I end up falling in love with every place I visit, but Puerto Viejo is truly special. If a person could embody a specific place, for me, it would undoubtedly be Puerto Viejo.
If you're looking for a chic, Tulum-esque vacation, Puerto Viejo is not this. I love that the resorts and high-end hotels haven't discovered this paradise yet. If you're looking for a laid-back vacation, then this surfer town is where you need to go.
Traveling to Puerto Viejo
Private Car/Shuttle Probably the most expensive, but I definitely recommend arranging a private shuttle/car to travel to Puerto Viejo. I booked through Gecko Trail and it cost me $240 for 4 people each way from San Jose Airport to our Airbnb. The drive is about 4-5 hours.
Public Bus
This is the cheapest option, but it can take a bit longer. I took the bus from the San Jose Airport a few years ago and it took about 5-6 hours. The public bus is called Transportes MEPE. You can buy a bus ticket directly at the bus terminal. See the website for terminal locations. You'll need to take a taxi from the San Jose airport to the terminal station. They buses leave pretty frequently, but they can get crowded.
Rental Car
Renting a car is also an option. My friends did this to travel around Costa Rica. A word of caution here: if it's the rainy season, this can be kind of scary. You'll definitely be winding along some roads to get to Puerto Viejo.
But in my opinion, once you're in Puerto Viejo, you don't need a car. It's honestly probably more of a hassle. I recommend renting bicycles to get around. There are plenty of bike rental shops scattered throughout the town.
What To Do in Puerto Viejo
Try my Favorite Restaurants:
There is an abundance of restaurants in Puerto Viejo. But some STOOD OUT to me. Here are some of my favorites:
This is the place you want to try in town for delicious, classic Caribbean cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed. The food is amazing. And the price is good. I'm embarrassed to say that we ate here three times on our last week-long visit.
We loved this small, beautiful restaurant nestled in the jungle. The service here is so friendly and the food is delicious. We sat outside eating seafood and drinking cervesas for a few hours. Although a tad pricier than the local Soda restaurants in town, it's undoubtedly worth adding this gem to your list for a yummy and beautiful dining experience.
Tasty Waves is such a fun, lively restaurant with live music most nights. And the tacos are great! I love coming here for lunch for some tacos and margaritas. For a casual restaurant right near the beach, try Tasty Waves. It won't disappoint!
Visit the Beaches
You'll find plenty of beach options, all within walking/biking distance, stretching around Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva.
Please be mindful that the beaches may be subject to intense currents. It is advisable to regularly assess the daily conditions before swimming or surfing.
Playa Negra
So breathtaking! Situated on the northern outskirts of town, Playa Negra's sand transforms into a deep charcoal hue. The remarkable shift owes itself to the beach's composition of volcanic deposits. Under the intense tropical sun, temperatures on this black sand stretch can reach almost unbearable levels, so please please protect your feet!
Playa Negra is about 1 mile north of town. The further north you go, the fewer tourists you'll run into.
Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is a beautiful beach located between Playa Negra and Playa Punta Uva. Known for its pristine golden sands and vibrant blue waters, Playa Cocles is a popular destination for both surfers and beach lovers. The surrounding lush jungle adds to the scenic beauty of Playa Cocles, making it such a beautiful and tranquil spot.
Playa Punta Uva
It is one of my favorite beaches in the world. Remaining off the typical tourist route, Punta Uva is one of Costa Rica's most stunning beaches. Golden sand, blue waters, and surrounded by jungle, Punta Uva is truly beautiful. If you want to try surfing, I recommend coming here for its consistent reef break. Punta Uva is where you'll also find a few local surf shops offering lessons.
Hike the Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo
The Refugio Nacional is a dream come true. You will fall in love with Mother Nature here. You couldn't ask for anything more perfect. A hike where at every turn you'll find pristine beaches, lush jungle, turquoise waves, singing birds, and howling monkeys.
The park is huge and encompasses 11,000 acres! From the tranquil shores to the vibrant greenery of the jungle, the hike allows you to connect deeply with natural beauty.
My friends and I were all in a bit of an argument before entering the Refugio Nacional. But after a few steps through this lust jungle, all of our annoyances disappeared. This place really is magic.
Visit the Jaguar Resource Center
Specializing in the rehabilitation of monkeys, sloths, mammals, birds, and reptiles, the Jaguar Resource Center is a temporary or permanent refuge for creatures in need. To support the Center, you can attend a public tour. Tours are offered daily, at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. You can book your tickets online here.
This is such a fun and informative tour. You'll get to learn a little about the animals and their stories. It's so heartwarming to see the community coming together to provide these animals with a safe, rehabilitating space.
Puerto Viejo is not just a location; it's a truly special place that captures the soul. I'm always dreaming of my return visit...
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