15 Cheap and Free Things To Do In Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a small surf town on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica that is full of fun activities to make your visit worthwhile. From exploring the beautiful town on a bike ride to surfing at its pristine beaches, you can never run out of things to do anytime you visit.

There are over 30 fun things to do in Puerto Viejo. However, getting involved in all of these activities can sap your energy fast making you easily bored and exhausted.

As someone who has visited Puerto Viejo many times and participated in all of the available activities in this surf town, I will love to share with you 15 out of the numerous fun things to do in PV that you will enjoy and feel satisfied within this guide.

The information will help you make an informed decision of what to expect, the things to bring along, and the level of physical fitness required for each activity. So sit back, read, and enjoy.

Key Takeaways

  • The best way to explore Puerto Viejo town is to ride on a bike.
  • Playa Punta Uva Arrecife is the most spectacular beach in Puerto Viejo.
  • The food on the Caribbean Coast tastes fresher, healthier, and more delicious compared to other parts of the country.
  • The yoga retreat feels different here too because Puerto Viejo is such a spiritual place.
  • The nightlife here is lively yet peaceful.

Puerto Viejo

List of Things To Do

In no particular order, here are 15 things to do in Puerto Viejo.

Cahuita National Park 

1. Visit The Cahuita National Park 

Visiting the Cahuita National Park was one of the best things Michelle and I did in Puerto Viejo. Here is what you should know:

Category Details
Location Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, in the Limon province, near the town of Cahuita.
Opening Hours Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. It is recommended to arrive before 2 PM to ensure ample time for exploration as rangers start turning visitors back between 2-3 PM.
Admission Fees Kelly Creek Entrance: Donation-based (suggested USD 5). Puerto Vargas Entrance: USD 5.65 for foreign adults and children.
Main Activities Hiking (8 km/5-mile trail), snorkeling (guided tours only), relaxing on the beaches (Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas), and wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Commonly seen animals include sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, lizards, anteaters, caimans, and a variety of birds and reptiles.
Trail Information The main trail is 5 miles (8 km) long, flat, and well-maintained but can be muddy after rain. It’s not a loop, so round-trip hiking totals 10 miles (16 km).
Best Time to Visit Early mornings for fewer crowds and better wildlife viewing. Best months to avoid heavy rain: February-April and August-October.
Facilities Kelly Creek Entrance: Basic restrooms, changing stations, picnic tables, and a drinking water station. Puerto Vargas Entrance: Restrooms, showers, and water.
Parking Kelly Creek Entrance: Paid parking (around USD 5.65) with mixed reviews. Puerto Vargas Entrance: Parking is included in the admission fee.
Transportation Accessible by bus from San Jose and Puerto Viejo. Taxis are also available. Public buses are less comfortable but run multiple times a day.
Guided Tours Recommended for wildlife spotting and mandatory for snorkeling to protect the coral reefs. Prices vary, typically around $20 USD for a hiking guide.
What to Bring Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, and cash for donations/fees.
Dining Options Nearby restaurants in Cahuita town include Soda Kawe, Aroma Coffee Bar, and local gelato shops.
Accommodations Options include Kelly Creek Hotel, Hotel El Encanto, and Atlantida Lodge, among others.

 

Pro Tip

The park easily gets full on time, especially from 11 am and on weekends. So come on time to have to have the park all to yourself before it gets too crowded. 

Playa Punta Uva Arrecife

2. Relax at Playa Punta Uva Arrecife

If you want to experience the feeling of being in a tropical paradise, then visit the Playa Punta Uva Arrecife. This beach is nothing short of spectacular!

The soft powdery white sand, calm blue waters, and the slanted coconut trees growing along the shoreline all give you the true definition of what a Caribbean beachfront should look like.

Category Details
Location Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, approximately 8.5 kilometers from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Beach Features Stunning white sand beach, turquoise waters, and a coral reef just offshore. Ideal for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Best Time to Visit Dry season: February-March and September-October. Weather can be unpredictable; be prepared for rain even in drier months.
Activities Snorkeling (near the viewpoint, guided tours recommended due to strong currents), kayaking (in the river and ocean), stand-up paddleboarding, and jungle hiking.
Wildlife Commonly seen animals include sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles, and a variety of birds. Kayaking through the river offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Facilities Limited public facilities. Restaurants like Restaurante Selvin’s provide food and basic amenities. Some stalls on the beach rent snorkel and kayak gear.
Dining Options Restaurante Selvin’s is a popular spot offering Caribbean cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options. Other dining options are available in nearby Puerto Viejo.
Accommodations Options include Korrigan Lodge, Pachamama Jungle River Lodge, Tree House Lodge, and budget-friendly vacation rentals like Cabinas Punta Uva.
Transportation Accessible by bus from Puerto Viejo (buses to Manzanillo) or by taxi. Car rentals are also an option for more convenience.
Parking Free parking is available behind the beach.
Nearby Attractions Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Jaguar Rescue Center, and other beaches like Playa Chiquita and Playa Manzanillo.
Local Cuisine Characterized by the use of coconut milk, spices, cinnamon, chile, lime, and ginger. Many restaurants cater to both meat lovers and plant-based diets.

Biking

3. Go Biking 

One thing we saw differently in Puerto Viejo compared to other touristy towns we have visited in Costa Rica was how there were a lot of bike rental shops and people using bikes to tour around.

So the moment we arrived and stepped out of our hotel room to explore the town, we walked into a bike rental shop to organize two bikes for the duration of our stay.

Renting the bikes did not just serve as a means of transportation but also a fun activity. 

The best part is how the roads are well paved and flat for riding and you can hear the howler of monkeys and birds chirping in the wild while cruising down the jungle-lined roads.

I have listed all you need to know about biking in Puerto Viejo below:

Category Details
Location Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica. The main route runs from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, covering approximately 8.7 miles (14 kilometers).
Best Time to Visit Year-round, but the dry season (February-March and September-October) offers the most pleasant weather.
Bike Rentals Bikes are available throughout Puerto Viejo, typically costing around $5-10 USD per day. Many rental shops provide locks and baskets.
Main Route The main biking route follows Route 256 from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, passing through Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva.
Road Conditions Mostly flat and well-paved, with minimal traffic. Some areas may have potholes, and a few hills exist between Punta Uva and Manzanillo.
Activities Along the Route Beaches (Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, Manzanillo), restaurants, local shops, wildlife spotting (sloths, monkeys, birds), and scenic views.
Guided Tours Available through services like “Surf the Jungle,” which offers guided bike tours including bikes, water, fruits, and bilingual guides.
What to Bring Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, and a hat. A camera is recommended for capturing the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Safety Tips Wear a helmet, follow local traffic rules, lock your bike when not in use, and be cautious of wildlife on the road (e.g., snakes, and spiders).
Culinary Stops Enjoy local cuisine at spots like Bread & Chocolate, El Refugio Grill, and various beachfront vendors along the route.
Wildlife and Nature Spot diverse wildlife including sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds. The route passes through lush jungle and offers occasional glimpses of the beach.

 

Pro Tip

Start Early: Begin your ride early to avoid the midday heat and enjoy quieter roads.

Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to spend time on the beaches or explore the jungle paths.

Secure Your Bike: Always lock your bike when making stops to prevent theft.

Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Chocolate Tour

4. Take A Chocolate Tour

Taking a chocolate should be one of the top things you do in Puerto Viejo. Here’s all you need to know about it: 

Category Details
Location Puerto Viejo, Limón, Costa Rica. Several tours are available, including the Caribbean Chocolate Tour, BriBri Chocolate Tour, and Talamanca Chocolate Tour.
Tour Options Caribbean Chocolate Tour: $28 per person, 2.5-hour tour. No reservations are required. 

BriBri Chocolate Tour: $95 per person, 5-6 hours, includes transportation.

ChocoRart Tour: $30 per person, 2 hours, advanced booking recommended. 

Talamanca Chocolate Tour: Prices vary, approximately 2-3 hours, and include organic chocolate tasting and cultural insights.

Activities Included Hiking through cacao forests, tasting raw cacao fruit, learning the chocolate-making process (bean to bar), and tasting various chocolate forms.
Additional Experiences Caribbean Tour: Stunning ocean views, gourmet chocolate tasting, free coffee shop access. 

BriBri Tour: Cultural insights, medicinal plant uses, traditional chocolate preparation by indigenous women.

ChocoRart Tour: Emphasis on organic and sustainable practices, farm-to-table experience.

Talamanca Tour: Focus on traditional Talamanca methods and cultural heritage.

Tour Times Caribbean: Monday-Saturday at 10 AM and 2 PM.

BriBri: Flexible, often organized through local tour operators like ATEC or Terraaventuras. 

ChocoRart: Daily tours at 9 AM and 2 PM. <br> Talamanca: By appointment, contact local operators.

What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes, water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Some tours require physical exertion.
Best Time to Visit Year-round, but it’s advisable to check the weather as it can be humid and rainy.
Transportation Pickup and drop-off are included in some tours (e.g., BriBri). Caribeans and ChocoRart are accessible by local transportation or rental cars.
Cultural Insights Learn about the role of cacao in BriBri and Talamanca cultures, including its historical significance and current uses.
Hands-On Experience Participate in every step of chocolate-making, from roasting cacao nibs to molding chocolate bars.
Tour Duration Caribbean: Approximately 2.5 hours.

BriBri: 5–6 hours, including travel time.

ChocoRart: 2 hours.

Talamanca: 2-3 hours.

Other Activities Some tours include additional activities like kayaking in the river, hiking to nearby waterfalls, or exploring medicinal plant uses.
Dining Options Enjoy local cuisine at nearby restaurants in Puerto Viejo, such as Restaurante Selvin’s, which offers Caribbean dishes.

Shopping

5. Go Shopping  

One fine weekend afternoon, when heading for the beach on our rented bikes, we stumbled upon a small handcraft market that sells art and crafts made by local artisans.

They had a lot of things, from plates and jewelry to beach clothes on display that were made from shells, plants, wood, sarongs, candles, and so on.

The prices were great as well, so we bought two beach bags, beach shirts, jewelry, and other beautiful locally-made items, then went our way.

Pro Tip

This market opens only on weekends, Friday through Sunday. So plan to visit!

Most stores do not accept credit cards so be sure to come with some cash.

Sloth Point

6. Kayak At Sloth Point

If you want to Kayak and see sloths at the same time, then visit the Sloth Point River at Punta Uva. Do you remember the beach north of Playa Punta Uva Arrecife? That is it!

There are a lot of sloths in this small river that runs right to the sun of Punta Uva Beach. Hence the nickname.

We were able to spot 5 sloths. One of which was a cute baby sloth wrapped around the mother. It was such an adorable moment. My wife Michelle won’t stop making the “Awwn” sound.

You do not need a tour guide to spot sloths here. However, if you want to see more of them, you can hire one for a reasonable price, and who knows, you may be lucky to see more of them.

Nightlife 

7. Enjoy The Nightlife 

One thing that took me by surprise in Puerto Viejo is the vibrant nightlife. However, It is not as wild as what you will find in Jaco.

The nightlife here is peaceful and takes place every night of the week once the sun goes down.

There are a lot of bars to choose from and activities to do. The dancefloor and music are very lively and one thing I noticed is that most bars offer Salsa lessons.

So while you come to dance, you can spare yourself some time for some Salsa lessons with professional and friendly tutors and who knows, you can end up a Salsa pro yourself at the end of the night.

If you do not want to visit any of the bars on the beachfront or in town, there are quite a lot of them that you may become confused about choosing from.

I recommend sitting at the beachfront to watch the sunset. The beaches here have incredible sunsets and vibe to some Afro-Caribbean reggae music till night falls.

Playa Cocles

8. Surf At Playa Cocles

As people who have spent a lot of our tour around Costa Rica visiting the Pacific Coast, we thought it was the only region in Costa Rica where one can surf and enjoy it.

Little did we know that the Caribbean Coast also has nice surf spots. And the heart of it is the Playa Cocles. Playa Cocles is a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride south of Puerto Viejo. 

The surf season is between December and April. This is when you will see a lot of surfboards lined up on the beachfront for rent. 

There are also ongoing surf lessons that cater to all levels of surfers on the beach that you can pay for and learn how to surf.

However, if you are not a surfer and not interested in learning, you can still visit the beach, rent beach chairs and umbrellas, buy some food from the food truck on the beach, eat, and watch other people do their thing.

Black Sand Of Playa Negra

9. Sunbathe In The Black Sand Of Playa Negra

This is one of the most stunning beaches I have seen all my life because of the black sands. 

I’ve never seen a black sand beach before; I’ve only seen gray and brown sand beaches, but not a pitch black sand beach like what I saw at Playa Negra. For me, it was stunning to see, feel and walk on.

Playa Negra is located just a short distance from Puerto Viejo town. When we visited, the water was calm and deep so we swam in the translucent waters.

If you want to spend the entire day on this beach, I would advise you to come with some snacks as there are no food truck vendors on the beach, or you can walk to the main road behind the beach and grab a bit.

Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo

10. Visit The Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo

The Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo is a must-visit Wildlife Refuge.

It is a large protected area stretching from the small beach town of Manzanillo down to the Panamanian border and located south of Puerto Viejo.

One thing I love about this National Refuge park is that it is reserved, unlike the popular Cahuita National Park and entrance into the Park is free However, I would encourage you to donate a token at the entrance of this wildlife refuge for maintenance.

As you hike this place, you will find out that there are several trails; some follow the coast, taking you through beautiful deserted beaches and coves, and others through the jungle.

The distance from Puerto Viejo town to this place is 20 minutes by car and about 35 minutes by bike ride.

Aside from the wildlife in this place, one thing I enjoyed doing was climbing the shipwreck at the beachfront bordering Panama. I only advise doing this during low tide.

Yoga Retreat

11. Go On A Yoga Retreat

Aside from Puerto Viejo being a surf town, it is also a bit of a spiritual town. So you can also go on a yoga retreat in any of the yoga and wellness centers in town.

I think this was one of the highlights of my visit to Puerto Viejo. What I felt practicing sine yoga here is something I’ve always longed for and never really felt in other yoga retreats that I’ve attended in other parts of Costa Rica.

The whole experience left me feeling so light and at peace with myself more than ever.

Pro Tip

Most of the Yoga centers in Puerto Viejo do not accept bookings so be sure to come in at least 20 minutes before each session start to participate.

Caribbean food 

12. Eat Caribbean food 

Eating Caribbean food was my favorite thing to do in Puerto Viejo. Damn! The food was so heavenly that I still have an aftertaste and relive every moment.

It is nothing like the food you eat in other parts of the country. Right here, the cuisine style is different.

For example, on the western side of Costa Rica, the casado is just plain rice and beans next to it. However, in Puerto Viejo, we have the same rice and beans (called Gallo Pinto here)  with a tasty coconut flavor to it.

The same thing applies to beef sauce and seafood soup. That coconutty flavor gave it a whole different taste and made it stand out from the rest of the food you eat in another part of the country.

I would have recommended some of the restaurants I ate at but I’ve forgotten their names. However, be rest assured that you are in for some Caribbean treat anytime you visit.

Great Green Macaws 

13. Tour the Great Green Macaws 

Whether you are a birder or not, this is one tour you should take any time you are in Puerto Viejo. It is a conservation center for the Great Green Macaw, that is only found on the Caribbean Coast, unlike the common Scarlet Macaw

It serves as a sanctuary where these endangered bird species are kept. There is provision of food and best that aids the survival and breeding of these bird species.

To go on this tour, you need to book in advance and arrive at Ara Manzanillo before 3 pm. The educational tour runs between 3 pm and 4 pm daily and costs $20 per person.

 Finca la Isla

14. Visit Finca la Isla

Visiting the Finca la Isla should be one of the things you do whenever you visit Puerto Viejo. This is a tropical fruit farm with so many varieties of delicious and fresh tropical fruits you never thought existed.

This farm does not just have amazing tropical fruit trees but also offers you a guided educational tour around the farm of different fruits and their benefits to the body.

The highlight for me was the fruit and smoothie-tasting section. We ended up buying some tropical fruits at the farm for a dead-cheap price.

You should give it a try! This farm opens 10 am to 4 pm Friday through Monday and closes Tuesday through Thursday.

Jaguar Rescue Centre

15. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center should be one of the things you should do in this town. Regardless of being a wildlife enthusiast, I recommend visiting this place to see a lot of wildlife that was either ill, injured, or rescued.

The JRC is like a rehabilitation center, with certified animal Vets taking care of these animals for some time before releasing them back into their natural habitat.

There are a lot of sloths, reptiles, monkeys, cats, birds, and so on in this place. The tour starts at 9:30 am daily and costs $25 per person.

If surfing is one of your favorite things to do, then you should checkout our guide on the Best Surf Spot in Puerto Viejo for some thrilling waves. 

Wrapping Up 

Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous beach town on the Caribbean Coast and a bundle of activity and non-stop learning on its own.

The good thing is that most of these activities do not require much physical fitness because they are within the town and a short distance away.

However, it is good to be in good health before traveling to Puerto Viejo so you can fully participate in any of the activities. 

 

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About 

Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation! Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.

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