Puerto Viejo Travel Guide

Puerto Viejo is wild in all the right ways.
Think palm-fringed beaches, boutique bungalows, and cacao facials after a beach bike ride.
From jungle yoga to vibrant Afro-Caribbean cuisine, it’s slow, sensual, and unapologetically free-spirited.

Hotels

Transportation

Weather

Activities

Restaurants

Packing

Why Visit Puerto Viejo?

  • A rare blend of Afro-Caribbean culture and wild coastline
  • Boutique hotels tucked into the jungle near the beach
  • Excellent farm-to-table dining and creative cocktail scene
  • Surfing, snorkeling, and Jaguar Rescue Center all nearby
  • Feels off-the-beaten-path, but still vibrant and stylish

The Location

Located on the southern Caribbean coast, about 4.5–5 hours from San José International Airport (SJO) and 7–8 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). Close to Cahuita and Manzanillo.

Where to Stay

aWà

A contemporary beachfront retreat where clean lines meet Caribbean color, with lush gardens, ocean views, and an effortlessly relaxed vibe.

Explore This Stay

Hotel Aguas Claras

Art-filled suites and tropical Victorian charm blend with private beach access, a mosaic-tiled pool, and a distinctly bohemian elegance.

Explore This Stay

Namu Garden

A tranquil boutique hideaway with minimalist design, a shaded pool courtyard, and easy access to Puerto Viejo’s cafés and beaches.

Explore This Stay

Umami Hotel

Adults-only sophistication with crisp white interiors, a saltwater pool, and serene tropical landscaping just steps from the coast.

Explore This Stay

Vacation Rentals

Skip the overwhelm. We’ve pre-selected a few of the most exceptional homes in the area.

Shawandha Resort

9 bedrooms | 6.5 bathrooms | Sleeps 26

A lush jungle retreat made up of three villas, each with its own private pool. Walk to the beach, relax in tropical privacy, and gather with friends or family in comfort.

Explore the Villa

Villa Ópalo

5 bedrooms | Sleeps 16

A tropical group retreat just outside Puerto Viejo featuring a private pool, lush garden, and two jungle teepees. Spacious, stylish, and perfect for reconnecting with friends or family.

Explore the Villa

El Refugio

5 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | Sleeps 10

A secluded estate on 80 acres of rainforest in Punta Uva with a private pool, jungle trails, and open-air living spaces. Ideal for a serene, nature-immersed escape.

Explore the Villa
View More amazing Villas →

How to Get Here

The closest international airport is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Book Your Flight ->

Flights

Take a 20 minute domestic flight to the Quepos Airport (just outside of Manuel Antonio) from San Jose.

BOOK FLIGHT

Transfer

Enjoy your trip to Manuel Antonio from the comfort of a private transfer with experienced driver.

BOOK TRANSFER

Rental Car

Save 10% with our favorite Costa Rica car rental company. Drive takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Book Your Car

Puerto Viejo Weather

Explore the monthly highs, lows, and rainfall trends throughout the year.

The Caribbean side of the country has the opposite rainy and dry season from the Pacific Coast. So, if the weather on one side of the coast is bad weather, just head to the other side!

Jan

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 73 °F / 23 °C
12.6 in / 319 mm rain

Feb

🌦️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 73 °F / 23 °C
10.6 in / 270 mm rain

Mar

⛅
High: 86 °F / 30 °C
Low: 73 °F / 23 °C
7.6 in / 193 mm rain

Apr

⛅
High: 87 °F / 31 °C
Low: 74 °F / 23 °C
11.3 in / 287 mm rain

May

🌦️
High: 87 °F / 31 °C
Low: 75 °F / 24 °C
10.3 in / 261 mm rain

Jun

🌧️
High: 86 °F / 30 °C
Low: 75 °F / 24 °C
10.9 in / 276 mm rain

Jul

🌧️
High: 85 °F / 29 °C
Low: 74 °F / 23 °C
16.1 in / 408 mm rain

Aug

☀️
High: 86 °F / 30 °C
Low: 74 °F / 23 °C
7.6 in / 193 mm rain

Sep

☀️
High: 87 °F / 31 °C
Low: 73 °F / 23 °C
6.4 in / 163 mm rain

Oct

⛅
High: 86 °F / 30 °C
Low: 73 °F / 23 °C
7.8 in / 198 mm rain

Nov

🌦️
High: 85 °F / 29 °C
Low: 72 °F / 22 °C
11.6 in / 295 mm rain

Dec

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 72 °F / 22 °C
12.4 in / 316 mm rain

Puerto Viejo in Focus

See the beauty come to life. Here’s what you can expect to encounter.

reggae beats, colorful streets, coral reefs, palm-lined beaches

Puerto Viejo Packing

Think a mix of surfer beach style and bold prints

The Full Packing Guide

Best Dining Experiences

  • KOKi Beach Restaurant & Bar: A stylish beachfront favorite blending Caribbean flair with Latin-fusion cuisine and organic, locally sourced ingredients. Come for sunset cocktails, stay for the grilled seafood and lively, artful atmosphere.
  • Sushi Wave Cocles: This jungle-chic sushi bar blends Japanese technique with bold tropical flair. Think ceviche-style rolls wrapped in mango, yellowfin sashimi with avocado mousse, and crunchy tuna-filled korokkes. Ideal for a stylish dinner near the sea, just south of Puerto Viejo.
  • La Pecora Nera: A romantic Italian gem in Cocles where handmade pasta, seafood linguine and risotto arrive alongside an extensive wine list in a rustic‑elegant setting.
  • Sage Restaurant @ Playa 506: A beachside sanctuary offering elevated Caribbean‑Italian fusion in a relaxed, artful atmosphere. Imagine open‑aired dining under canopy, chic décor, and attentive service perfect for pre‑ or post‑surf sunset dinners
  • GypSea Café: Nestled in a lush Playa Chiquita garden, GypSea Café serves farm‑to‑table, organic fare with pronounced wellness flair. Think smoothie bowls, vibrant salads and plant‑forward dishes in a breezy, bohemian-chic atmosphere. Ideal for nourishing breakfast or lunch.
  • Soca: From the creators of KOKi Beach, Soca delivers Mediterranean‑Latin cuisine with flair in a stylish, garden‑lush waterfront setting. Stellar seafood, prime cuts and vibrant cocktails are paired with impeccable service and artistic ambiance. It’s perfect for an elevated dinner.
  • Cafe Rico: This tropical garden café offers an exceptional breakfast and lunch destination loved for its artisan coffee (the best in town), banana‑bread French toast, and savory crêpes. Set in a lush, shaded book‑swap space.

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