Should You Visit Puerto Viejo?

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting?

Yes, Puerto Viejo is absolutely a town that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun. During our first trip to Puerto Viejo in 2007, we fell in love with visiting Cahuita National Park and snorkeling. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic nightlife and spectacular beaches.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It's a beach destination with a local vibe and less tourism than the beach towns on the Pacific side of the country. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and local restaurants around town. It's also located near Cahuita National Park, which has rainforests, wildlife, and coral reefs.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

8 Reasons to Visit Puerto Viejo

1. Nightlife

It's a laid back town during the day and at night there's a chill but lively atmosphere. You'll find a few bars and clubs that have live music, and it's not hard to find something interesting to do.

2. Beaches

The beaches in the area are beautiful and offer great waves for surfing and patches of coral reef for snorkeling. Many of the beaches are lined with forest and have a more laid back and less developed atmosphere than the beaches on the Pacific side.

3. Food

Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

4. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

You'll find the best snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, where you'll see coral and colorful fish. There's a dive shop in town as well, but most people enjoy the snorkeling in the area more.

5. Hiking

The hike through nearby Cahuita National Park is a highlight for many visitors. It wanders along the coastline and takes about three hours to walk. You'll likely see some wildlife during your walk.

6. Shopping

You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

7. The Costs

Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Puerto Viejo might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Puerto Viejo here or see if Puerto Viejo is expensive here.

8. Authenticity

Puerto Viejo has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the low season for travel in Puerto Viejo. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, savor the small town atmosphere, and discover the nearby hiking trails. Also, you can check out the nightlife and the beautiful scenery.

Summer Weather in Puerto Viejo

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Puerto Viejo. Even though Puerto Viejo is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the small town charm. Also, you'll be able to swim at the beach.

Autumn Weather in Puerto Viejo

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

The peak season for travel is winter in Puerto Viejo, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. This is a great time of year to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy the evening activities, and relax at the beach. Also, you can experience the beautiful scenery and the hiking.

Winter Weather in Puerto Viejo

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Puerto Viejo. Even though Puerto Viejo is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take in the beautiful scenery, and soak up the small town charm. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife, lounge on the beach, and go hiking.

Spring Weather in Puerto Viejo

Things to Consider Before Visiting Puerto Viejo

Museums and Attractions: Puerto Viejo isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

Related

What is Puerto Viejo most famous for?

Puerto Viejo is most famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. People visit this impressive town for its great nightlife and beaches. Also, it's known for food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as laid back, relaxed, mellow, and authentic.

How touristy is Puerto Viejo? Is it a popular town to visit?

Puerto Viejo is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Kayaking Tour in Gandoca Lagoon throug mangrove forest: $58
• Night Adventure in the Wild Talamanca: $85
• Indigenous Experience & Chocolate Tour: $74
• Puerto Viejo&Cahuita: Tour of 3 Waterfalls, Talamanca, Limón: $149
• Puerto Viejo Limón: Best Canopy Tour / Ziplines: $83
• Wildlife Night Tour in the Jungle: $55
• Canoe Adventure & Caribbean Family Experience: $47
• Puerto Viejo Limón: Birdwatching Tour at Nativo Park: $50

How long should I spend in Puerto Viejo?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Puerto Viejo is two to three days. Since Puerto Viejo has activities such as nightlife and beaches, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Puerto Viejo?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Puerto Viejo?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Puerto Viejo?.

For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Costa Rica and The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica.

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