Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Caribbean Coast
Province of Limon
Jaguar Rescue Foundation Center
Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo Costa Rica is a colorful town located in the Caribbean Coast. It is a very popular destination among the surfing community for having the largest and most powerful wave in Costa Rica, called “Salsa Brava”. It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra and Punta Uva. Snorkeling is also one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo with all the clear waters and abundant sea life.
Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Surfing
Puerto Viejo offers many surfing spots. Playa Cocles is located just 15-minute walking distance from the center of town and offers strong waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Salsa Brava is very popular among advanced surfers and Punta Uva is the perfect spot to gain experience in surfing. The clear water and surrounding jungle make for a gorgeous view.
Chocolate Tour
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has its very own chocolate factory tour where you will learn about the local chocolatiers and how they make their chocolate bars from locally sourced cacao.
Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center rehabilitates mistreated, injured and/or confiscated animals, which are then reintroduced to their natural habitat in protected areas. In this visit you can observe monkeys, wild cats, sloths, raccoons, anteaters, marsupials, reptiles and amphibians.
Puerto Viejo tours to other destinations nearby
Cultural Visit to Indigenous Reserve
Visit and share with families from the Bribri community. Visit their medicinal garden and listen to their stories and experiences about the traditional process of chocolate making.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is located southeast of the Caribbean Coast, between the mouth of Cocles River and the Sixaola River. It has many hiking trails that allow you to sample the different ecosystems of the area. The abundant vegetation of this coastal forest forms a biological corridor of great importance for the wildlife of the refuge. The area also offers many freshwater habitats, coral reefs and patches of primary forest.
Cahuita National Park
The Cahuita National Park Tour is a wonderful hiking opportunity to explore both the beach and the tropical rainforest. This national park is part of La Amistad Conservation Area which is a World Heritage site protecting the local tropical rainforests, beaches, and recovering coral reefs nestled in the Caribbean waters. The well maintained trails along the beach and within the rainforest make hiking in Cahuita’s National Park a leisurely experience with wooden boardwalks and handrails passing over the wetland areas.
Snorkeling in Punta Uva
Punta Uva is one of the most exotic beaches in Costa Rica. It has a very rich coral reef with abundant marine life, crystal clear waters and lush coastal vegetation.
Location and Map
Puerto Viejo is a coastal village located in the Caribbean coast. The best way to get there is by car or private transportation. From the San Jose International Airport it is approximately a 5 hour drive, 233 kms/145 miles via Braulio Carrillo/Route 32.
