Puerto Viejo Top Picks

These are our favorite places in the area. Whether you're looking for a place to stay, a place to eat, where to book tours or transporation or a real estate agent, this is the place to start. See all the Top Picks.

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Puerto Viejo: The Vibe

Puerto Viejo is the largest tourist destination in Costa Rica's small Caribbean coast. Other nearby communities are Cahuita, Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo. The vibe here is laid-back, Caribbean-style with a great diversity of people living here and visiting here. Colin Brownlee writes about life in Puerto Viejo and how it isn't the vibe everyone will love but if it's you, then you may fall in love with it. Read more.

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Getting to Puerto Viejo

Getting to the Puerto Viejo area is pretty easy. There are a number of different options for getting here from San José: The bus is the most economical option and is very inexpensive. Five daily directo buses leave from San Jose. Shared ride van services have door to door service. They have several daily departures from San Jose and Arenal to Puerto Viejo. You can also get a private transfer that will take you directly from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo at your schedule. If you book a Rafting Trip they can pick you up in San Jose and leave you in Puerto Viejo at the end of the day (or vice-versa)! Kind of like getting your transportation for free. It also works to Arenal. Driving from San José takes about 4 hours (via the faster route) and there are two different routes possible. See schedules, prices and detailed directions.

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Where To Stay

There are accomodation options in the Puerto Viejo to suit almost any taste and budget. More luxurious properties generally include pools and may have air conditioning, on-site restaurants/bars, spa services. There are budget properties right down to renting a hammock off the beach. And plenty of options in the middle. There are also a huge variety of vacation rental properties if you want the independence of your own place and a kitchen. Locations to stay include Puerto Viejo center, Cocles, Playa Negra, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Cahuita. See all accomodation choices.

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Tours and Activities

There's tons to do and see on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Options include whitewater rafting, zipline / canopy, surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, jungle hikes, animal rescue center, bird and turtle watching and so much more. These activites are either in the area or which pick up/drop off at area hotels. We'll even book it for you! See detailed description of all tours and activities.

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Weather

Weather here changes frequently—don't worry if it's raining, the sun will be shining soon! Contrary to common opinion that it rains all the time on the Caribbean, the South Caribbean Coast is actually one of the driest places in Costa Rica when you look at total rainfall over the year. The difference is that on this side, it is more spread out over the year. Also note that most rain comes at night and days clear by early-late morning. Most time, when it rains, it may be short, but dump an amount of water you might have never seen before. It can be very magical. Read more, see latest forecasts and get surf conditions.