Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is a piece of paradise where tropical rainforest meets the Caribbean Sea. You wake up to the calls of toucans and howler monkeys, spend your days outdoors and conclude the nights by socializing with like-minded people while listening to reggae music.
We have been living in Costa Rica for almost half a decade now. During this time, we have traveled across the length and breadth of the country to explore its popular destinations as well as hidden gems. But, from all the places we have ever visited in Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca ranks very high on our list of favorites. Even after multiple visits!
So, in this ultimate travel guide to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, we share with you all the details about the best things to do, the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, where to eat and what to pack. Remember to bookmark this page for your Puerto Viejo trip planning.
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Brief History of Caribbean Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the tourism hotspot of Caribbean Costa Rica. But, in order to better understand this town’s pulse, let us first learn a bit about Caribbean Costa Rica.
Pre Independence
Before Cristopher Columbus set foot in Costa Rica, the indigenous communities of Bribri and Cabecar used to inhabit the Talamanca region. Then, during the Spanish colonization of Costa Rica between early 16th century and early 19th century, this Caribbean side of Costa Rica saw many changes. For instance, a significant chunk of the indigenous population was wiped out due to European diseases. Another example was the onset of slavery as slaves were brought in from Africa to support the growth of cacao plantations. In 1821, Costa Rica earned its independence from Spain and in the subsequent years, abolished slavery.
Post Independence
In the post-independence era of Costa Rica, railroad construction began in 1871 to support the expansion of the banana plantations. During this time, lots of Jamaicans moved to Caribbean Costa Rica to work in the railroad construction. They were independent workers, not slaves and their generations stayed back and became part of the population mix of Caribbean Costa Rica.
However, until not too long ago, Costa Rica used to have racial segregation laws in place. As a result, Afro-Caribbean Costa Ricans were allowed to live exclusively in the Caribbean part of Costa Rica. The laws did not allow them the same citizenship rights as their Hispanic counterparts in other parts of the country. But, thankfully all that changed from 1949. In fact, as of today, Afro-Caribbean Costa Ricans live in all 7 provinces of Costa Rica.
As you can see, centuries of history encompassing Caribbean Costa Rica, continuously altered the demography fabric of the region. So, as a result, what you find in modern day Puerto Viejo del Talamanca is a melting pot of cultures. This destination should be a definitive addition to your Caribbean Costa Rica itinerary!
Check out our Costa Rica Itinerary Corner to get ideas about designing your own Costa Rica itinerary!
16 Things to Do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
From surfing, snorkeling to jungle hiking, from indigenous community visits to gorging on local delicacies, there are plenty of diverse things to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Puerto Viejo Vibes
A mix of ethnicities have contributed over the centuries to what now defines the culture of Puerto Viejo. From indigenous people’s traditional living practices to Bob Marley’s quotes and reggae music, you will notice the diversity here. This amalgamation of cultures is topped with the laidback Caribbean vibe. Yes, “Pura Vida” can get more laidback and free-flowing in the Caribbean! Add to this, the recent boom of backpackers, surfers and yoga practitioners who often choose to live long term in Puerto Viejo, as this place seems to offer the mind, body and soul a true connect with nature.
So, before you go for any planned activities in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, first soak in the town’s vibes. This part of Costa Rica is unlike the rest of the country, and possibly, other Caribbean countries. Just walk around town to feel it!
From inspiring quotes on restaurant walls to sloth themed souvenir stores, all are part of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Charming Caribbean Beaches
The beaches around Puerto Viejo span across the main town to the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge in the south. The beaches are characterized by swaying palm trees and differ by the color of sand and activities. As you drive or ride down the road, you will find the entrance to the beaches one after the other until the road disappears in the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge.
The first beach that you will see by the road, while arriving in town, is a dark sand beach, Playa Negra. There is an old submerged ship wreck that forms a pretty prop for the beach. As you reach the town, you will find the rocky Puerto Viejo beach, good for quick stop or a picnic.
The Cocles beach is lined with restaurants and resorts facing the sea and you will find the huge waves hit the coast. The white sand Punta Uva beach, the Arrecife beach, Playa Chiquita and the Manzanillo beach are great for some beach time and dip in the Caribbean sea.
Read about all these Puerto Viejo beaches in more details, with information on how to reach, in this article.
Indranil at the Punta Uva, one of the most beautiful beaches around Puerto Viejo. Ahh, the amount of work that goes behind earning that nap on a swaying palm tree by the beach.
Puerto Viejo on Bicycle
The roads in Puerto Viejo are flat and make bicycling easy and joyful. There are many shops where you can get a bicycle on rent for the day. It makes it easier and cheaper to access the remote beaches and the restaurants. Pack your bag for the beach day and ride between the tropical beaches.
Puerto Viejo Bike Rentals shop has short term and long term rental plans, including road assistance. You can also check with your hotel in Puerto Viejo if they have bicycles for use by the guests.
Cahuita National Park
The Cahuita National Park is 15 minutes drive away from the Puerto Viejo town. The national park is known for its rich marine and terrestrial wildlife as it spans across land and sea. There are two entrances to the park.
The entrance closer to Puerto Viejo has a trail with an elevated platform but requires a paid ticket. You have good chance to see wildlife around the trail – howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, river turtles, sloths, keel-billed toucan, to name a few. From this entrance, you have closer access to the stunning Punta Vargas beach.
The other entrance is right next to the Cahuita town. There is no standard entrance fee but a voluntary donation for the park maintenance is appreciated. This entrance guides you to the pretty and long stretch of the Playa Blanca. You can choose to walk on the jungle trail or relax on the beach. A 20-25 minutes hike on the hiking trail leads to the beautiful Punta Cahuita which has clear water and possibilities of watching marine life as part of snorkeling tours.
Snorkeling
There are opportunities of watching marine life while snorkeling in the Cahuita National Park. There are tours that take you to the coral reefs near Punta Uva. You can spot colorful tropical fishes and beautiful coral including brain corals. The other places where you can try snorkeling are Punta Uva, Arrecife and parts of Manzanillo beach.
You can check these popular snorkeling tour options offered by Willies Tours Costa Rica and Caribe Fun Tours.
Please remember, the weather and the wind play a big role in determining the visibility. So, before you go, check with the tour operator about the snorkeling conditions for the day.
Kayaking
Due to the topography of the region, you can enjoy sea kayaking, river kayaking and rainforest hike, all at once in Puerto Viejo. The place to be for this activity is Punta Uva. Of course, when you are in Costa Rica, you can expect to spot wildlife too as you navigate the waters with your kayak.
Caribe Fun Tours offers a sea and river kayaking experience that includes transportation, snacks and water. You can check the details and make your reservation here.
Surfing
Whether you are a beginner surfer or an experienced one, you will find good surfing opportunities in Puerto Viejo. Playa Cocles is known to draw a lot of surfers. You can sign up for beginner private or group lessons with any of the surfing schools in town.
However, if you are a pro surfer, you must be eyeing to surf Salsa Brava. It is a reef break that draws thrill-seeking surfers from around the world. Here you can actually get barreled! Before attempting to surf Salsa Brava, please assess your surfing skills level and the risks associated with surfing Salsa Brava.
Check out our travel guides about other popular surfing destinations/beaches in Costa Rica:
Destination Guides: Santa Teresa | Malpais
- Santa Teresa: Playa Carmen | Playa Hermosa
- Guanacaste: Playa Pelada (Nosara) | Playa Avellanas
- South Pacific: Playa Uvita | Playa Dominicalito
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge sprawls over diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense tropical rainforest, marshlands and mangroves, golden sand beaches and the reefs of Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona. With a surface area of almost 4 hectares, this refuge is huge. You can go on a guided hike on the trails of the refuge or explore on your own.
Soon after getting past the official entrance gate of Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, you will come across an elevated observation deck. That is the Mirador Manzanillo. It provides a breathtaking view of Manzanillo and Caribbean Sea. A standalone rock protruding from the sea amplifies the beauty of the landscape.
As you venture further into the jungle, expect to observe wildlife. It is best to hire an experienced guide if you want to tick off some spectacular species from your Costa Rica wildlife bucket list, like the eyelash viper!
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is open to visitors all days of the week, between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. There are no entry fees but tips are welcome.
Jaguar Rescue Center
No animals in the wild are immune from environmental threats and health issues. In fact, there are many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians who fall ill or meet accidents and need immediate care.
Jaguar Rescue Center (JRC) in Puerto Viejo has been doing commendable work for providing the necessary care for such animals in Costa Rica. The kind and efficient staff of JRC nurse these animals back to their health and release them in the wild, after ensuring they can survive independently. For those animals that are deemed not fit to survive independently, JRC provides them a permanent home in the JRC Sanctuary.
In addition to providing care for animals in need, Jaguar Rescue Center has also been taking up projects for the welfare of wildlife in Costa Rica. One of their most ambitious projects is the Shock Free Zone. JRC is partnering with the Electricity Institute of Costa Rica (ICE) for insulating electric transformers with the objective of preventing accidental electrocution of animals.
To learn more about the amazing work that Jaguar Rescue Center is doing and to increase your knowledge about the needs and behaviors of wild creatures, you can take a tour. They offer both group tours and private tours. Every day, they have group tours at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and costs 25 USD per person. Private tours are offered at 2:00 pm. This 2-hour tour costs 75 USD per person. You can make online reservations for the public/group tour here and the private tour here.
Ara Manzanillo
Officially founded in 2012, Ara Manzanillo focuses on the conservation of the Great Green Macaw, a stunning but endangered bird species in Costa Rica. They have 4 main initiatives – Macaw Release, Assisted Reproduction, Community Outreach and Reforestation and Rainforest Enrichment, all with the common goal of conserving the macaw population.
To know more about this macaw conservation project, you can go for a site visit of Ara Manzanillo. The tours are offered daily between 3-4 pm, but you need to make prior reservation. For booking the tour, you can either call them or email them or book online from their site. Find all the details, including online reservation option, on this page.
Chocolate Tour
Chocolate is made from cacao beans. Due to its geographic location and climatic conditions, Costa Rica, particularly its Caribbean slope, is one of the world’s finest producers of high quality cacao. So, once upon a time, chocolate used to be one of Costa Rica’s main export products. However, in the late 20th century, due to the spread of cacao monilia, a fungus based disease, much of the large scale cacao productions in Costa Rica were destroyed. Thus the scale of chocolate production also decreased.
But Costa Rica still remains a place for growing high quality cacao. So, there are many companies and family-run businesses who make chocolates using 100% Costa Rican cacao products. This is why one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is to sign up for a chocolate tour. In this tour, you get to learn about cacao production and the entire process of making chocolate, from bean to bar. Depending on the tour, you may get to try your hands at some stages of the process. And the best part of the tour? You will get to taste a lot of chocolate, in various stages of its production!
Here are some options how you can go on a Chocolate Tour in Puerto Viejo:
- Caribbeans Coffee and Chocolate is a popular coffee shop in Puerto Viejo. They have their own cacao farm and organic chocolate factory. So, from Monday to Saturday, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, they offer chocolate tours. Their specialty is, it is not just a cacao bean to chocolate bar experience, it is a complete cacao tree to bar experience, complete with hill hikes and ocean views! You do not need prior reservations, just walk in during the mentioned hours. Find more details on their website.
- If you prefer to reserve your tour beforehand, you can check this highly rated Viator tour. It is a hands-on chocolate making class!
- You can also learn about chocolate making as part of an indigenous community visit tour. Read more details in the “Bribri Indigenous Community” section below.
Caribbean Rice and Beans with Chicken
When it comes to traditional Tico food, there are quite a few nice and simple dishes. But the Costa Rican cuisine in general is nothing too exciting, especially when you compare with the culinary offerings of some of the other Latin American countries like Mexico, Peru or even our home country, India. (Sorry our Costa Rican friends!)
However, if there is only one dish that you must try in this country, make it Caribbean Rice and Beans with Chicken. It is the best dish from Costa Rica. Call us biased, but it is the truth!
As the name suggests, Caribbean Rice and Beans with Chicken is a specialty from the Caribbean region. It is a mix of rice and beans flavored in coconut milk among other ingredients with 1 or 2 big juicy pieces of chicken cooked in Caribbean spices. The dish is usually served with salad and fried plantain on the side.
Although you may find Caribbean Rice and Beans on some restaurant menus across the country, the best place to try this delicious dish is in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Tropical Massages and Spa Treatments
Book yourself a spa treatment at one of Puerto Viejo’s jungle spas for the ultimate Caribbean relaxation. Some hotels in Puerto Viejo have their in-house spa centers. You can book a session at one of those. Else you can also look for standalone spas.
During one of our visits to Puerto Viejo, we had booked ourselves a couples session for body treatments at Pure Jungle Spa. It was a wonderful afternoon when our bodies were soaked in tropical oils and scents and we almost drifted off to sleep, while listening to the sounds of raindrops and birds. Staying true to the Caribbean rainforest experience, the spa treatment concluded with an outdoor shower in a tropical jungle setting.
Bribri Indigenous Community
There are 8 indigenous communities that constitute only 2.4% of Costa Rica’s population. One among those is the Bribri community from the Talamanca region. Although adapting to the developments of the modern world, they have still managed to retain their roots.
When you are in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you can take a guided tour to get to know more about the Bribri indigenous community.
ATEC (Asociación Talamanqueña de Ecoturismo y Conservación), one of the first NGOs of the Talamanca region, offers multiple tour options where visitors get to interact with Bribri people and learn about their culture and traditions. Depending on your desired duration of the tour and preferred activities, there are various tour options to choose from.
We did a combo tour that included learning about Bribri ways of living, medicinal plants, chocolate making process, traditional lunch and a waterfall visit. It was a day filled with lots of learnings and loads of fun. Read about our complete experience of this tour in this post (coming soon!).
Learning about the ways of living of the Bribri community. From left to right: (1) Indranil getting a demo of how tree leaves and tree branches can be used for life in the jungle, (2) Colors freshly extracted from flowers, used to do Pubali’s make-up of eyes, lips and cheeks.
Trip to Tortuguero
Tortuguero, the Little Amazon of Costa Rica, is remote and only accessible by water or air. The main town is a narrow strip of land with the Tortuguero river on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The interesting landscape surrounded with diverse water bodies, tropical rainforests and rich wildlife make Tortuguero an absolute visit for nature enthusiasts.
Tortuguero is known for the arrival of the endangered Green Turtles for nesting between the months between July and October. Also, it is a habitat for numerous aquatic birds such as, boat-billed herons, green ibis, jacana, to name a few. You can also see the Great Green Macaws. A canoe or boat ride in the canals of Tortuguero with a guide is one of the best ways of exploring Tortuguero National Park. You may find the caimans and crocodiles in the river and spider monkeys and howler monkeys up in the trees.
In our opinion, Tortuguero deserves a few days on its own. However, if you are short on time, you can book a tour for exploring the canals of Tortueguero from Limon. Although there are multiple tour options available, we feel some of them try to fit in too many points of interest. So, you can check out this tour that focuses completely on Tortuguero’s canals, exploring its rich wildlife.
Looking for things to do in different destinations of Costa Rica? Read our comprehensive planning guide about all kinds of activities that you can pursue in Costa Rica.
Trip to Bocas del Toro (Panama)
How about crossing an international border on foot to hop from one country’s tropical beach destination to another country’s tropical island? Sounds exciting, right?
It is only a 40-50 minutes shuttle ride from Puerto Viejo to Costa Rica’s Sixaola border with Panama. So, one of the popular things to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is to take a trip to Bocas del Toro in Panama.
You can purchase a complete/ all-inclusive tour package for a day trip or a multi-day excursion to Bocas. However, for taking in the full experience of Bocas del Toro, we recommend staying in Bocas for at least 2-3 days instead of taking only a day trip from Puerto Viejo.
If you do not want to go with a tour and want to explore the Bocas island on your own, you can book just the transport for both-way transfers. Click on the images below to check shuttle transfer options.
This is how the Puerto Viejo – Bocas del Toro transfer works:
- The shuttle bus on the Costa Rica side (with Costa Rica number plate) drops you off at the Sixaola border.
- You complete the exit formalities at the Costa Rica immigration office.
- You cross the Sixaola bridge on foot to walk in to the Panama side.
- You complete the entry formalities at the Panama immigration and customs offices.
- Another shuttle on the Panama side (with Panama number plate) picks you up and drops you at the Almirante ferry port.
- From the Almirante port, take the boat to Bocas del Toro island in Panama.
You need to follow the reverse for returning from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo del Talamanca.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Being on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca follows a contrasting weather pattern compared to the rest of the country. Costa Rica has only two seasons – dry and rainy. At a generic level, the rainy season lasts between April-May to November-December, with October being the rainiest month for the major part of the country. However, on the Caribbean side, October is usually dry and sunny with lower chances of rain.
Caribbean Costa Rica usually sees higher rainfall, with rainy days spread almost throughout the year. But, since the weather often gets unpredictable, you can have rainy days even during the dry season and days of sunshine in the middle of rainy season. There is a local saying that when it is raining on the Pacific side, take a trip to the Caribbean!
You may want to avoid the local peak holiday seasons though, like the Easter Week.
Over the years, we have been to Puerto Viejo in the months of March, April, May, October and have experienced a mix of rain and sunshine on all occasions, irrespective of the season.
Confused with when is the best time to visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca? Plan for February-March or September-October, enjoy better chances of sunny days but still be prepared for afternoon showers. If it does rain, do not be disappointed, instead immerse yourself in a pensive mood while gazing at the Caribbean Sea in the rain.
For a countrywide summary of best time to visit Costa Rica and ideas on activities by month, read this article. It has also got couple of cool infographics!
How to Reach Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca lies 61 km (38 miles) south of Limon city along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. You can either rent a car to drive to Puerto Viejo or take a bus from San Jose. For private transfers or shared shuttle transfers, you may coordinate with your hotel to arrange the same.
Whether you land in San Jose airport or in Liberia airport, you can follow the below recommended routes for driving.
Driving From San Jose International Airport
From Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), the drive to Puerto Viejo takes around 4-5 hours (depending on traffic) for a distance of 232 km (144 miles). The drive is along the scenic Ruta 32 that passes through Braulio Carillo National Park. On this route, you will also come across a vehicle road tunnel, the only tunnel in Costa Rica! No wonder people pull up their cars on the side for photo ops with the tunnel. Get yours too!
The first section of Ruta 32 has winding mountain roads. So, a good point to break up your road trip from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is right after you finish the mountainous stretch, at the El Yugo de mi Tata restaurant. This is a buffet restaurant where you will find food for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and even for your coffee break. They have nice clean restrooms too. From here, you need to continue until Limon and then drive southward towards Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Driving From Liberia International Airport
From Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport (LIB), you have two options to drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
The first option is to drive Liberia – La Fortuna – Guapiles – Siquierres – Limon – Puerto Viejo Talamanca. This route is 418 km (260 miles) long and the drive can take between 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic. You can break this long drive by staying for a few days in La Fortuna, a must visit destination in Costa Rica.
The second option requires you to drive via San Jose and take the Ruta 32. From San Jose, the rest of the route is as described in the previous section. For this route, the drive may take between 7 to 10 hours for a total distance of 442 km (275 miles). You can split the journey by staying in San Jose for couple of nights. During your stay in San Jose, you can visit some of the nearby attractions like Irazu Volcano or La Paz Waterfalls.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
From budget hostels to mid-range boutique hotels to fancy luxury stays, you will find different kinds of accommodation options in and around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Please note, the stays are not just centered in the town of Puerto Viejo but are spread along the length of the coast from Playa Negra in the north to Manzanillo in the south. So, depending on you mode of commute, choose the location of your stay. Here are some recommendations for stay options by areas.
Read our complete guide here on where to stay in and around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and the details on our recommended hotels. Or check the section below in this article for a summary.
Playa Negra
- Sonora Jungle and Yoga Retreat: Located in a peaceful tropical garden setting, this accommodation is a few minutes drive away from the main town. They offer studios and bungalows with patios, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a yoga room. Click here to check rates and availability.
- Hotel Banana Azul – Adults Only: This is an adults only hotel located right across the Negra beach. They have an outdoor swimming pool, an extensive garden, an onsite restaurant and terrace and bar. Each room comes with a large seating area. Click here to check rates and availability.
Puerto Viejo Town
- Selina Puerto Viejo: This popular chain hostel is located in Puerto Viejo town. They offer accommodation options ranging from dormitories to private rooms, onsite bar, swimming pool and common areas with games and live music. This is a pet friendly stay option. Click here to check rates and availability.
- Hotel Indalo Adults Only: Located in the Puerto Viejo town, this is an adults only hotel in a quiet lane, away from the bustle of town. All rooms are spacious, air-conditioned and come with wardrobe, refrigerator, private bathroom and a terrace. Click here to check rates and availability.
Playa Cocles
- La Cameleon Boutique Hotel: This is a luxury boutique resort in Cocles, few steps from the beach. The resort is in a tropical forest setting, and features a beach club and restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a jungle spa and rooms and suites with minimalist white decor. Click here to check rates and availability.
- Relax Natural Village Adults Only: This is an adults only accommodation option in the Cocles region, about 450 meters from the beach. They offer wooden cottage style stays, where each unit comes with large private terrace and luxurious bathroom. Click here to check rates and availability.
- Hotel La Costa de Papito: Steps away from Cocles beach, this hotel is built in a lush tropical setting and offers rustic bungalows for comfortable stays. To its most recent additions, Puerto Viejo’s first Indian restaurant is located within the premises of this hotel. Click here to check rates and availability.
Playa Chiquita
- Shawandha Lodge: Located across the road from Playa Chiquita, this lodge offers wooden cottages with seating areas and spacious wardrobes. There are onsite restaurant and bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. Click here to check rates and availability.
- La Kukula Lodge: A short walk away from Playa Chiquita, this lodge has rooms and bungalows with jungle views and private bathrooms. You will also find an onsite bar, a garden and an outdoor swimming pool. Click here to check rates and availability.
Manzanillo
- Almonds and Corals Lodge: Located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge and with easy access to Manzanillo beach, this lodge offers beautifully appointed rooms and suites with private bathrooms and garden views. The walls are made of mosquito nets, giving you the feel of being in the outdoors but with privacy. Click here to check rates and availability.
- Congo Bongo EcoVillage Costa Rica: Although on the pricier side, this eco-lodging near Manzanillo is a good option for long stays and large groups. They offer vacation homes with multi-bedroom options and each house/unit comes with a garden seating area, a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, a washing machine and private bathroom. Click here to check rates and availability.
Our bungalow room and the swimming pool at Sonora Jungle and Yoga Retreat near Playa Negra.
Where to Eat in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
There are of plenty of eateries in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, of various budget ranges and offering different types of cuisines. Whether you are looking for the quintessential Caribbean Rice and Beans with Chicken or want to get fancy with Thai or Indian food, you will not be disappointed. Read our Puerto Viejo restaurants and cafes guide for a list of our recommended places to eat in this Caribbean town.
Check out our restaurant guides for other popular destinations in Costa Rica:
What to Pack for Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
For a complete packing list for your Costa Rica vacation, check out this packing guide. It also includes a FREE checklist!
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a tropical beach destination where you can live in your swimsuits (women) / beach shorts (men) and flip-flops. But when you are traveling in Costa Rica, there are a few essentials you cannot afford to miss, like insect repellent, sunscreen and raincoat. Click on the images below to browse and buy these or similar products.
Also, if you are going for waterfall hikes or beach hikes, you may want to replace your flip-flops with waterproof/water-resistant hiking sandals. For swimming in the waterfalls or in the sea at Cahuita, get water shoes for protecting your feet against rocky surfaces. Click on the images below to browse and buy.
Final Thoughts on Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Indranil and I often have this conversation that if we were to “settle” and live long term in any beach town of Costa Rica, what would that be? Triumphing over several popular contenders (like Playa del Coco), almost always two beach towns conclude our discussions as winners. One is on the South Pacific (guess which one!) and the other is in the South Caribbean – now you know which one! 🙂
Hope this guide helps you plan your Puerto Viejo trip and you make memories of a lifetime in this charming Caribbean town of Costa Rica. If you have any questions and/or wish to share your experience of traveling to this place, drop them in the comments below.
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Hi,
Thanks for your excellent website. Very helpful.
Do you happen to know which hotels in PV area have long swimming pools suitable for swimming laps? Seems most of the pools are either tiny, or have rounded shoes that are fun, but not suitable for laps.
Thank you,
Matthew
Hi Mathew,
Glad to know that you found our website helpful 🙂
Although we haven’t personally used this pool, you can check the Le Cameleon hotel. It is a nice hotel in a good location, and their swimming pool is long, can be used for swimming laps. Hope this helps.