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.
More about Puerto Viejo
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.
Moments to look forward to
A Mother Daughter Epic Journey
Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. When talking about Costa Rica with my mom/travel partner, she said "Is that someplace people go?". After our first day there all her worries were alleviated by all of the wonderful and helpful people we met.
Punta Uva Sea & River Kayak with Hike
Senior Couple Nature Explorer
We had a wonderful trip. All arrangements were handled promptly and on time. With howler monkeys outside our windows and being able to walk right onto the beach, it doesn’t get better than this.
Snorkel and Cahuita Hike
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour
Rainforest and Caribbean Explorer
Costa Rica is amazing! We both tried rafting for the first time and had such a wonderful time. The chocolate was the best I've ever had. This was the tropical getaway we needed!
Indigenous Experience
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.
Cahuita National Park Hike
Bribri Medicinal Plants and Chocolate Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Le Cameleon
Le Caméléon lies along the Caribbean coast in the small town of Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo is known for its distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, great white-sand beaches, and close proximity to the Cahuita National Park.
Hotel Cariblue
Hotel Cariblue is found on the Caribbean coast, in the village of Puerto Viejo. This region offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a completely different side of Costa Rica. You will find a beautiful mixture of indigenous, afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican cultures, expressed in the way of life, speech and food.
Caribe Town Hotel
Caribe Town Hotel has created a maze of little houses on its jungle property. As you wander through the gardens you will come across a monkey or sloth as frequently as you encounter another human. If you make your way to the main house you will find guests taking advantage of the resort’s amenities and community atmosphere.
Banana Azul
The Banana Azul hotel is located along the Caribbean Coast in the town of Puerto Viejo, part of the Limon region. Puerto Viejo has a reputation for being beautiful, entertaining, and relaxing.
Hotel Aguas Claras
Paradise is real when you visit Puerto de Viejo Limon, Costa Rica. This tropical paradise is home to sunny blue skies; crystal clear, sparkling water; swaying palm trees and tropical fruit; soft, sandy beaches, and colorful wildlife. Enjoy all of this from your sumptuous accommodations at Hotel Aguas Claras, where yoga and outdoor showers are augmented by high thread count organic cotton sheets and high speed internet.
Shawandha Lodge
Shawandha Lodge is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in the town of Puerto Viejo. The southern Caribbean coast masterfully blends wilderness and beautiful coastline. You will find a world of beautiful exotic birds, playful animals and smiling people. Puerto Viejo is a laid back beach town, offering a selection of restaurants, gift stores and live entertainment.
La Costa de Papito
La Costa de Papito puts you right between some of the best destinations that Talamanca has to offer. Staying here you can walk to Caribbean beaches, and take a short drive to the nearby wildlife refuge.
Hotel Almendros y Corales
Hotel Almendros y Corales is situated on the breathtaking Caribbean coast, in the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The Caribbean coast presents a unique blend of Afro Caribbean, Indigenous and Costa Rican cultures. These mixtures are all noted in the cuisine, lifestyle, and the sounds of reggae and calypso music filling the air, making the Caribbean a truly unique side of Costa Rica.
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
