Caribbean
Puerto Viejo
Cocles and Punta Uva beaches, Caribbean food and Bribri culture.
Caribbean beaches, bicycles and great food
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the liveliest town on the Southern Caribbean coast. It combines beaches framed by rainforest, a very diverse food scene, a relaxed vibe and Afro-Caribbean and Bribri culture. The best way to explore the coast is by bicycle.
Things to do
- Beaches: Cocles for surf and atmosphere, Punta Uva for swimming in calm water, and Manzanillo, where the road ends and the refuge begins.
- Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge: rainforest and coastal trails, viewpoints and reefs at the end of the road.
- Jaguar Rescue Center: a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center with guided visits.
- Bribri cacao tour: learn the traditional cacao process with an Indigenous community of Talamanca.
- Surf: the Salsa Brava wave, in front of town, is powerful and only for experienced surfers; Cocles is better for learning.
- Food: from traditional Caribbean cooking to international restaurants, cafés and bakeries.
Tips
- Rent a bike: the road between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo is flat and full of beaches to stop at.
- Ask about currents before swimming; Punta Uva is usually the calmest.
- As in any tourist town, do not leave valuables on the beach or on your bike.
- The Caribbean climate differs from the Pacific: September and October are often good months here.
Getting there
Puerto Viejo is about four and a half hours from San José by road, via Limón, and about 15 minutes from Cahuita. It pairs very well with Cahuita and Tortuguero.
Where to stay in Puerto Viejo
Hostal Puerto Viejo ★★
Budget · Shared pool, Wi-Fi
from $45 per night
Hotel Puerto Viejo Boutique ★★★★
Comfort · Pool, Wi-Fi, Restaurant
from $110 per night
Puerto Viejo Lodge & Spa ★★★★★
Premium · Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Transfers
from $250 per night
Things to do in Puerto Viejo
- Jaguar Rescue Center from $25 pp
- Bike ride to Punta Uva from $15 pp
- Bribri cacao tour from $45 pp
Traveler reviews
There are no reviews of this destination yet.
Plan your trip
from $45 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
September and October, and February to April; the Caribbean has a different climate from the Pacific