned close to Puerto Viejo, so it’s simply slotted into busy itineraries. It is a wonderful place to take a fast detour between close by sights. Nevertheless, Playa Negra can also be an excellent 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 – splendid 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 provides seashore rides that begin from an hour and could be prolonged to 2.5-hour experiences. Horseback using on the seashore is a dream for a lot of, and Playa Chiquita is a fantastic place to make that dream a actuality. You don’t must be an skilled rider to benefit from the tour. Since it’s a personal tour, you’ll have your information’s full consideration should you want any additional help. Driving alongside the attractive seashores of the southern Caribbean coast might be a reminiscence that lasts a lifetime.
If you’d like an thrilling however romantic factor to do close to Puerto Viejo, horseback using on Playa Chiquita positively ticks the field. Think about combining it with a go to to the Jaguar Rescue Middle or Playa Cocles, that are a brief stroll from the using heart.
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 house to some stunning natural world. You may simply spend a day on its mountaineering trails and seashores. And the reserve is only a twenty-minute drive south of Puerto Viejo city heart.
Preserve 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 very best place close to Puerto Viejo to see animals of their pure habitat. Costa Rica’s wildlife is extremely various, and this refuge is a superb place to understand that.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the right day trip for any animal or nature lover. The refuge provides a perfect immersion should you haven’t skilled the rainforest earlier than. Convey bug spray, loads of water, a swimsuit, and snorkeling gear if you wish to go snorkeling over the coral reef if 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 record. 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 house to sea turtles and a few of the most dramatic jungle surroundings. This half-day tour is an efficient option to see it from San Jose.
We propose reserving a ship tour – which is able to 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. If you happen to go to between July and September, there’s an opportunity that you just’ll spot turtles nesting. Tortuguero Nationwide Park is house 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 enables 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 all the time enjoyable, 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 very best expertise, go to Punta Uva in the course of the week reasonably 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 common 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, once in a while, you possibly can spot manatees visiting the waters from their close by mangroves.
If you happen to don’t have your personal snorkeling gear, you possibly can simply lease some from the rental outlets alongside Manzanillo’s beachfront. Simply drop by a spot like Dangerous Bart’s and lease some tools for a number of hours.
13. Spend a lazy morning at Playa Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Playa Puerto Viejo is probably not one in all Costa Rica’s finest seashores. It’s small, not notably stunning, and backs straight onto the busy city of Puerto Viejo. So why must you go to, you might ask. In brief, Playa Puerto Viejo has the very best ambiance of all of the seashores on this information.
Playa Puerto Viejo is a beloved native spot to chill out 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’ve gotten spent a number of 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 bushes and the method in particular person, although, is a special expertise completely. Since chocolate has such an illustrious, prolonged historical past in Costa Rica, it’s only becoming that you’ve this expertise right here. And even higher, Puerto Viejo has its personal chocolate farm.
In Puerto Viejo, you possibly can take a incredible chocolate tour. The tour features a guided stroll via the cacao forest, the place you be taught concerning 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 may be additionally an opportunity to get a glimpse into the manufacturing course of.
Out of all of the Caribbean meals you could possibly style in Costa Rica, chocolate is without doubt one of the finest domestically produced meals. A chocolate tour is a enjoyable (and scrumptious) method you be taught concerning the course of first-hand.
15. Cahuita Nationwide Park
If you’re visiting Costa Rica and love nature and wildlife, you 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 full of life the marine reserve is. On land, you’ll discover monkeys, nesting sea turtles, and a whole bunch of fowl 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 mountaineering trails via the coastal jungle. Visiting Cahuita Nationwide Park is an energetic exercise close to Puerto Viejo. You’ll be bountifully rewarded on your efforts with wildlife sightings galore. Ensure that to convey a digital camera and your water bottle – you’ll want each in equal doses.
16. Go to the Jaguar Rescue Middle
The Jaguar Rescue Middle’s identify is just a little deceptive. You received’t simply discover jaguars at this animal hospital, however animals of all sizes and styles. You could possibly 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 incredible 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 the direction of working the charity and caring for all residents, so it’s good to know that your cash goes in the 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 lined all the very best issues to do in Puerto Viejo, what else do you might want to 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.
Learn how to get to Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
Puerto Viejo doesn’t have its personal airport, which is sensible, contemplating it’s only a small city. Nevertheless, there are two airports comparatively close by you can fly to achieve Puerto Viejo.
The quickest option 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. If you happen to don’t drive, you can even e-book a shuttle on-line or in particular person on the day. The principle shuttle firm is named Caribe Shuttle and operates thrice a day, taking about an hour to achieve Puerto Viejo.
If you’re struggling to search out frequent flights to Limon Worldwide Airport, take into account our second possibility. This (additionally usually cheaper) possibility 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 right resolution if you wish to sightsee simply outdoors Puerto Viejo. It’s speedier than strolling, and rental prices are low, making it a budget-friendly option to get round.
Ideally, if you wish to go to locations additional afield, you must rent a automobile. You’ll have to adapt to completely different driving kinds and highway circumstances. Nonetheless, with a little bit of persistence and apply (and insurance coverage), you’ll quickly recognize the liberty.
Generally you actually do want public transport. If you happen to don’t drive, public transport might be your solely possibility to go to additional afield. Discovering return taxis in distant locations could be tough, 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 best way. It’s straightforward to get round Puerto Viejo utilizing buses. Simply verify the timetables beforehand, because the Limon to Manzanillo service could be reasonably 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 very best climate on your keep.
Nevertheless, should you’ve acquired the selection, we’d suggest visiting in September or October. This fashion, you’ll be arriving simply in time for the top of the turtle nesting interval and have the very best likelihood of seeing child turtles. When you have but to see child turtles, you must 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 plenty of lodging choices. No matter your finances, you must discover one thing applicable – so long as you don’t go away reserving lodging too late. These are our high suggestions for every finances.
Luxurious: Umami Lodge
Umami Lodge is a luxurious five-star resort in Puerto Viejo’s heart. Visitors entry a spa, outside pool, and room service. All rooms embody luxurious facilities like a patio or balcony, plus tea and coffee-making services. Verify critiques and charges on Reserving.com
The resort’s inside design is tasteful and cozy, with no expense spared. Umami Lodge is the one for you if you’d like a glitzy and upscale place to remain in Puerto Viejo.
Mid-range: Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo
Selina Hostel Puerto Viejo is a fantastic two-star hostel, ideally suited to a mid-range finances. The charming property has a big outside pool, though you might be only a seven-minute stroll from Cocles Seashore if you wish to swim within the sea as an alternative. Additional services embody an informal restaurant, shared kitchen, child’s playground, surf membership, and scenic terrace. Verify critiques and charges on Reserving.com
The hostel has various room choices; you possibly can select between dorms, personal rooms, and whole two-bedroom residences. There are even glamping choices in teepee tents if you’d like a extremely adventurous expertise.
Funds: Pagalu Hostel
Low-key and budget-friendly, Pagalu Hostel is a fantastic place to remain within the heart 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. Verify critiques and charges on Reserving.com
Select between a personal room or a basic hostel dormitory. If you wish to splash out, you possibly can improve to decide on a personal room with an ensuite.
To Conclude
Excited to check out these items to do in Puerto Viejo? Try to be. The city is a fantastic and fun-packed vacation spot in Costa Rica and the right spot for an entertaining getaway.
If you happen to get the possibility, take a look at our final Costa Rica journey suggestions earlier than you go. In any other case, have a incredible journey; we hope that you just expertise as lots of these items to do in Puerto Viejo as doable.
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