Places to Visit & Things To Do

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a small town located on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It's known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and unique culture that blends Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, and Latino influences.

The town itself is quite small, with a population of around 1,500 people, but it's a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, surfing opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. The most famous beaches in the area include Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, and Playa Chiquita, all of which offer great swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

Puerto Viejo is also known for its diverse cuisine, which reflects the town's cultural mix. You can find everything from traditional Costa Rican dishes to Caribbean-style seafood, and there are also plenty of international options available. Some popular local specialties include rice and beans, plantains, and coconut-based dishes.

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Puerto Viejo

Things to do

01.
Explore the beaches

Puerto Viejo has some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, including Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva. These beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or relaxing.

02.
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

The Jaguar Rescue Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center that provides a safe haven for injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals. Visitors can take a guided tour and see animals such as sloths, monkeys, and toucans up close.

03.
Snorkeling or scuba diving tour

The waters around Puerto Viejo are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs. There are several tour operators in town that offer snorkeling and scuba diving tours.

04.
Take a hike in the rainforest

The rainforest surrounding Puerto Viejo is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans. There are several hiking trails in the area that offer opportunities to explore this natural wonderland.

05.
Bribrí Indigenous Reserve

The Bribrí Indigenous Reserve is located just outside of Puerto Viejo and offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of the indigenous Bribrí people. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about their way of life, as well as see the beautiful waterfalls in the area.

06.
Enjoy the nightlife

Puerto Viejo is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away to reggae and calypso music.

07.
Try the local cuisine

Puerto Viejo is home to a variety of restaurants that serve up delicious Caribbean-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, plantains, and coconut-infused dishes. Don't miss trying the traditional rice and beans dish called "gallo pinto."

08.
Relax and unwind

Finally, Puerto Viejo is the perfect place to simply relax and unwind. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, get a massage, or practice yoga, there are plenty of opportunities to take it easy and enjoy the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.

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Lush green rainforest with a distant volcano under a colorful sky