Yes, you're heading to laid-back Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica! We had a great time here and are happy to share our best tips with you. Note: there are two places called Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica. This blog is about Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.​

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Transport to Puerto Viejo

From Bocas del Toro

We arranged a shuttle to Puerto Viejo through Bambuda Lodge. It was operated by Caribe Shuttle and took a total of about four hours. The nice thing about a shuttle is that you cross the border between Panama and Costa Rica without too much hassle.

 

From San Jose

• By rental car: Rent a car from Alamo and drive to Puerto Viejo within five hours. Read our article on car rental here.

• By minivan: Through Bookaway book a minivan to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.

• By bus: Several buses a day leave from Terminal Atlántico Norte. Tickets can be bought locally.

 

From Tortuguero

• By rental car: Take the boat to La Pavona Harbour and drive to Puerto Viejo in 4-5 hours.

• By minivan: You can easily book a minivan through Bookaway.

• By public transportation: Take the boat to Moín, catch a cab or Uber to Terminal de Mepe in Puerto Limón and there transfer to the bus to Puerto Viejo.

Accommodation in Puerto Viejo

We stayed at Finca Chica Lodge, just outside Puerto Viejo. A beautiful place with lots of wildlife! Every morning we heard howler monkeys and saw agoutis and poison frogs.

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Tip 1. Visit Cahuita National Park

This park is a half-hour drive away and is definitely a must-visit! Entrance is on a donation basis. You'll walk between jungle and ocean, with chances to spot monkeys, snakes, toucans and sloths. Don't forget your snorkel, as the park has a beautiful coral reef!

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​Tip 2. Beach hopping on a bicycle

In and around Puerto Viejo you will find fantastic beaches. You can visit these very easily by renting a bike and beach hopping by bike. Are you a little lazier and are you by rental car? Count your blessings.

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Playa Negra

In the north of Puerto Viejo, you will find Playa Negra. A beautiful beach with black sand! A must visit if you ask us.

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Playa Cocles

This beach is found in the center of Puerto Viejo and here locals and tourists come together to chill, sunbathe, play volleyball, surf. You can also find nice beach bars like Grow where you can also enjoy watching the sunset.​

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Playa Chiquita

A little further away you will find the quieter beach Playa Chiquita. It is in fact a bit more difficult to reach. Park your bike at this point and then walk across a little bridge. After this you will share this paradise only with a few others. Along the road you will also find Gypsea. A cozy breakfast and lunch joint.

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Playa Punta Uva

Our favorite! This beautiful beach has several coves but in the front you can relax. In addition, rent a kayak, canoe or sup to go out to sea or just the river so you can spot wild life.​​

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Playa Grande

This is the last beach that officially belongs to Puerto Viejo and borders the village of Manzanillo. On the beach you will find a large shipwreck.

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Tip 3. Day trip to Manzanillo

Manzanillo is a small fishing village on the southeast coast, near the border with Panama. It is a great place to explore the pristine nature of the Caribbean coast. Some highlights:

• Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: This nature reserve offers beautiful hiking trails along the ocean and through the jungle. Along the way you may encounter sloths, monkeys and numerous bird species. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and bug spray! In addition, stay on the marked trails for your own safety.

• Ara Manzanillo conservation center: Here you will learn all about the colorful great macaws, which are protected in Costa Rica. This center plays an important role in their reintroduction to the wild. Visits are available daily between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

 

​​​Restaurants in Puerto Viejo

These restaurants in and around Puerto Viejo were our favorites:

• Port Vell: Looking for a nice breakfast or a good lunch? Port Vell is the place to be. Here they serve delicious smoothies and tasty bowls.

• Gustibus Bakery: Looking for a nice cup of coffee with something sweet? The Gustibus Bakery is the place to be.

• Bread & Chocolate: Fancy some pancakes and coffee sandwiches? Between all the car rental stores you will find Bread & Chocolate.

• Cafe Viejo: For a nice fresh pizza or lasagna, this is the place to be. Cafe Viejo is located in the center of Puerto Viejo for a small drink afterwards.

• El Ricon Porteno: El Ricon Porteno is located just outside Puerto Viejo. The atmosphere is cozy and you can eat delicious pizza, pasta and grill.

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