Puerto Viejo FAQs
Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Vacation in the Tranquil Caribbean Surf Town of Puerto Viejo Costa Rica.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast? How exciting! In our humble opinion, Puerto Viejo is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica!
One of the spectacular things about Costa Rica is its wide variety of places to see and things to do. Each destination is so different, essentially anyone can find the perfect vacation experience in Costa Rica. Be sure to do your research so that you end up in the perfect spot according to the kind of Costa Rica vacation you’re looking for. The difference between the East and West coasts of Costa Rica are probably much greater than you might imagine.
We’ve compiled a short list of FAQs when it comes to the popular Costa Rica Caribbean coast destination of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
How do I know if Puerto Viejo is the right destination in Costa Rica for me?
If you’re envisioning a luxurious vacation with swim-up bars and poolside lounge chairs, Puerto Viejo is not for you. Look into one of the luxury beach resorts in Guanacaste instead. With its lack of big chain hotels and resorts, the remote Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is for those who are looking for a rustic stillness that is off the beaten path.
Known for great surf, warm locals with a Rasta vibe, eclectic local shops and restaurants, Puerto Viejo is one of the most unique destinations in Costa Rica. If you choose to visit Puerto Viejo, plan to enjoy a vacation with plenty of yoga, sexy surfers, stunning beaches, and more hammocks than you could ever wish for.
What is Puerto Viejo weather like?
The great thing about being so close to the equator is that the weather remains relatively consistent all year-round. Sitting at a comfortably hot average temperature of 30°C (86°F) during the day, and at around 21°C (70°F) at night, it is always the perfect vacation weather no matter what time of year you decide to go.
Of course, it is a rainforest – so yes, it does rain. However, don’t let that detour you. It is not raining all the time. When it does rain, it’s usually during the late afternoon or at night.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Viejo?
The drier months are generally from mid-February through to May, and September and October. But who doesn’t love cozying up with a cold bevie and a good book to the soothing sounds of rain on their bungalow roof?
If you’re looking to surf in Puerto Viejo, December to March is a great time to plan to go. Another short surf season also happens between June and July. As for scuba fans, the months with the best visibility are from mid-January through to May, and again from August to November.
Ok, so it’s remote and relaxed. Great. But what is there To Do in Puerto Viejo?
So much! We guarantee you won’t be bored. Some of the top things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica include white water river rafting, zip lining, ATV and horseback rides, surfing and scuba diving. There are also a wide variety of nature and wildlife tours. We highly recommend an overnight tour to Tortugero National Park; only accessible by boat and truly a dream come true for turtle, sloth and monkey and other wildlife lovers. Other nature tours include a visit to the Puerto Viejo sloth sanctuary, the botanical gardens, hikes to waterfalls and more.
When it comes to food, there are several world-class restaurants plus many other great local food options for every eater. Enjoy guided yoga and meditations at one of the many local studios, browse for jewelry and unique souvenirs in the shops, and get your groove on at one of the local nightclubs. Did somebody say reggae?!
Is Puerto Viejo family friendly?
Yes! As long as your family is as cool with a rustic vacation as you are. Beaches, wildlife, adventure….yup, I would say there are plenty of things for a family to enjoy together. Also, bungalow style rentals are perfect for families! There is definitely no shortage of jungle and beach bungalows in Puerto Viejo.
What is the best beach in Puerto Viejo?
Playa Chiquita
Oh my, the entire Caribbean coastline is absolutely stunning. We recommend you visit several beaches. When it comes to swimming in the in the ocean however, it’s important to be aware of rip currents. If you’re travelling with your family, or you or members of your group aren’t particularly strong swimmers we recommend planning your ocean swims wisely. It is never wise to swim alone, and if the ocean is looking particularly rough, it’s always best to play it safe and choose not to go in.
Playa Chiquita is a secluded and stunning beach with the least risk of strong currents year-round. Punta Uva is another cove that is great for swimming with children and there are facilities there. Cocles beach does have a lifeguard, however it does tend to be the beach with the strongest currents. This is also why Cocles is one of the most popular surfing beaches. Manzanillo is beautiful, but not for swimming. Manzanillo is best for experienced surfers. For snorkeling, a day trip to Cahuita National Park is your best option.
Is Puerto Viejo Safe?
Yes, Puerto Viejo is safe. The most common crime, as with basically any beach town, is petty theft. As long as you aren’t leaving valuables unattended, particularly on the beach, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. As always, use common sense and street smarts just like you would in any other place.
What about mosquitoes and malaria or dengue? Do I need to get vaccines to visit Puerto Viejo?
Fortunately, mosquitoes aren’t as huge of a problem as they are in other tropical destinations. Very few cases of dengue are reported, and malaria is not an issue in Puerto Viejo. As long as you wear (preferably biodegradable and eco-friendly) insect repellent and proper clothing while hiking in the jungle you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Why do we love Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is our favorite vacation destination in Costa Rica because it provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The town is very lively and full of young backpackers, a fun Rasta vibe, and plenty of delicious food options. Although the town is not for everyone, it really is for some of us.
If you’re looking to book or get more information on the various activities and things to do in Puerto Viejo, visit our website or contact one of our Activities Specialists. We would love to help you plan your perfect Costa Rica vacation.