Puerto Viejo | Things to Do, Beaches, Tours & Services

Discover Puerto Viejo: Unforgettable Experiences

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See Puerto Viejo Before You Visit

Welcome to Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a vibrant surf town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, known for its rich Afro-Caribbean culture, laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and incredible food just like the restaurant El Pampa Asador in Playa Negra. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the South Caribbean, attracting surfers, backpackers, digital nomads, and travelers looking for a unique coastal experience..

Beyond its lively nightlife, Puerto Viejo offers breathtaking beaches like Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, and Punta Uva, along with unforgettable nature experiences such as the Jaguar Rescue Center. Visitors can enjoy reggae music, artisan markets, scenic bike rides along the coast, wildlife encounters, and some of the best surfing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side with local surf experiences like Black Shack Surf School — or even take home a unique memory with a custom piece from Cosmos Tattoo, a popular local studio known for its artistic designs and professional work.

Puerto Viejo town center beach — Puerto Viejo chino beach by the main street

Surfing Playa Cocles — Learning to surf at Cocles surf beach

Puerto Viejo market scene — Local artisan market on a sunny day

Jaguar Rescue Center visit — Rescued animals at Jaguar Rescue Center

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Top Experiences in Puerto Viejo

Explore the places, activities and local highlights that make Puerto Viejo worth discovering.

Shopping for Unique Treasures

Puerto Viejo ffers a fantastic array of shopping opportunities, from small artisan stalls to charming boutiques. You'll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and local artwork to unique clothing and souvenirs that capture the essence of the Caribbean.

Stroll through the town's colorful streets and explore the various shops, many run by local artists and craftspeople. It's a perfect way to find authentic mementos of your trip, whether it's a piece of local art, a handmade accessory, or a natural product made with ingredients from the rainforest. Don't miss the chance to browse the diverse offerings and take a piece of Puerto Viejo home with you.

Experience Lively Bar Hopping

As the sun sets, Puerto Viejo truly comes alive with its diverse and energetic nightlife. From laid-back reggae bars with live music to vibrant spots where you can dance the night away, there's a place for every mood.

Join locals and travelers alike as you explore the town's eclectic mix of bars, many offering delicious cocktails, local beers, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer a quiet drink by the ocean, a lively dance floor, or simply soaking in the Caribbean rhythm, Puerto Viejo's bar scene promises memorable evenings.

Magical Sunsets at Chino Beach

For an unforgettable end to your day, head to Chino Beach, renowned for its spectacular sunsets. As the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, you'll witness a truly breathtaking display over the Caribbean Sea.

This tranquil stretch of sand, often less crowded than other spots, offers the perfect vantage point to relax and enjoy nature's evening spectacle. Bring a drink, find a comfortable spot, and let the beauty of the Caribbean sunset wash over you, creating a moment of pure serenity.

A Culinary Journey: Dining Delights

Puerto Viejo is a food lover's paradise, boasting an incredible array of dining options that reflect its multicultural heritage. From traditional Afro-Caribbean dishes bursting with flavor to international cuisine, fresh seafood, and incredible grilled specialties like El Pampa Asador in Playa Negra, your taste buds are in for a true Caribbean experience.

Explore local sodas serving authentic rice and beans with coconut milk, succulent jerk chicken, and fresh patacones, or discover upscale restaurants offering gourmet experiences. Many establishments pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic culinary adventure for every palate.

Scenic Bike and ATV ride Adventures

One of the best ways to explore the stunning coastline south of Puerto Viejo is by renting a bike (ATV, motorcycle or side by side). Pedal along the scenic coastal road, venturing from Puerto Viejo to Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva beach, and all the way to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

This picturesque ride offers breathtaking views, leading you to pristine beaches, hidden coves perfect for swimming or snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a fantastic way to discover the "hidden gems" of the South Caribbean, allowing you to stop whenever inspiration strikes and truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Don't forget to check out the unique character of each beach on this website along the way!

More Adventures Await!

This is just a taste of what Puerto Viejo and its surroundings have to offer. Browse our other sections for even more exciting activities and experiences — from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to unique options like getting a custom tattoo at Cosmos Tattoo. There truly is something for everyone here. Remember, life is short – embrace the moment, enjoy every second, and experience the true "Pura Vida"!

Beyond these highlights, Puerto Viejo is a gateway to diverse adventures. Consider exploring the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center to learn about wildlife conservation, embark on a chocolate farm tour to understand the bean-to-bar process, or discover the area's incredible biodiversity with a guided jungle hike. The vibrant local culture, stunning natural beauty, and endless activities ensure that every visit to Puerto Viejo is unique and unforgettable.

Restaurants in Puerto Viejo

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El Pampa Rotisería Deli

El Pampa Rotiseria (deli) is your perfect stop in Puerto Viejo for fresh takeout meals, gourmet sandwiches, artisan salads, premium cheeses, smoked meats, homemade yogurt, coffee, and ready-to-go specialties. Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, El Pampa Deli combines quality ingredients, convenience, and local flavor, making it ideal for beach picnics, quick lunches, road trips, and gourmet meals to enjoy anywhere. Whether you're looking for freshly prepared food, deli products, breakfast options, or specialty snacks, El Pampa Deli offers a delicious grab-and-go experience near the beach.

El Pampa Asador

Located along the stunning shores of Playa Negra, El Pampa Asador is an Argentinian-style restaurant in the Costa Rican Caribbean, known for its grilled meats, BBQ, and wood-fired pizzas. With breathtaking ocean views, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed beachfront setting. Enjoy high-quality steak cuts, juicy burgers, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and an authentic Argentinian grill experience. Perfect for dine-in or takeout, with live music on Fridays and happy hour specials in the afternoon.

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Activities near Puerto Viejo

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Ride Along the Beaches

Ride the Caribbean Coast — Beaches, Jungle & Hidden Gems in One Epic Tour

Bribri Cacao Trails & Volio Waterfall Cultural Experience on ATV

Walk the Ancestral Paths of Bribri — Cacao, Culture & Hidden Waterfalls

Eywa soul and Beauty

“Visit us or enjoy our beauty & wellness services from the comfort of your hotel, villa, or vacation rental in Puerto Viejo".

BlackShack Surf School

Highly experienced local instructor

Waterfalls on ATV

Adventure, Nature, and Pure Caribbean Freedom

ATV & Kayak Punta Uva River Adventure

Ride the Jungle, Paddle the River

Mystery Jungle Rentals

Discover Puerto Viejo's Wild Side

Cosmos Puerto Viejo Tattoo

Caribbean Tattoo Experience at Cosmos Tattoo

Off Road ATV Adventure

Ride, Explore, and Experience the Wild Like Never Before

Paratrike + Waterfall + Cuadra

Experience The Adventure From The Sky And The Earth: Start with an exciting paratrike flight over the southern Caribbean, then ride a quad bike to cool off in hidden waterfalls.

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Explore surfing, snorkeling, wildlife, hiking, kayaking and Caribbean adventures.

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Places to Stay in Puerto Viejo

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Irie Spot Apartments

Villa Larimar

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Local Services near Puerto Viejo

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Route 36 Garage

Route 36 in Hone Creek offers reliable automotive services including tune-ups, alignment, oil changes, brakes, batteries, and accessories. Whether you need quick maintenance or repairs, this local shop provides professional service to keep your vehicle running smoothly on Costa Rica’s South Caribbean roads.

Pura Ride Rentals

Pura Ride is one of the largest rental companies in Puerto Viejo, offering ATVs, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and side-by-side vehicles with multiple locations from Cocles to Playa Negra.

Fershop Barber express

Get a professional haircut in Puerto Viejo and the South Caribbean of Costa Rica with an experienced local barber offering both in-shop and mobile services. Whether you prefer visiting the salon or booking a convenient haircut at your hotel, vacation rental, or private location, you can expect clean, modern styles and reliable service. Ideal for travelers, weddings, special events, or anyone wanting to look their best while enjoying the Caribbean coast. Easy scheduling and flexible locations make it simple to stay fresh during your stay in Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo, and Cahuita.

.Farmacia Vida Nova

Drugstore with fast free delivery from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo, open until 12 AM. Competitive prices in the South Caribbean and a Doctor of pharmacy. Special orders available if your medicine is not in stock.

Clinica Caribe Dental

General Dentistry and Dental Specialties, Orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, Dental implants, nerve treatments

Vidrios Guzmar

Vidrios Guzmar has over 10 years of experience providing professional glass solutions in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica. We specialize in windows, doors, mirrors, shower enclosures, and custom glass installations. Reliable service, quality materials, and trusted local workmanship.

Aires Acondicionados (A/C) Chumyy

We are a small local business in the Caribbean of Costa Rica, over 10 years of experience, we sell, fix and do A/C instalations as well as Home Electric Service like heaters, water pump, fuse box or house wiring intalation. Please don't hesitate to call or send us a whatsapp, we will do a free evaluation.

Correos de Costa Rica

Correos de Costa Rica is the country’s official postal service, providing national and international mail and package delivery. It offers reliable services for sending letters, parcels, and documents, as well as tracking and international shipping options

Servicentro Hone Creek

La gasolinera en Hone Creek, Costa Rica, se llama Servicentro Hone Creek y es la única en esa zona turística del Caribe Sur, sirviendo como punto clave para repostar antes de ir hacia Limón o Sixaola. Es un local importante y se encuentra cerca de hospedajes y restaurantes en la zona, facilitando el acceso a combustible en la región.

Autotransportes MEPE S.A.

Transporte MEPE (Autotransportes MEPE S.A.) es una empresa de autobuses costarricense clave que conecta San José con el Caribe Sur (regiones como Talamanca, Puerto Viejo, Sixaola), siendo vital para el turismo y la población local al ofrecer rutas directas sin trasbordos, una opción popular y fundamental para movilizarse por esa zona del país desde la Terminal del Atlántico Norte en San José.

ATM - ATH BAC

The Bank call BAC of Costa Rica has an ATM in Puerto Viejo where you can withdraw dollars or colones from your international or national card.

Banco de Costa Rica

Banco de Costa Rica es una institución bancaria estatal y autónoma, propiedad del Estado costarricense, que ofrece una amplia gama de servicios financieros como cuentas, créditos, seguros y tarjetas, impulsando el desarrollo económico y social del país con soluciones innovadoras y digitales para personas y empresas.

Banco Nacional de Costa Rica

Banco Nacional de Costa Rica in Puerto Viejo is a national bank branch with teller services and 24-hour ATMs. You can open accounts, make transactions, exchange currency, and withdraw cash in CRC or USD. ATMs are withdrawal-only (no deposits).

Ferquinson Appliance Technician

Professional kitchen appliance and electrical equipment repair, backed by more than 10 years of experience. Reliable service for homes and businesses.

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