Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo

Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica


Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side.  The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself.  A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.


Puerto Viejo has recently become a hit with tourists due to its cultural allure, stunning white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and its proximity to national parks.  Nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to observe the region’s stunning wildlife, both of which are a short drive away.  

Native American traditions are well established.  Indigenous reserves dot Talamanca—as this southern region is referred to by its indigenous population—which serves as a virtual extension of the national parks system.  The Asociación Talamanca de Ecoturismo y Conservación (ATEC) offers information and tours to visitors interested in the local indigenous culture.  A grassroots organization, ATEC was founded to promote sustainable tourism and cultural expression amongst the mixed population in which it serves.  The organization offers tours complete with guides at an extremely fair price. 

Driving Distances

Arenal 283km

Monteverde 356km

Manuel Antonio 396km

Liberia 422km

Alajuela - SJO Int'l 233km


Nearby Attractions

Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve 49km
Cahuita National Park 17km
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge 12km

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Traveler Comments and Ratings for Puerto Viejo de Limon

"Puerto Viejo de Limon was nice, quaint, pretty. I enjoyed many of the restaurants there, and would definitely go back again. I would like to explore more of the Caribbean side sometime " Visited in Dec 2010

"Just like any tourist area be careful." Visited in May 2011

"We loved Puerto Viejo because there were fewer tourists in the area and an abundance of wildlife." Visited in Jul 2011


"Our stay at Congo Bongo was really quite an experience. The jungle like setting, beautiful cottage, and uncrowded beach made for a very memorable time. Daan and Marisol were wonderful hosts and made sure we had whatever we needed. We went into Puerto Viejo for a couple of hours, mainly to see the town, have lunch and get groceries, but that was enough time. I know there has been some incidences of assaults on tourists recently along that coastal road, but we never felt threatened. We did not venture out after dark, though. We continue to be impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the Costa Ricans. Thank you!" Visited in Aug 2011

"Puerto Viejo was awesome, the food is great the prices are for every budget and the beaches are the best in CR." Visited in Sep 2011

"We had some concerns about safety as the town had a slightly shabby/hippie feel but had no problems and grew to feel more comfortable the longr we stayed." Visited in Dec 2011

"Many hotels to choose from, ours was probably the most pricey (Le Cameleon), choose another! The chocolate tour at the Chocolate Factory was great. The further from Puerto Viejo the better beaches - worth the trip!" Visited in Oct 2011

"We found Puerto Viejo de Limon as described ... a town on the Caribbean not as active as the Pacific coast. We really enjoyed the laid back attitude of this area and riding our beach cruisers was exactly how we planned our stay. " Visited in Nov 2011

"Loved Puerto Viejo!....I felt very safe even after reading and hearing horror stories of tourists being targeted. I stayed 1 km outside of town and walked back and forth alone both on the beach and along the road with no problems. In town even though you were bombarded with calls of 'taxi'...I never felt accosted. All of the shop owners were very friendly and I must say I loved 'Dreadnut' the most! Mar is an excellent shop keeper and so friendly as are all of her staff. I stopped here quite often for her smoothies and excellent sandwiches. ATEC was a great stop for me as well and I utilized their internet cafe almost every day. Nature was at your doorstop and I went during the off season so I did not feel that it was touristy at all. I would definitely make a return visit." Visited in Dec 2011

"Great reggae culture, very chill and fun to explore at your own pace. " Visited in Dec 2011

"Fall in love specially with Cocles." Visited in Feb 2012

"It was like a small caribbean town in Costa Rica, we loved it here and wish we had more time here. Great surfing here!" Visited in Feb 2012

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Votes Score
48
CULTURE
8.71
48
EXPERIENCE
9.12
48
NATURE
8.67
48
REPRESENTATION
8.75
49
SAFETY
8.84
47
TOURISTY
7.74

Highest possible score is 10

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