6 Best Things to Do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
How to get to Puerto Viejo
Rental car, shuttle & bus
Puerto Viejo is about 3,5h from San Jose by car and 4,5h with the local bus. The shuttle bus will cost you about 60 USD and the local bus ticket will cost you 12 USD. The fact that there are express buses to Puerto Viejo makes the journey by bus a lot easier.
Water rafting
However, there is another type of transportation that is a lot more fun! You actually have the option to book a shuttle, including water rafting. One of the best water rafting spots is between San Jose and Puerto Viejo (you can also do this tour from La Fortuna or Monteverde). They will pick you up and drive you to Pacuare River. This river is known as one of the best whitewater rafting spots in the world, named by National Geographic
When you’re doing water rafting in this river you feel like you’re in a canyon in the middle of the jungle. You can see massive trees, waterfalls, toucans, blue butterflies and monkeys! If you’re not busy watching the rapids you will be able to admire the incredible beauty around this river. Before the rafting starts they will give you breakfast and after the water rafting you can eat at their lunch buffet. Once you finished your lunch you the trip with the shuttle continues to Puerto Viejo. It’s definitely the most fun way to get to Puerto Viejo!corper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Getting around in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a small town, so the best way to get around is by walking or bicycling. If you’re staying outside of town you can get a tuk tuk or taxi. To see some of the sights that are a bit farther away from the town, like the you will definitely need a rental car or taxi.
6 Best things to do in Puerto Viejo
Swim at Playa Negra
The main beach in Puerto Viejo is Playa Negra, a 10 km long black sand beach that is perfect for swimming. The beach stretches all the way from Puerto Viejo to the Cahuita National Park. The only thing you need to know is that pickpocketing happens a lot at this beach and because it’s right next to the street there will be lots of people passing by, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings or not leave them alone.
Go hiking in the Cahuita National Park
The Cahuita National Park is the best place to see lots of monkeys and other animals. The park is only 20 minutes by car from Puerto Viejo and perfect for a day trip. The entrance to the national park is by donation, so it’s up to you how much you want to give. The hiking trail is basically in the jungle, but also right next to the beach. You will see plenty of monkeys jumping from one tree to another right in front of you.
After exploring the national park you can go for a swim at the beach or enjoy some food in the restaurant that is by the entrance. The food in the restaurant is not the best you will find in the area, but the cocktails are good and the view on the beach and the Cahuita national park is amazing.
Go surfing at Punta Uva
The best place to go surfing in Puerto Viejo is at Punta Uva. What you will love about this beach is that it’s surrounded by nature. There is only one restaurant and a kayak rental at the beach. No big hotels or buildings, just nature. The waves are perfect for beginners and it’s easy to paddle out because the waves are only breaking by the one side of the beach. There is also a little cave you can explore that is right next to it. I took a surf lesson with a local and it was a fantastic experience.
Watch howling monkeys and sloths
If you really want to see monkeys and sloths you should go on a walk in the forest that is right next to the beach on the east side of the town. There is a little trail that goes all the way from the town to Cocles Beach. On this walk you will find several spots to go swimming and there are always howling monkeys in the trees.
Especially if you get here early you will hear them, because that’s when they’re most active. The only thing to consider is that the walk is not very safe at night, especially not if you’re a solo female traveler.
Relax at Cocles Beach
Cocles Beach is only a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from Puerto Viejo and amazing beach to go swimming. There are lots of great restaurants around the beach and it’s usually not very busy. If you’re staying at the Selina hostel you can walk through the forest next to the beach and you will get there in less than 5 minutes. On the walk is a little lookout, which makes you feel like you’re in Hawaii.
Explore the area by bike
You will see a lot of people on bicycles in Puerto Viejo, because it’s just a fun and easy way to get around. You can rent a bike and cycle from the town to Punta Uva, go for a surf or just relax by the beach and cycle back. On the way you can stop by Caribbean’s Chocolate and Coffee to have breakfast.
Go shopping in the town
The first thing you should do in Puerto Viejo is to explore the town. You will find many shops with beautiful clothes and souvenirs, as well as really nice cafes and restaurants. My favorite clothing store is the Pura Bali Shop. As the name says, you will find Bali style/ bohemian style clothes there that are super beautiful.
Best restaurants & cafes
There are countless good restaurants and cafes in Puerto Viejo. What I really love about the food in Puerto Viejo is that there are so many vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re on a plant based diet this place is heaven!
Gelateria Deelite
You will find the best gelato in town at Gelateria Deelite. It’s an Italian Gelateria with amazing gelato flavours. My personal favourites were pistachio and raspberry, but they have many favours and the selection changes very day.
Berry Matcha
If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, you will find fresh smoothie bowls at Berry Matcha. What I love about this cafe is that the coffee is really good and you have the option to create your own smoothie bowl.
Madre Tierra
Madre Tierra is a cute little restaurant with amazing vegetarian options and the best cocktails we had in town. I tried the vegan burger here and it super tasty! The prices are reasonable and you’re close to the beach.
Tamara
Tamara has authentic Costa Rican food and the portions are huge! Typical Costa Rican food means rice and beans. If you order at this restaurant you get a big plate with salat, vegetables, fries and platanos on top. The service is great, you don’t have to wait long for your meal and the prices are good.
Koki Beach
Koki Beach is a more upscale restaurant and the food is absolutely delicious. I tried the vegetarian burger and absolutely loved it. The wine is fantastic, the staff is friendly and you can actually see sloths there! The sloths live in the tree that is growing through the restaurant, so it doesn’t happen rarely that sloths will climb on the ceiling of the restaurant.
Best bars: Hot Rocks & Salsa Brava
If you’re looking for a good bar, I can recommend hot rocks and Salsa Brava. Hot Rocks is really big and they have a lot of live music and shows in this bar. Salsa Brava is right by the beach and they have ladies night on Tuesdays, which means free drinks for the ladies all night long.
Where to stay
Selina Hostel
The Selina hostel is right by the beach and a little bit outside of town. It’s basically between Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles. What I love about this Selina is that you can go for a walk in the forest by the beach and that you can see howling monkeys from the coworking space.
The coworking space is a little small, but the view is just fantastic! Besides that they have two balconies from where you can watch the howling monkeys jumping from one tree to the next. An amazing space to work for digital nomads!
What makes Puerto Viejo so special is the Jamaican vibe and that you can see so much wildlife here. We saw about 6 sloths and countless monkey when we were in Puerto Viejo – so keep your eyes open and share your experiences in the comments down below!
