Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (also called Puerto Viejo de Talamanca) is a quaint port city on the southern Caribbean coast. The Caribbean aspect has a completely totally different vibe. Though Costa Rica has many quaint ports all through the nation, Puerto Viejo nonetheless seems like an untouched, remoted gem ready for somebody to find it.
Extra distant than a few of the widespread locations in Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is a 4 to 5-hour drive from San Jose and may be very near the Panama border and Bocas del Toro.
We must always point out up entrance Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, though extraordinarily unspoiled, just isn’t for everybody. Puerto Viejo city has extra of a reggae hippy vibe that accompanies the Pura Vida way of life that Costa Rica has to supply. This additionally means ganja is free-flowing. No judgment on our half although. Many individuals don’t count on it, however we guarantee you it’s an impressive coastal city. It’s lovely to see this sort of bohemian variety intact.
Seaside views at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
How Unspoiled is Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica?
After we say unspoiled, we imply life is a tad slower than in different components of Costa Rica. Some Westerners who go to Puerto Viejo complain that the roads might not be saved up. They’re unspoiled and even unkempt at occasions. It’s the worth you pay for residing in a distant jungle.
Contained in the Caribbean city of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, all of the streets are grime paved. The unimaginable seashores are pristine, and the air is contemporary. It’s fairly unimaginable.
Other than the quaint village really feel with an amazing pure vibe, the residents are very pleasant. So, if somebody waves at you, be happy to say hi there, and please all the time respect everybody.
Puerto Viejo is a city within the province of Limon. Though it’s small, you’ll discover a various inhabitants of Costa Ricans residing right here. The inhabitants include about 2,000 folks, together with the Bri-Bri indigenous inhabitants, Latino and African Caribbean.
Expats create a small portion of the inhabitants. Most expats are from Canada, Europe, South America, and america.
When to go to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two seasons. Each seasons are sizzling and humid. Nevertheless, one season is taken into account to be a dry season, and the opposite is a moist season. The moist season is primarily the summer time months. It rains daily, which suggests it turns the warmth right into a residing sauna.
Puerto Viejo is positioned in that distinctive part of the rainforest the place the rain is unfold all year long. In different phrases, it will likely be sizzling, muggy, and wet at any time of the yr. The nice factor is the rain tends to stay to the evenings on this aspect of the nation.
For instance, throughout June, the typical excessive is 28.3 ℃ (82.92 ℉), with the best rainfall of the yr. The bottom temperature is 23.3℃ (73.94 ℉). Anticipate July and August to be the identical when it comes to warmth. Humidity reaches 80%. It’s toasty, however as vacationers, that is a part of what makes Costa Rica so various. It’s so totally different even the air makes itself identified.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Surprisingly, the driest month of the yr is September. So for those who’re making an attempt to determine one of the best month to journey to Puerto Viejo city, with the smallest quantity of rain and probably the most sunny climate, September is your finest guess. It would nonetheless be sizzling, however you’ll keep dry-ish.
The attention-grabbing factor is September is a wet month on the Pacific Coast.
Issues to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica for First-Timers
Eco-tourists love visiting Costa Rica, and Puerto Viejo is a good vacation spot for any traveler with an eco-conscious mindset. Contemplating how untouched it’s, the residents and small expat group wish to preserve issues as pure as doable.
Benefit from the Puerto Viejo Seaside(es)
A well-liked Puerto Viejo seaside is named Playa Negra, and it’s positioned simply north of city. It has black sand as a result of volcanic exercise within the nation. It’s very distinctive. If you happen to haven’t seen a black sand seaside earlier than, positively come right here and see what you’ve been lacking. There’s additionally a sunken barge proper off the seaside. This barge has bushes and crops rising out of it. It seems the townspeople tried to create a breakwater and purposefully sank it.
The well-known Playa Punta Uva is only a 15-minute drive from Puerto Viejo, and this white sand seaside has been saved pristine as a consequence of native improvement legal guidelines. Don’t count on any seaside bars or eating places, however there are close by tour operators the place you’ll be able to hire a kayak or surfboard. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may see some sloths within the bushes that line this peaceable seaside.
Sundown at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Playa Chiquita is Puerto Viejo’s most pure seaside. In some spots, the bushes develop proper as much as the water’s edge, and you’ll find a secluded spot to get pleasure from. You’ll be able to see components of the fossilized coral reef on this seaside, and a reside coral reef is simply offshore. This seaside is positioned between downtown Puerto Viejo and Playa Punta Uva, so you’ll be able to go to each seashores on the identical day for those who want a break from the vacationer crowds.
If you happen to’d reasonably keep near the resort, Playa Puerto Viejo is conveniently positioned inside strolling distance of downtown Puerto Viejo and several other inns within the space. There are many beachfront cafes, bars, and eating places, and that is the spot to expertise the nightlife.
The seashores across the city are lovely. Be certain that to reap the benefits of your time right here to get pleasure from some enjoyable within the solar. There’s additionally a shipwreck on these seashores that occurred just a few years in the past throughout a nasty storm. It’s a web site to see!
Strive Browsing
If you happen to’re (and why wouldn’t you be?), you’ll be able to log on in Playa Grande, Manzanillo, or Playa Negra. If you happen to’re fascinated with surf classes, Playa Cocles is the most well-liked seaside for classes. Costs vary from $15 USD per lesson or $60 USD for five periods with an teacher.
You’ll be able to take browsing courses, be it simply to choose up just a few fundamentals and experience your first wave or to sharpen your expertise. If you happen to’re Totem Surf College is a well-known widespread faculty in Puerto Viejo. Costs vary from $60 for a 2-hour lesson to $380 for a five-day surf bundle. If you happen to simply have to hire a board, charges are $15 for a 2-hour session, they usually additionally hire SUPs for $40 per day.
Go Scuba Diving
Whether or not you’re an skilled diver or have by no means tried it earlier than, this space is nice for scuba diving. Punta Uva and Manzanillo are two widespread dive spots near Puerto Viejo, and there are dive facilities that provide classes and excursions.
The reside coral reefs and wildlife in each of those areas make for enjoyable diving experiences. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may see a few of the magnificent inexperienced sea turtles that reside within the Caribbean.
An islet in Puerto Viejo
Go to Stunning Cahuita Nature Park
If you happen to’re within the temper to return to nature, try Cahuita Nationwide Park. Cahuita is one among many reserves within the nation. It was was a nationwide park to guard the considerable wildlife, vegetation, and even the coastal life, like coral reefs and sea animals that reside right here. You’ll be able to enter by paying a donation and hike till your coronary heart’s content material.
You’ll see white face monkeys, caimans, sloths, lizards, and snakes of their pure habitat. The seashores consist of gorgeous white-sand seashores. Regardless that this nationwide park just isn’t very touristy, it does have a street and even handicap entry.
Three-toed sloth in Cahuita Nationwide Park.
White Water Rafting on Rio Pacuare
Ebook a white water rafting tour that may choose you up from Puerto Viejo and drive you to Rio Pacuare for the day. It’s an all-day exercise, because the drive alone takes about 2-3 hours every day, but it surely’s a good way to expertise a special aspect of a seaside vacation!
Grasp Out within the City
There are such a lot of different issues to do within the city of Puerto Viejo. It’s good to take a while to wander the streets on foot or by bike, try the native artisan retailers, pop into yoga studios, and benefit from the laid-back ambiance.
Tour the Jaguar Rescue Heart
If you happen to plan on visiting Playa Chiquita, it’s price making a cease on the Jaguar Rescue Heart, which is about 2 km from the seaside. This sanctuary is a brief or everlasting dwelling for in poor health, injured, and orphaned animals who would in any other case be unable to outlive within the wild.
Each day excursions are supplied to the general public, and all the admission price goes on to the care of the animals and upkeep of the power. These excursions usually begin at 9:30am and 11:30am, and it’s a good suggestion to order your spot forward of time on their web site.
Go to Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a conventional Caribbean city positioned within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, positioned about 25 minutes exterior of Puerto Viejo. This can be a great place to see wildlife, calm down, and benefit from the laid-back Caribbean ambiance. Don’t count on a lot of a nightlife on this town-this isn’t that type of place.
Legal guidelines defending the wildlife refuge stop numerous improvement typical of seaside cities, so Playa Manzanillo is saved in its pure state. You’ll be able to see nesting leatherback turtles on the seaside or go on a rainforest hike by means of the wildlife refuge.
Playa Manzanillo
Go on a Chocolate Tour
This guided tour features a go to to the Bribri Indigenous Village, the place you’ll take part in a conventional Cacao Ceremony, get pleasure from a typical Bribri natural lunch, and be part of an natural chocolate-tasting session. The Chocolate Tour lasts about 5 hours and begins on the tour workplace close to the Cahuita Nationwide Park essential entrance.
The place to Keep in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica?
We love an excellent deal with regards to journey, which is why Airbnb is likely to be an excellent possibility. Though, we must always point out that despite the fact that Airbnb has first rate costs, it is best to dig a bit of deeper. There are lots of expats that checklist their models on Airbnb and overcharge. If you happen to’re making an attempt to assist the area people and provides again, be sure you’re renting from an area and never an expat.
One other reasonably priced possibility is to remain at one of many hostels or price range inns in Puerto Viejo. Playa 506 is positioned proper on the seaside and provides dorm-style lodging or personal rooms with shared loos. Surfboards and bikes can be found for hire, and the onsite restaurant provides a wide range of dishes and a wide selection of craft beers.
Costa Rica, generally, has lovely and pure inns all around the nation, and Puerto Viejo isn’t any exception. They’re cute. Some inns have chickens operating round consuming bugs to maintain the ecosystem balanced correctly.
One factor to bear in mind is you’ll find every part in Costa Rica. You’ll discover mom-and-pop inns, every with a singular fashion that you simply’ll solely discover in paradise. Or, you’ll find that luxury-style resort with stylish décor.
Capuchin monkey in Puerto Viejo.
UmAmi Resort
On one finish, you have got the UmAmi Resort. It’s a stunning resort with an amazing pool, and vacationer data, however most significantly, it has air-con. This lovely resort combines minimalism with wooden finishes to carry you a uniquely Caribbean really feel. It’s additionally for adults solely, which suggests when you’ve got children, this place might not be for you.
All visitor rooms have personal loos and terraces overlooking the pool and resort gardens. Suites can be found and have residing areas with kitchenettes.
The onsite spa includes a licensed therapeutic massage therapist and provides stress-free, therapeutic, and progressive therapeutic massage remedies. UmAmi additionally organizes enjoyable excursions for friends. You’ll be able to be part of a tour to the close by Cahuita Nationwide Park, a zipper line circuit by means of the jungle, and wildlife viewing excursions the place you’ll be able to see nesting sea turtles.
Pool at UmAni Resort. Photograph courtesy of UmAni Resort
Calm down Pure Village
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing outdoorsy, one thing like Calm down Pure Village is ideal for you. That is the kind of resort you’ll develop to like. It’s within the jungle, which suggests you may see wildlife hanging exterior your window. It has hammocks, and the resort makes use of the pure Costa Rican vegetation as a part of the décor.
This boutique resort provides six lovely, cabin-style suites, every with up to date air-con, a spacious lavatory, and a terrace with backyard views. Whereas this property doesn’t have an onsite pool or restaurant, the seaside is only a seven-minute stroll away, and eating places are even nearer.
Resort Caribe City
For individuals who are on the lookout for one thing nearer to the attractive seashores, Resort Caribe City is conveniently positioned simply 150 meters from Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Surrounded by a lush rainforest backyard, this gated property provides personal rooms designed for consolation and an outside pool with a swim-up bar.
This boutique resort provides 5 personal bungalows and one suite in the primary constructing of the resort. All lodging characteristic personal restrooms and terraces with hammocks and Adirondack chairs the place you’ll be able to calm down and benefit from the peace of the jungle backyard. Charges embody a sizzling, home made breakfast, and you may get lunch or dinner from a number of Puerto Viejo space eating places which might be only a quick stroll away.
The resort spa provides aromatherapy therapeutic massage, Thai Chi, and pores and skin remedies that use components grown within the resort backyard or close by on the Tsiru Ue Indigenous Farm. All providers are carried out by a totally licensed masseuse and medical physician.
Locations to Eat in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
If you happen to’re on the lookout for chain eating places in Puerto Viejo, you may need a tough time discovering them. Nevertheless, that’s not a nasty factor. There’s a lot extra to the world than chain eating places.
One of the vital sustainable eating places in Puerto Viejo is Koki Seaside. Koki Seaside was given awards for enhancing the standard of lifetime of the residents in Puerto Viejo but additionally serving to with the setting. Koki Seaside purchases artwork from locals and shows them contained in the restaurant. Koki Seaside may be very widespread with youthful expats. It’s the one restaurant that doesn’t play Reggae, and specialties embody Caribbean meals ready with contemporary, native ingredients-some from their very own backyard!
Photograph courtesy of Koki Seaside
Puerto&Co is an all-vegan restaurant with digital workspaces. It has a communal vibe and an Web Café. You can see this restaurant proper within the heart of downtown Puerto Viejo. This cafe is legendary for its contemporary sandwiches, smoothies, and crepes, and occasional drinks are made solely with natural, Costa Rican-grown espresso beans. The menu adjustments with the provision of contemporary, native produce, so you’ll be able to attempt new dishes throughout your go to to Puerto Viejo.
Sundown at Puerto&Co. Photograph courtesy of Puerto&Co
If you happen to’re on the lookout for Puerto Viejo eating places with vegetarian or vegan choices, there are lots to select from which might be proper by the seaside. There’s Puerto Pirata Seaside Café, and Tiki Bar, which is a vegan restaurant providing Ayurvedic-inspired dishes created with natural Caribbean components. That is the proper spot for an area beer or specialty cocktail whereas having fun with the beautiful sundown on the finish of the day.
Madre Tierra, which interprets as Mom Earth, focuses on Italian dishes ready with contemporary native produce and Caribbean seafood. Madre Tierra provides vegetarian choices, but it surely’s not vegetarian-only. The open-air bar provides loads of beachy cocktails, contemporary juices, and smoothies to get pleasure from whilst you look out on the Caribbean Sea.
How A lot Time Do You Have to Discover Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is a phenomenal city. In Costa Rican phrases, it’s additionally considerably totally different. However for those who give it 4 to five days, you’ll be able to see every part on this cute, quaint city. You’ll swim on all of the seashores and eat at your favourite eating places just a few occasions. You may even get to know just a few locals.
Possibly it’s not an excellent factor that Puerto Viejo is so small. Nevertheless, there’s one thing to be stated about swinging in a hammock. There’s additionally one thing magical about consuming a mango proper from the tree.
You’ll make mates and uncover a tempo of life that’s totally different out of your norm. You may cry when your keep is over. If that’s the case for you, maybe per week might not be sufficient. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica is so distinctive you might by no means wish to go away.
Ranco Lake in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica