Nestled on Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean coast lies the hidden gem of Puerto Viejo. Known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, this tropical paradise offers an array of unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie craving thrilling escapades or a soul yearning for tranquility, PV has something extraordinary to offer. Let’s embark on a journey through the 8 best things to do in Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Things to Do
Get to know this dreamy jungle town on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica with these best things to do in Puerto Viejo. I’ve also included a guide on safety in Puerto Viejo and the best places to stay.
Rent bikes in Puerto Viejo
One of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is ride bikes. It’s the primary mode of transportation for many locals and tourists alike. So, rent a bike for the duration of your time here and cruise around to the many beaches, restaurants, and attractions in Puerto Viejo.
Many hotels have bike rentals, including Le Cameleon, but if your hotel doesn’t then ask at the reception and they can guide you to the best place to rent bikes in Puerto Viejo.
Discover Puerto Viejo’s beaches
With its breathtakingly lush coastline, the Caribbean coast is a beach lover’s utopia. From the bustling shores of Playa Cocles to the secluded beauty of Playa Chiquita, each beach exudes its own lush jungle charm. Sunbathe, swim, or simply stroll along the shore while marveling at the turquoise waters and surrounding vegetation.
For the adventurous, grab a surfboard or kayak and take your trip to Puerto Viejo to the next level.
Immerse yourself in local Caribbean culture
Experience the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture of Puerto Viejo by visiting the local communities. Take part in a traditional cooking class, take Spanish classes (I took mine at Diversity School), learn the art of drumming, or volunteer with one of the environmental organizations like Planet Conservation. I actually volunteered with them for 2 months and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life!
Embark on a chocolate tour and tasting
Chocolate is a big deal in Costa Rica, and thsi beach town is no exception. Sample chocolate at Caribeans Coffee and Chocolate (they have a cold refrigerated room full of the good stuff) and then book their Chocolate Forest Experience for one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo.
You’ll learn the Costa Rican way of making chocolate, get to try your hand at it, and soak up some lush views along the way. It involves a short hike, which offers a chance to see more of the local wildlife and foliage! This is easily one of the best Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica things to do.
Take yoga classes
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for a mindful travel experience and yoga certainly helps! Luckily, there are some amazing English-speaking yoga classes in Puerto Viejo.
Visit School of Love for weekly morning and evening classes or ask around in town, as there’s often beachfront yoga or less advertised meetups.
Hike through the jungle
Puerto Viejo is home to a plethora of flora and fauna. Honestly, it all blew me away and made my time here all the more enchanting.
Embark on a guided hike through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll encounter exotic wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Discover hidden waterfalls, navigate through lush trails, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing symphony of tropical birds.
There are also some great trails that follow along the beaches leading from the center of town to Playa Cocles and beyond. This particular trail also leads up to a beautiful view of the beach and the small island, a landmark of Puerto Viejo.
This is easily a must-do when it comes to the best things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Indulge in ecotourism
There are so many ways to enjoy your time on the Caribbean Coast. Rent kayaks and ride out to that iconic island, take a guided walk through the forest, do an adrenaline-inducing canopy zipline excursion – the list goes on!
Of course, one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo, however, is to keep your eyes open for wildlife! You can see sloths, monkeys, turtle hatchlings on the beach, weird insects, colorful (poisonous) frogs, and soooo much more!
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
Speaking of ecotourism in Costa Rica, support wildlife conservation efforts by visiting the renowned Jaguar Rescue Center! This sanctuary provides a safe haven for injured or orphaned animals, including jaguars, sloths, monkeys, and various bird species.
Take a guided tour to learn about the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and see some of the animals up close and personally (without touching). It’s an experience that will warm your heart and deepen your appreciation for the local wildlife and human nature.
Experience the Puerto Viejo nightlife
As the sun sets in Puerto Viejo, the town comes alive in a whole new way. Head to the beachfront bars and restaurants to immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of reggae music, Latin beats, and more. Sip on tropical cocktails, mingle with friendly locals and fellow travelers, and dance the night away under the starlit sky. The nightlife of Puerto Viejo is an experience unlike any place I’ve visited.
Johnny’s Place has Ladies’ Night every Wednesday, which means women-only inside and free drinks until midnight! There’s still the outside where men and women can still mingle together.
Salsa Brava is one of the most popular places to visit in Puerto Viejo for its sunset-front beach pad. Enjoy food, drinks, and good music every night of the week.
For a slightly more upscale experience, visit Koki Beach for amazing Caribbean and seafood with fabulous drinks and beachfront views.
Lastly, Hot Rocks is a larger venue with pool tables, swinging chairs, a stage, and karaoke nights, salsa nights, and more. I believe they also have a Ladies’ Night as well!
Chill out & unwind
This is the kind of destination you visit to escape the hustle and bustle. So, embrace the slow life here. Relax on a hammock, sip on fresh coconut water from a vendor along the beach, read a book, and let the soothing sounds of the ocean wash away your worries.
This is the kind of pura vida carefree destination I could spend so much time immersed in… and that’s why I spent 2 months living in Puerto Viejo.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
PV may be a small town on the Caribbean Coast, but the accommodation options are extraordinary. Here are the best hotels in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Hotel Selina Puerto Viejo
Probably my hands-down favorite small hotel chain, Selina is a place for everyone. What makes this Puerto Viejo hotel unique is that it has unique teepee huts for a naturistic and rejuvenating stay. What’s more, there are also cozy private rooms right off the beachfront and shared rooms for a hostel stay in Puerto Viejo!
Plus, Selina is known for its fun energy, from live music, a bar, coworking, food, excursions, surf lessons and more! Seriously, this is the best hotel in Puerto Viejo (in my opinion!)
Le Cameleon Puerto Viejo
Well, Le Cameleon does offer up some fierce competition in terms of the best places to stay in Puerto Viejo. It’s been named one of the #1 beachfront hotels in Costa Rica after all. It’s laidback and luxurious with some rooms offering private pool suites and lush views.
There’s also a hip beach bar, yoga classes, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. It’s definitely my favorite Puerto Viejo boutique hotel!
Is Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica safe?
Overall, yes. Puerto Viejo is safe for tourists and locals. However, it is not recommended to be walking home late at night as petty theft can and does happen here. When I was living in Puerto Viejo, I stayed on a hilly road off out of the main center. I always took a taxi home at night as it was always the safest option.
If you are in a big group and have rented bikes or mopeds, it may be a lot safer for you to travel to and from without a taxi.
However, I’d still say take the taxi. They are SUPER cheap and trustworthy.
Other things to do around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Get Your Guide is one of the best places to find local tours in your area. If you want to book an exciting excursion while traveling in Costa Rica, see some of their tours below.
