Are you looking for the best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? There is something here for every traveler, with an array of activities ranging from exploring incredible jungle trails and relaxing on pristine beaches to learning about the local culture.
From riverside lodging to delicious restaurants and bustling nightlife, let us provide you with our top 10 list of must-see sites when visiting this amazing destination. Whether you’re a beach lover or adventure seeker, Puerto Viejo has something special just waiting to be discovered!
Why You Should Visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, is an incredibly special destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Located along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, it’s known for its stunning white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters – providing plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. But there’s much more to discover in Puerto Viejo than simply soaking up the sun by the shore.
Below, we list the top 10 things to do once you’re in Puerto Viejo!
1. Take a Trip to Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is a stunning destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita is home to a variety of wildlife, pristine beaches, and rainforest trails that visitors can explore. The national park stretches across a five-mile strip of land and includes marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This unique combination makes it an ideal place for wildlife watching and exploring natural wonders.
Visitors to the park will find stunning coral reefs full of exotic life, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and various birds chirping overhead. As you explore this beautiful area, you’ll be able to spot everything from sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and butterflies to dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
You can also take advantage of many amazing activities within Cahuita National Park. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters around the coral reef to sea kayaking along
the coast, there are plenty of ways to make your trip unforgettable. Several guided tours are available through the park if you’d like additional insight into local flora and fauna. Birdwatching is also popular among visitors to spot several species, such as toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds throughout their visit.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, spend time on one of Cahuita’s many white sand beaches or take a dip in one of its inviting swimming holes. You can even rent boats or stand-up paddle boards if you want to get out on the water for some adventure! No matter what kind of experience you’re seeking in Cahuita National Park, you’re sure to be mesmerized by its natural beauty at every turn!
2. Visit the Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee OR Cacao Trails – Museo de Cacao
Chocolate and coffee lovers everywhere will love taking a trip to the Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee Trails—Museo de Cacao. This unique experience allows visitors to learn about the ancient Mayan culture of cacao and how it’s produced in modern times.
The museum offers a variety of educational activities, from tasting different chocolate varieties to learning about the techniques used in harvesting and making them. Visitors can also explore the fascinating history behind cacao production and view exhibits featuring Mayan artefacts.
The experience doesn’t end there, however! After exploring the museum, visitors can take a guided tour of the surrounding cacao farms and witness firsthand how beans are grown, fermented, dried, and processed into delicious chocolates. Afterward, there’s even an opportunity to purchase the artisanal chocolate produced on site!
The Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee Trails—Museo de Cacao is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the history and production of chocolate and coffee. It’s a great way to explore local culture of Puerto Viejo while indulging your sweet tooth at the same time!
3. Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Punta Uva
Punta Uva, located in Limon Province on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Punta Uva is an idyllic beach surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and crystal clear waters, making it an ideal location for those looking to explore life below the sea surface.
The area boasts an impressive array of different kinds of fish and coral species, making it an excellent spot for divers of all levels of experience. There are plenty of dive sites to choose from depending on the experience you’re looking for, ranging from shallow reefs suitable for snorkelers to deep water walls that require more advanced certification.
The visibility at Punta Uva is typically excellent, with some areas reaching up to 80 feet or more! Along with colorful marine life, divers may also spot a number of shipwrecks scattered throughout the area. For those looking to learn how to scuba dive or gain more experience underwater, there are several certified instructors and dive shops located nearby that can provide lessons and advice. With its beautiful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and easy accessibility, Punta Uva is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for any snorkeler or diver!
4. Relax on the Beaches at Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita
Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita are two stunning beaches that offer a paradise for travelers looking for an idyllic spot to relax. Located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Costa Rica, these iconic beaches are perfect for those seeking some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Playa Cocles is a popular beach renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. With plenty of activities to enjoy, such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, fishing or just taking a relaxing stroll along the shoreline, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here each year. Sunsets are especially breathtaking in this part of Costa Rica as they light up the beach with a beautiful orange hue.
Just south of Playa Cocles lies Playa Chiquita, another gorgeous beach that attracts large crowds each year. This secluded beach offers peace and tranquility located in a small semi-secluded bay with gentle waves lapping against its shores. The waters here provide ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling due to its calm environment surrounded by lush jungle vegetation. Offshore reef formations make it a great destination for water sports lovers.
No matter what you’re looking for on your holiday in Costa Rica, be sure to pay a visit to both Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita; these beaches are not to be missed!
5. Explore the Town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a charming beach town located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This picturesque location is known for its white-sand beaches, lush jungle, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to surf, relax on the beach, explore the local culture, or enjoy some fresh seafood, Puerto Viejo has something for everyone.
The town itself is small but vibrant, with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore during your stay. Plenty of budget-friendly accommodations are available in Puerto Viejo, making it perfect for travelers on a budget. You can also find upscale resorts if you prefer that experience. The area boasts some of the best surfing in Costa Rica, so if you’re an experienced surfer or just want to learn how to surf, this is definitely the place to go.
In addition to its great beaches and waves, Puerto Viejo has plenty of other activities to offer visitors. From wildlife watching at nearby Cahuita National Park to exploring waterfalls like Bribri Waterfall and Volio waterfall, there is no shortage of things to do here. Visitors can also visit local markets for shopping and taste traditional Caribbean cooking at many local restaurants.
6. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center and Sloth Sanctuary
The Jaguar Rescue Center and Sloth Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located in Costa Rica that provides a safe haven for jaguars, sloths, and other animals that have been hurt or displaced.
Visitors to the sanctuary can observe these majestic animals living in their natural habitat and observe the rehabilitation efforts of the volunteers and staff. The staff at the center works hard to ensure that all of the jaguars and sloths are taken care of and receive quality care with an emphasis on the conservation of these animals.
The sanctuary offers educational opportunities, including guided tours, interactive activities, lectures, and interesting facts about both species. Visitors also have the chance to learn how their contribution to the center can help protect vulnerable wildlife by providing resources for research and rehabilitation.
Additionally, visitors can adopt or sponsor a jaguar or sloth and directly support its long-term welfare. This is an amazing opportunity to give back to nature while also enjoying some truly amazing wildlife experiences. Visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center and Sloth Sanctuary is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime!
7. Go White-Water Rafting on the Pacuare River
White-water rafting on the Pacuare River is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed. This river is located in Costa Rica and offers some of the best white-water rapids in the world. As you travel down the river, you’ll get to experience thrilling rapids that range in difficulty from class II-IV. Along with the exciting rapids, you’ll also get to take in the stunning scenery, including lush rainforests, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The entire journey takes about 12 hours and includes lunch and dinner stops along the way.
The Pacuare River is a perfect place for beginners who are looking to try out white-water rafting for the first time. Guides are always on hand to provide instructions and ensure everyone stays safe while navigating the rapids. For more experienced rafters, there are also some higher-class rapids available if you’re feeling brave enough! You will likely see plenty of wildlife during your trip, so keep your eyes open for monkeys, iguanas, and other tropical creatures!
8. Take a Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve is one of the most beautiful and unique places to explore in Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean coast, this protected area is home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy in this reserve, such as bird watching, hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve spans over 17,000 acres of land with a huge diversity of habitats, such as mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and pristine sandy beaches.
Taking a hike through the reserve can be an extremely rewarding experience. The trails are easy to follow and you will get to observe some of nature’s most stunning creatures up close. You might catch sight of monkeys playing in the branches above or a sloth slowly crawling across your path.
Many bird species also call Gandoca-Manzanillo their home, such as toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, kingfishers, and hawks. It’s also possible to spot iguanas resting in the sun or colorful frogs hopping from leaf to leaf next to a creek bed. If you’re lucky enough, you may even come across turtles laying eggs on a secluded beach during the turtle nesting season!
Exploring the spectacular coastline is another excellent way to spend time in this reserve. Here, you can relax on peaceful white sand beaches surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, or participate in exciting water sports, such as surfing or windsurfing. Nearby, you can find other popular attractions, such as lagoons, where you can spot caimans, or go river rafting on the Sixaola River, which serves as the natural border between Panama and Costa Rica!
9. Experience Indigenous Culture at Finca La Isla Botanical Garden and ZooAve
Finca La Isla Botanical Garden and ZooAve is one of the most unique attractions in Costa Rica, offering visitors an opportunity to experience native culture in a stunning natural setting.
Located in the province of Limon, just minutes from Puerto Viejo, Finca La Isla is a botanical garden, animal sanctuary, and Indigenous cultural center. This lush tropical paradise showcases traditional plants and animals native to the region, many of which are threatened or endangered.
Visitors can explore pathways winding through exotic gardens planted with beautiful orchids and other native flowers, while giant trees provide shade for parrots and toucans flitting through the air. As you wander through the gardens, you may spot iguanas sunning themselves on branches or colorful lizards darting along tree trunks. The zoo also houses sloths, Coati Mundi (an adorable raccoon-like mammal), armadillos, bats, anteaters, and more.
In addition to the rich wildlife, visitors can also learn about Indigenous culture through interactive presentations by local experts. You can also enjoy special performances demonstrating traditional music and dance from different Latin American countries, including Costa Rica’s mestizo culture and Mayan culture from Guatemala and Mexico. Visitors can even sample delicious indigenous cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients grown right on-site!
10. Enjoy Local Cuisine in Puerto Viejo’s Restaurants & Bars
Puerto Viejo is a paradise for those looking to sample the area’s unique local cuisine. Various restaurants and bars offer traditional dishes from around the region, allowing visitors to experience flavors from all over Costa Rica. From seafood specialties like ceviche and fried fish to traditional rice dishes such as Gallo pinto, there’s something for everyone here. Many restaurants also offer a selection of international cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Japanese.
The bars in Puerto Viejo are as diverse as the restaurants. Local brews are popular choices among visitors, but there is also an abundance of spirits for those looking for something a bit stronger. For a unique experience, head to one of the local dive bars or beachfront joints and enjoy drinks with friends while dancing or listening to live music. For those who prefer lighter fare, plenty of cafes serve coffees from around Central America and pastries made from fresh ingredients.
There are many incredible things to see and do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. From Cahuita National Park to the Chocolate Museum, there is a lot to explore in this vibrant town. We hope you enjoy exploring all that Puerto Viejo has to offer!
About Us
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo, Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel should be top of mind when booking your trip.
With a scenic beachfront property and gorgeous suites overlooking the vast, beautiful ocean, Le Cameleon is every traveler’s dream stay.
While here, you can enjoy our special, custom-made GoFit & Engage program, participate in exclusive nutrition & well-being workshops, and enjoy private tours of this picturesque town. Call us at +506 2750 3096 or visit our website to reserve your dates.
