In a nutshell
- Puerto Viejo is a small, laid-back town on the Caribbean coast in southern Costa Rica — one of our favorite spots in the whole country.
- This is the perfect place to slow down: grab a coconut, lie in a hammock, and explore the stunning beaches by bike.
- Our top picks for things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica: biking to Manzanillo, hiking Cahuita National Park, and catching the sunset with a piña colada.
- We stayed at Cabinas Montesol — super affordable, cozy rooms, and a warm-hearted owner. A genuine heartfelt recommendation.
- In this guide, we cover everything you need: the best beaches, where to stay, how to get there, and our honest tips from our own visit.
What You Need to Know About Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a small town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and an absolute standout on any Costa Rica trip. Everything moves a little more relaxed there than in the rest of the country.
You drink from coconuts, lounge in hammocks between palm trees, and bike from beach to beach. When we write about Costa Rica, we always look back fondly on Puerto Viejo.
You can visit Puerto Viejo year-round, but keep in mind that the Caribbean coast tends to get a bit more rain than the rest of the country.
The best weather is from December to April, which also lines up with the best time to travel to Costa Rica.
Where Is Puerto Viejo Located?
Puerto Viejo sits all the way in the south on the Caribbean coast and is only about 15 kilometers from the border with Panama.
So you know exactly where that is, we’ve marked Puerto Viejo on the map for you. There are several places in Costa Rica called Puerto Viejo, which is why it’s officially known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Everything You Can Do in Puerto Viejo
The laid-back Caribbean vibe in Puerto Viejo can seriously tempt you into spending the whole day just lying in a hammock.
Of course you’re more than welcome to do that — but there’s also a ton to discover. Here are the best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Getting Around by Bike
One of our favorite things to do in Puerto Viejo was biking around the area. Pretty much every accommodation rents out bikes for a small fee.
The most scenic route is the road from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo. You ride along a country road, but the Caribbean atmosphere is truly one of a kind. The town of Manzanillo also has a small beach.
Beaches In and Around Puerto Viejo
Speaking of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, there are really a lot of them around Puerto Viejo — and they’re all absolutely gorgeous. We especially loved Playa Punta Uva and Playa Cocles.
Playa Chiquita is lovely too. Playa Negra is super interesting — the sand is actually black! A detour there is totally worth it.
We don’t recommend Playa Puerto Viejo for relaxing, though. The beach is naturally beautiful and it’s a great spot for travel photos, but since it’s right in town, it tends to be pretty crowded.
Our tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest time at the beaches in Puerto Viejo. In the afternoons, and especially on weekends, plenty of locals head to the beach too.
Hiking Through Cahuita National Park
In Cahuita National Park, you feel like you’re in a movie: first you walk through dense rainforest, keep going, and suddenly a long white sandy beach stretches out in front of you, lined with palm trees.
This paradise is not only one of the coolest national parks in Costa Rica, but also one of the most stunning places to visit in Costa Rica. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Puerto Viejo. Don’t miss it.
And because Cahuita National Park is so beautiful, we’ve written a dedicated article with everything you need to know — from getting there, to the hike, to snorkeling.
Kayak Tour with Sloths and Wildlife in Punta Uva
The tour starts in Punta Uva, where you head out by kayak with an experienced guide through the jungle, always on the lookout for wildlife.
With a bit of luck — and honestly, it’s almost guaranteed — you’ll spot countless animals along the way: various bird species, iguanas, snakes, sloths, monkeys, large blue butterflies, and many more fascinating jungle inhabitants.
Book the Kayak Tour with Sloths and Wildlife in Punta Uva
Partying on the Beach
If you’re in the mood, you can party right on the beach with locals and fellow travelers. The best spot for that is Johnny’s Place, right next to Playa Puerto Viejo.
But don’t worry — it’s not a full moon party like on Koh Phangan in Thailand. It’s all pretty relaxed. And if that’s not your scene, a few bars down or back at your accommodation, you won’t hear a thing.
Hotels and Accommodations in Puerto Viejo
Most places to stay in Puerto Viejo are really cool with a Caribbean feel. They’re mostly small hotels — you won’t find large resorts here. We think that’s a good thing.
That said, there are some seriously stylish options, as well as picks for tighter budgets.
Cabinas Montesol: This is where we stayed! One of the most beautiful accommodations in Costa Rica — a wholehearted recommendation!
Hotel Indalo: A great hotel with bright double rooms, a stylish look, and a lovely pool area.
Colina Secreta: Exceptional glamping. A bit out of town, but right in the jungle and with a pool. One of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Costa Rica.
Relax Natural Village: Here you stay in a gorgeous cabin with a real jungle feel.
Villas Piña: Individually decorated villas right in the jungle, yet still close to the beach at Puerto Viejo.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Getting to Puerto Viejo by Car or Bus
Getting There by Car
From San José, the drive to Puerto Viejo is pretty straightforward. We recommend entering Puerto Viejo de Talamanca into your GPS. It takes about four hours.
Getting There by Bus
If you’re traveling without a car, you can easily take the bus from San José. Start at the Terminal Atlántico Norte (open in Google Maps) and take the bus operated by Autotransportes MEPE toward Sixaola.
The bus runs six times a day, at 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, and 18:00. You can only buy the ticket at the bus station; it costs about 13 euros. Budget about six hours for the journey, as the bus makes a stop along the way.
Check departure times on the MEPE website
Getting There by Minivan
A great alternative to the public bus is shared minivans. They’re definitely more comfortable and usually a bit faster too. Departure times vary but are often in the morning or around midday.
There’s also the option to depart directly from the international airport Juan Santamaría in San José.
Bonus: You can book your minivan ticket online in advance. We love using the ticketing platform 12Go for this — it always works out great!
Our Best Tips for Your Visit to Puerto Viejo
The Tiki Bar Puerto Pirata (open in Google Maps) serves the best piña coladas, with a view of the most beautiful sunset.
It’s also worth getting up for sunrise. You don’t see the sun rise directly, but the morning atmosphere is magical.
Buy lots of fresh fruit — it’s incredibly good! Our favorites were the avocados. You’ll find several roadside stands.
The best ice cream on our Costa Rica road trip was at Heladeria Ocho Nani (open in Google Maps) in Puerto Viejo. You have to try it.
Make sure to eat at a Soda — these are small, traditional restaurants with truly authentic Costa Rican food. We highly recommend Cocomar (open in Google Maps) and Tamara (open in Google Maps). In Puerto Viejo, the food has a very special Caribbean touch, and many classic dishes are prepared with coconut milk. Absolutely delicious!
More travel tips for Costa Rica
