Things To Do
in San Vito
San Vito de Coto Brus sits in the southern highlands of Costa Rica, near the Panamanian border and surrounded by lush rainforest. The town’s cooler climate, strong Bribri Indigenous presence, and fertile valleys give it a distinct rainforest charm. It serves as a gateway to La Amistad International Park and a network of forest trails rich in birds and wildlife.
Visitors here often blend nature exploration with warm, low-key hospitality and a welcoming cultural vibe.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the San Vito airport and take a scenic drive to your accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery. After settling in, explore the charming town and visit local shops and cafes. Experience the warm Costa Rican hospitality from the moment you step out.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Costa Rican dishes such as 'casado' or 'gallo pinto'. Afterward, visit the nearby Las Tablas Wildlife Refuge for a chance to see exotic birds and wildlife. Take advantage of the tranquil environment to hike some of the trails available.
Wind down your day with a relaxing dinner at a quaint eatery, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Enjoy a local brew or a handcrafted cocktail while watching the sunset over the hills. Spend the evening walking along the cobbled streets, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Begin your morning with a guided tour of the town’s cultural highlights, including visits to the church and community center. Engage with locals at the market, where you can sample fresh fruits and handmade crafts. Gain insights into the traditions and daily lives of the residents.
After lunch, participate in a cooking class to learn the art of making authentic Costa Rican dishes. This hands-on experience will not only nourish you but also deepen your understanding of local ingredients and culinary traditions. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in a communal feast with fellow participants.
As the sun sets, take a stroll to a local music venue for an evening of live performances featuring traditional Costa Rican music. Experience the vibrant energy of folk dances and rhythms while mingling with locals. End your night with a nightcap at a nearby bar, sharing stories and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Coffee or drink at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-7 |
| 🧭Local street snack | $1-3 |
| 📱Prepaid SIM/data plan (monthly estimate) | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and access to La Amistad Park
- Strong Bribri culture and welcoming community
- Cooler climate compared to coastal towns
- Relaxed, safe, and walkable town center
- Good coffee and local cuisine
- Limited nightlife and few large-scale tourism options
- Variable road conditions in wet season
- Fewer medical facilities in town; longer trips for major care
- Some trails require guides and good planning
- Seasonal rainfall can disrupt outdoor plans
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in San Vito
Visit one of these nice places.
A lookout point offering sweeping views of the valley, forests, and distant ridges, ideal for sunrise or golden-hour shots.
Cloud forest edge with dramatic scenery and chances to photograph wildlife in a pristine rainforest setting.
Colorful gardens and traditional architecture that make for vibrant cultural portraits and detail shots.
Bright wall art and charming streetscapes that showcase everyday life and local character.
Plantation terraces and coffee processing areas—great for documenting the region’s agricultural heritage.
Food in San Vito
San Vito Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional Bribri tamales made from corn dough and meat or beans, steamed in banana leaves and served with herbal condiments.
Must-Try!
Fried plantain stuffed with cheese or meat, a popular street snack in the southern regions.
Classic Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans, often served with eggs, cheese, and plantains.
Hearty bean soup flavored with herbs and sometimes pork, a comforting staple in cooler highland towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh produce, herbs, and ready-to-eat snacks; ideal for tasting everyday Costa Rican flavors.
Street-side vendors selling Bribri tamales and other traditional bites, often available in the mornings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings with a friendly hola or pura vida. Take your time; Costa Ricans value politeness and a relaxed pace.
Respect Bribri and other Indigenous communities; ask before photographing people or cultural sites and learn a bit about local customs.
Safety
Tipping in San Vito
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, leave 5-10% if service is good and not included. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest dollar is common.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in markets and small eateries. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December to April brings sunny mornings and cooler evenings at higher elevations; afternoons can stay warm, with occasional short showers. Good for outdoor hikes and photography with clear skies.
May to November brings lush green landscapes and frequent rain showers, especially in the afternoons; trails can be slippery, but wildlife activity can be high and photography tends to pop in misty light.
Late spring and early autumn offer mild conditions, fewer crowds, and great birding opportunities as migratory species pass through.
San Vito at Night
Hiking in San Vito
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rainforest trails with abundant wildlife and panoramic rainforest vistas; best with a local guide.
Steep, misty trails through cloud forest habitat offering rich biodiversity and cooler forest air.
Shorter nature walks that reveal river corridors, birds, and plant life typical of southern Costa Rica.
Airports
How to reach San Vito by plane.
A small domestic airport offering regional flights; typical transit hub for longer trips to San José and nearby towns.
Another regional airport with domestic flights, often used by visitors heading to parts of the Osa Peninsula and along shorter routes to San José.
Costa Rica's main international hub in San José; many visitors fly here to connect to domestic flights toward southern destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents adept in agriculture and service industries, with a strong sense of community and regional traditions.
A prominent Indigenous group in the area; Bribri culture deeply influences local crafts, cuisine, and language in some neighborhoods.
Visitors drawn to rainforest biodiversity, birding, and hiking, contributing to a diverse, international mix in town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Costa Rica, with local leagues and informal games in the town and nearby communities.
Common in schools and community centers; often played in the evenings.
While not a traditional sport, many visitors participate in structured birdwatching and hiking as athletic pursuits.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Vito.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In San Vito, look for beans, rice, plantains, and vegetable stews; ask for no meat or dairy to tailor dishes and request plant-based options when possible.