Things To Do
in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back Caribbean coastal town on Costa Rica’s southeastern coast, known for its Afro‑Caribbean culture, reggae vibe, and strong surf. Palm‑fringed beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife meet a small town of colorful shops, cafés, and hostels. The area mixes indigenous Bribri communities, Afro‑Caribbean traditions, and an international expat and surf community, creating a diverse cultural scene.
It’s a great base for surfing, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and relaxed beach days with easy access to nearby national parks and wildlife refuges.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Puerto Viejo and check into your cozy beachfront accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and warm Caribbean sun. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh fruit and coffee.
Explore the nearby Cahuita National Park by hiking its scenic trails, spotting unique wildlife along the way. Snorkel in the clear waters to witness tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Pack a light picnic to enjoy on the beach as you take in the stunning coastal views.
Wind down your first day with dinner at a beachfront restaurant, indulging in Caribbean cuisine. Listen to the rhythmic sounds of the ocean while enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Stroll through the lively town, discovering local shops and colorful artwork.
Start your day with a yoga session on the beach, letting the sound of the waves enhance your relaxation. Afterward, head to Playa Cocles for sunbathing and swimming in its warm waters. Grab a smoothie from a nearby stand to keep you refreshed and energized.
Rent a bike and explore the coastline, stopping at various picturesque beaches like Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. Treat yourself to lunch at a beach shack, tasting local seafood delights. Enjoy the laid-back vibe as you soak in the sun and surf.
As night falls, dine at a local restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day. After dinner, experience the local nightlife by visiting a reggae bar, where you can dance to lively music. Embrace the Caribbean culture as you mingle with both locals and travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer (local, bar) | $2.50-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-8 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / hostel dorm | $10-30 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Caribbean beaches and excellent surf and snorkeling
- Rich Afro‑Caribbean culture, music, and food
- Close access to national parks and wildlife refuges
- Laid‑back, friendly atmosphere with good eco‑tourism options
- Can be crowded and more expensive in high season
- Heavy rains can make some roads and trails difficult in wet season
- Limited medical facilities and some basic services compared with larger cities
- Occasional petty theft — requires vigilance with belongings
- "Pura vida" - Pure life / a friendly greeting — used like 'everything's good' or 'hello'
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está la playa?" - Where is the beach?
- "Soy alérgico/a a los mariscos" - I am allergic to shellfish
Places to Visit in Puerto Viejo
Visit one of these nice places.
A postcard‑perfect beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and dramatic rock formations — great for sunrise, long exposures, and wide landscape shots.
Popular surf beach with raw waves and active surf scenes; ideal for action shots, surfers at golden hour, and dramatic surf photography.
Coastal trail with reef vistas, wildlife (monkeys, sloths, birds), and snorkeling spots — excellent for close wildlife and reef photos.
Mangroves, secluded beaches, and rainforest backdrops provide biodiversity shots and moody nature photography opportunities.
Wildlife rehabilitation center where you can photograph rescued sloths, birds, and small mammals in a semi‑natural setting — great for portraits and conservation stories.
From higher viewpoints or nearby rides into the hills, capture sweeping vistas over the Caribbean coast and rainforest canopy — good for sunrise and misty mornings.
Food in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Caribbean coconut milk stew with fish, shellfish or chicken, root vegetables (yuca, taro), and spices — often found at local eateries and beachfront restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fried green plantains served as a side or snack — crispy, salty, and widely available from street vendors and restaurants.
A typical Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein (fish, chicken, or beef); on the Caribbean side it often includes coconut flavors or seafood.
Fresh raw fish or shellfish cured in citrus with onions and cilantro — great along the coast and in beachfront restaurants.
Caribbean‑style sweets and breads flavored with coconut and cacao; local bakeries are excellent for breakfast pastries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local markets and weekly stalls selling fresh fruit, homemade snacks, empanadas, local baked goods, and occasional seafood — check local noticeboards for market days.
On popular beaches you’ll find vendors selling grilled seafood, jerk chicken, patacones, and cold coconut water — ideal for a beach picnic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use friendly greetings — 'Buenos días', 'Buenas tardes', or the local 'Pura vida' — and a smile goes a long way. A handshake or casual hug is common among acquaintances.
Respect Afro‑Caribbean and indigenous communities: ask permission before photographing people or private homes, and be mindful of local customs and sacred sites.
Casual beachwear is fine on the sand, but wear cover‑ups in town and when entering restaurants or shops. Avoid loud or rowdy behavior in residential areas, and be respectful of nightlife noise.
Do not touch or remove wildlife or coral, take all trash with you, and avoid single‑use plastics where possible; many communities protect nesting beaches and fragile ecosystems.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Viejo
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is sometimes included on restaurant bills; if not, a 10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory. Tip tour guides and drivers 5–10% or a few USD per person for good service. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon but rounding up is appreciated.
Tourist areas widely accept credit cards and USD, but many small vendors, markets, and sodas are cash‑only. Carry some cash in small denominations; ATMs are available in town but can run out or charge fees. Card machines may be unreliable in heavy rain due to connectivity.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunnier and drier with calmer seas and better conditions for snorkeling and boat trips; this is high season so expect more tourists, higher prices, and booked accommodations.
More frequent rain showers (often heavy but short), lush rainforest, fewer tourists, lower prices, and higher surf for surfers. Some remote roads may become muddy and certain services may be reduced during heavy rains.
Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases occur in nearby refuges (Gandoca‑Manzanillo and Cahuita areas) — guided night walks are often available and are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Puerto Viejo at Night
Hiking in Puerto Viejo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy coastal trail (several kilometers) with coral reef snorkeling access, wildlife viewing (monkeys, sloths, birds), and scenic beaches — best with low tide for snorkeling.
Mangrove boardwalks, rainforest trails, and secluded beaches with excellent opportunities for birding, turtle watching (seasonal), and exploring quieter stretches of coastline.
Shorter jungle hikes and guided walks into the foothills of the Talamanca Range for birding, plant identification, and rainforest immersion; require a guide for deeper routes.
Coastal walks along darker volcanic sand beaches and rock formations — atmospheric at sunrise or after rain with dramatic surf and skies.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Viejo by plane.
Main international gateway to Costa Rica — about a 4–5 hour drive to Puerto Viejo (longer depending on traffic), or accessible by domestic flight plus ground transfer.
Closest regional airport to the Caribbean coast; limited domestic flights may operate seasonally and onward ground transport to Puerto Viejo takes around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route and conditions.
Domestic carriers offer flights to regional airstrips; combined flight + ground transfer can shorten travel time from San José though schedules and availability vary seasonally.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Descendants of Jamaican and Caribbean laborers who settled in Limón province; they maintain strong cultural traditions, music (reggae, calypso), and cuisine.
Indigenous communities in the Talamanca region with distinct languages and cultural practices; some villages welcome respectful cultural tourism and craft sales.
Local Costa Ricans (Ticos) and an international mix of long‑term expats, surfers, and digital nomads who have settled in and around Puerto Viejo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the area — consistent Caribbean swell attracts surfers of all levels; surf schools and rental shops are common.
Costa Rica’s national sport—locals and expats play informally on beaches and fields, and matches are popular social gatherings.
Coastal and offshore fishing excursions are popular for anglers seeking a variety of tropical fish species.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Viejo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and tourist restaurants (rice & beans, patties, plantain dishes, salads). Ask for coconut milk instead of meat broths and specify no fish or chicken. Smaller sodas may have limited options—carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Some cafés and health‑food spots offer vegan dishes and gluten-free alternatives, but selection is smaller than in larger cities; always confirm ingredients and cross‑contamination, and consider self‑catering if you have serious allergies.
Seafood is a staple—explicitly state allergies in Spanish ('Soy alérgico/a a los mariscos') and ask cooks about cross‑contact; many dishes use seafood stock or coconut stews.