Puerto Viejo Guide

From quiet beaches and wildlife to Caribbean food, chocolate, and local experiences, we've created this guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, you'll find practical advice, local recommendations, and in-depth articles written by people who live here.

Start wherever your journey begins.

¿Buscás información en español?

Leé nuestra guía de qué hacer en Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, con playas, naturaleza, cacao, vida silvestre y algunas ideas para disfrutar el Caribe con calma.

Plan Your Visit

(Everything you need before you arrive.)

• Best Time to Visit Puerto Viejo

• 48 Hours in Puerto Viejo

• Three Days in Puerto Viejo

• One Week in Puerto Viejo (coming soon)

• Learning Spanish in Puerto Viejo

• Is Puerto Viejo Good for Families?

• Solo Female Travel in Puerto Viejo

• Rainy Days in Puerto Viejo

• Getting to Puerto Viejo (future)

• Where to Stay (future)

Things to Do / Evenings

(The experiences people remember long after they leave.)

• Things to Do in Puerto Viejo at Night

• Weekly Events in Puerto Viejo

• Hands-On Chocolate Class

• Rum & Chocolate Pairing

• Wine & Chocolate Pairing

• Mezcal & Chocolate Pairing

• Watercolour Workshops

• Cacao Farm Tours

• Community Events (coming soon)

Beaches

(Each beach has its own personality.)

• Best Beaches in Puerto Viejo

• Playa Negra

• Playa Cocles

• Playa Chiquita

• Punta Uva

• Playa Arrecife

• Manzanillo

Nature & Wildlife

(One of the richest ecosystems in Costa Rica.)

• Jaguar Rescue Center

• Ara Project

• Cahuita National Park

• Sloths & Wildlife (future)

• Birdwatching (future)

Food & Drink

(A Caribbean food culture unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.)

• 7 Unique Food and Chocolate Experiences in Puerto Viejo

• Food Lover's Guide to Puerto Viejo (future)

• Caribbean Cuisine (future)

• Coffee Guide (future)

• Cocktails (future)

• Farmers' Market (future)

Chocolate

(One of the reasons people travel here.)

• Chocolate Lover's Guide to Puerto Viejo

• Chocolate Classes

• Chocolate Tastings

• Caribbean Cacao

• Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Puerto Viejo Guide

Local Tips

(Advice from people who live here.)

• Safety

• Money

• Transport

• Internet

• Packing

• Sustainable Travel