Puerto Viejo & Caribbean Coast Map

Reggae, rice and beans with coconut, and palm-fringed beaches backed by rainforest: Costa Rica's Caribbean side feels like a different country.

Snorkel Cahuita's reef, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center or take a chocolate tour with a Bribri family.

Caribbean coast tours ↗
  • Towns
  • Surf spots
  • Beaches
  • Wildlife
  • National parks & reserves

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

From San José
~4.5 h
Driest months
Sep–Oct
Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo
15 km
Best transport
Bikes

The southern Caribbean coast

South of Limón, the coast road passes Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and a string of beaches to Manzanillo, where the road ends at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The area has a strong Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous Bribri culture, and its own climate: while the Pacific is soaked in September and October, these are often the driest months here.

Things to do

  • Cahuita National Park: an 8 km coastal trail between beaches and rainforest, with sloths, howler monkeys and raccoons, and Costa Rica's most important coral reef offshore (snorkelling with guides only).
  • Cycle the coast: rent a bike in Puerto Viejo and ride to Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo.
  • Jaguar Rescue Center and the Sloth Sanctuary: see rescued animals up close and learn about conservation.
  • Chocolate tours: visit a cacao farm and make chocolate the traditional way.
  • Surf: Playa Cocles for all levels; the famous Salsa Brava for experts.

Guided snorkelling on the Cahuita reef is required inside the park, and the best visibility is in September and October.

Book Cahuita snorkelling ↗

Guided tours of the Jaguar Rescue Center run twice a day and help fund the rescue work.

Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center ↗

Where to stay

Puerto Viejo is the most convenient base, with nightlife and restaurants. Jungle lodges and cabins along the road to Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo are quieter. Cahuita is the most laid-back of all.

Jungle bungalows, boutique hotels and surf hostels along the Caribbean coast.

Hotels in Puerto Viejo ↗

Plan your trip to the Caribbean coast

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get from San José to Puerto Viejo?

By car it is about 4.5 hours via Ruta 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park and Limón. Direct buses leave from San José, and tourist shuttles run daily.

When is the best time to visit the Caribbean coast?

September and October are usually the driest months, along with February and March. The rest of the year has frequent rain showers.

Is Puerto Viejo safe?

Puerto Viejo is popular with travellers and generally safe, but petty theft occurs. Lock bikes, don't leave belongings on the beach and avoid walking alone on dark roads late at night.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.