Puerto Viejo
Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.
Puerto Viejo Best Things to Do
The Full-Day Jungle Adventure in a south Caribbean rainforest offers the unforgettable thrills of hiking and canyoneering through the jungle. On this tour, you'll rappel down trees and waterfalls, swim in natural pools, tour the jungle canopy, and go for a ride on a Tarzan swing.
6 hrs
From $97Explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge on a guided hike through a natural, Caribbean coast jungle setting filled with remarkable plants and wildlife.
4 hrs
From $56Area Guide
Puerto Viejo has recently become a hit with tourists due to its cultural allure, stunning white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and its proximity to national parks. Nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to observe the region’s stunning wildlife, both of which are a short drive away.
Native American traditions are well established. Indigenous reserves dot Talamanca—as this southern region is referred to by its indigenous population—which serves as a virtual extension of the national parks system. The Asociación Talamanca de Ecoturismo y Conservación (ATEC) offers information and tours to visitors interested in the local indigenous culture. A grassroots organization, ATEC was founded to promote sustainable tourism and cultural expression amongst the mixed population in which it serves. The organization offers tours complete with guides at an extremely fair price.
Feedback From Travelers
The longhouse was incredible! Marisol, the owner was great. Showed us frogs and monkeys, did the laundry! Beach was great!
Your description of Puerto Viejo was exactly what it was. We loved it. Yes there were tourists, but interesting ones.
The staff at Le Cameleon were terrific. Fernando especially. Above and beyond. The guides and drivers again were a joy to deal with.
- Puerto Viejo Things To Do
Puerto Viejo Things To Do
- Places Nearby
- Cahuita National Park8 km.
- Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge12 km.
- Cahuita9 km.
- Manzanillo11 km.
- Playa Cocles3 km.
- Barbilla National Park124 km.
- Pacuare River138 km.
- Cano Blanco152 km.
- Tortuguero National Park208 km.
- Cahuita National Park16 km.