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Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, this main city was once just a small port town. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo River (Rio Puerto Viejo) and Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiqui), this growing area is quickly becoming a main destination for adventure-seeking tourists and nature enthusiasts. And for good reason as this area has soo much to offer.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Several protected zones such as Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station are within a close distance as well as the adventure prone Sarapiquí River. At one time, Puerto Viejo was a small port community that exported goods down the Sarapiquí River through the San Juan River (Río San Juan), eventually docking in Limon and other locations on the Caribbean coast. Now, this same river is a major factor for the ecotourism in the area!

At the base, north of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is the gateway to many outstanding locations and activities in the area. Many popular and still active volcanoes, like the Poás Volcano, along the ranges to the southwest are within driving distance. Driving a little further to the east gets you to Tortuguero National Park and Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo has also been recognized for the banana, cocoa and coffee crops it produces. Once you enter the area, it is not hard to see why it is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.

This small city provides a wonderful launching point for thrill-seekers looking to have a little fun. Birthing from high atop the Poás Volcano, the Sarapiquí River provides incredible class I through IV white-water rafting and kayaking that will keep your heart pounding. Many outfitters are available as the river produces consistent rapids that attract adventurers from all over the world. A more tranquil option would be one of the many river excursions available exposing the dense vegetation and scenic wildlife. An option for nature lovers is El Gavilán, a 450 acre (182 ha) private reserve which is reachable by boat from the slithering Sarapiquí River. Common on the river are water taxis transporting visitors who have the opportunity of seeing caiman, sloths, monkeys and even crocodiles along the shore. The river supplies copious activities for the whole family.

An amazing spectacle for all the senses is the Peace Waterfall Gardens (Parque Natural Catarata La Paz). The series of five waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the country. The grounds also have the world largest butterfly observatory, a garden with 24 different species of hummingbirds and outstanding facilities in the Peace Lodge. Surrounded by tranquility and beauty, the experience here is once in a lifetime. To access this area, head about an hour north from San José past the town of Vara Blanca 3 miles (2 km), the entrance is on the left hand side. Coming from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, head southwest along Hwy 4 passing through San Miguel and Cariblanco. The gardens are on the right hand side before Vara Blanca.

The beautiful Rara Avis is almost 2,500 acres (1,000 ha) of pristine virgin rainforest. Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station, Rara Avis was created in an effort to preserve the natural rainforest and explore the economic value it possess to thwart any future destruction thereof. Many (muddy) hiking trails are set up to explore the area. Monkeys, coatimundis and anteaters are the most commonly viewed mammals. Another 102 species of reptiles and amphibians and over 360 species of birds make up the biodiversity in Rara Avis. Many projects in conservation and biodiversity can be witnessed first-hand. From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, head south 11 miles (18 km) to the town of Las Horquetas de Sarapiquí. From here, it is possible to arrange transportation by horseback or tractor to take you the rest of the way.

Traveling west from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí 4 miles (6.4 km) towards the town of Chilamate will allow you to access Selva Verde. Bordering with Braulio Carrillo National Park to the south, this private reserve encompasses 475 acres (192 ha) of lowland rain forest. The shadowy terrain is full of wildlife—namely amphibians and reptiles, as well as a wide-variety of birds that swoop through the forest canopy. There are boardwalks and trails that wind through the reserve and there is even a butterfly garden to let you gain close access to some beautiful creatures.

To comfortably observe the ongoing efforts of balancing eco-tourism with the delicate conservation of Costa Rica’s environment, the Sarapiquís Neotropic Center (Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís) is an outstanding choice. Located west of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí along Hwy 4 is where you’ll find this unique experience. An ecolodge, museum, botanical garden, archeological park and education center are all provided as well as mid-elevation premontane rainforest for exploring.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

14 days | $$$

Couple's Exploring Pura Vida

With knowledgeable guides and awesome views, Costa Rica absolutely left a lasting memory on our trip. Anywhere worked with our budget and provided the perfect nature-filled vacation.
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Cinco Ceibas Full Day Tour
Pangola

Cinco Ceibas Full Day Tour

15 days | $

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.
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
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Accommodations

Incredible Stays

La Quinta Country Inn
La Quinta Country Inn
La Quinta Country Inn
La Quinta Country Inn

La Quinta Country Inn is located in the northeastern portion of Cost Rica, in Sarapiqui, just 60 miles from San Jose. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, private reserves and La Selva Biological station, this area caters to eco-tourists, thrill seekers looking to river raft down the Sarapiqui River, or couples seeking a peaceful stay in paradise. These are also prime grounds for birders. The hotel is recognized by the National Accreditation commission for sustainable tourism.

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Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve

The Selva Verde Lodge is nestled in the lowland tropical rainforest of Costa Rica, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, along the Sarapiqui River. The lodge is known as being the pioneer of the eco-tourism movement in Costa Rica. This is a magical haven for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers desiring to experience the rainforest. Located near the lodge is the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where guests will find a number of services and facilities, including bars and restaurants.

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Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge

The Sarapiqui Neotropical Center is located in the Sarapiqui river valley, in the northeastern region of the country, just two hours from San Jose. This area is steadfastly becoming an important ecotourism destination. The region is known for its lush, thick rainforests, wildlife, nature reserves and white water rafting on the Sarapiqui River. The Tirimbina reserve is just on the edge of the property, boasting three hundred and fifty hectares of stunning rainforest.

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Tirimbina Lodge
Tirimbina Lodge
Tirimbina Lodge
Tirimbina Lodge

Rooms come in warm colors, in tropical shades that bring a little of the exotic flora indoors. Tirimbina is its own eco reserve, that protects 852 acres (345 ha) of rainforest, near the banks of the Sarapiquí River. They offer simple accommodations that make for comfortable places to unwind in between deep dives into the jungle.

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Estacion Biologica La Selva
Estacion Biologica La Selva
Estacion Biologica La Selva
Estacion Biologica La Selva

The La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) offers travelers the opportunity to stay within the heart of a primary tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. The cabins here are simple but sufficient, and provide guests with unbeatable access to the area’s pristine nature.

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Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat
Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat
Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat
Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat

Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat is an environmentally conscious and family run bed and breakfast in Sarapiqui of the Northern Lowlands region. The retreat, embedded in Chilamate rainforest, is committed to conservation and providing comfortable lodging for guests, who can explore the private jungle.

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Heliconia Island Bed and Breakfast
Heliconia Island Bed and Breakfast
Heliconia Island Bed and Breakfast
Heliconia Island Bed and Breakfast

The Heliconia Island bed and breakfast is located 5 miles (8 km) from the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. This area is beginning to see more visitors as word gets out about its close proximity to stellar outdoor areas.

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Cuculmeca Tent Camp
Cuculmeca Tent Camp
Cuculmeca Tent Camp
Cuculmeca Tent Camp

Cuculmeca Tent Camp Adventures can be found just 90 minutes north of San Jose, in the Sarapiqui valley. This valley is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing, rich biodiversity. In the region, you'll find a number of national parks, nature reserves and packs of the endangered Green Macaw.

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