Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo is a town on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Known for its laid-back attitude and famous for it’s surfing.
The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover’s paradise. Here amidst the exotic flora and fauna, lies a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and some of the most amazing surfing opportunities.
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.
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Simply known as Puerto Viejo by the locals and not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui in Heredia, this bustling town lies 34 miles south east of Puerto Limón, and 10.2 miles south of Cahuita.
How to get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose
PUBLIC BUS
The bus is the most economical option. Seven daily express buses leave from San Jose.
Direct Buses from San Jose to Puerto Viejo leave from MEPE Terminal.
You can check MEPE Schedules here
Note that the bus stations in San José are unfortunately where dishonest taxi drivers seem to gather waiting for tourists to overcharge. So don’t believe them if they tell you that the bus is not leaving to Puerto Viejo that day for any reason and ask directly at the bus station office.
MEPE Terminal is located about 18 min away from the airport.
CONNECTING BY BUS VIA LIMON
There are also frequent buses (generally every half hour) between San Jose and Limon operated by Grupo Caribeños. From Limon you can catch a connecting bus to Puerto Viejo. The trip to Limon usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours and the bus to Puerto Viejo another 1 1/2 hours.
Check Caribeños Bus Schedule here
Caribeños Bus Terminal is just 13 min away walking from the MEPE Terminal.
Note that in Limon you will need to transfer from the Grupo Caribeños bus terminal where the San José buses arrive to the MEPE terminal which is a few blocks away. If you have much luggage at all, take a taxi (it should cost no more than $2). It is not recommended to walk around Limon with conspicous amounts of luggage, it could make you a target. Before you head to Limon though, make sure there will be a connecting bus to Puerto Viejo otherwise you’ll be stuck in Limon overnight or taking a taxi. The phone number of the Transportes MEPE office in Limón is (506) 2758-1572.
FLYING
Puerto Viejo has no airport, but it is possible to fly to Limón, about 45 minutes north, and take a shuttle to Puerto Viejo.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
You can book a Transfer from San José or SJO Airport to Puerto Viejo here
You can rent your own vehicle and drive to Puerto Viejo.
Road Conditions in Puerto Viejo
Most roads to this town are in pretty poor condition with the only paved road being the main highway from Limon to Manzanillo. The streets here are dirt paved. However, they give Puerto Viejo a kind of rustic touch that is distinctive and unique. The people here are also very friendly and all this adds to this tiny village’s charm.
Surfing in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is one of the most coveted destinations for surfers, especially those seeking challenging waves in a natural and pristine setting.
With its combination of white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical landscapes, this small town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has gained international renown among surf enthusiasts.
One of the most famous spots is Playa Salsa Brava, known for having the heaviest waves in the region. Only experienced surfers should attempt to face its powerful waves and currents, which can be quite intense.
Salsa Brava, with its strong rip current, has been compared to some of the best surf spots in the world, offering long and fast barrels that challenge even the most skilled surfers.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience or at intermediate levels, Playa Cocles is an excellent option.
With gentler waves, this beach allows for a great day of surfing without the strong currents found at Salsa Brava.
In summary, Puerto Viejo is a paradise for surfers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy spectacular waves in a unique setting.
Places to stay in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all preferences.
If you’re looking for a more nature-oriented experience, eco-lodges like Finca Chica Lodge & Villas offer an immersive jungle experience with the opportunity to see local wildlife in its natural habitat.
For those who prefer to be close to the beach, Tree House Lodge is a popular option, featuring beachfront cabins and a laid-back atmosphere. If you prefer luxury, aWà Beach Hotel combines comfort and natural beauty, offering cozy rooms and exclusive services.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility, stunning views, or comfort, Puerto Viejo has something for you. Discover more options and find the perfect accommodation for your visit in our guide to the Best Places to Stay in Puerto Viejo.
ofrecen una inmersión en la selva, con la oportunidad de ver animales locales en su hábitat natural.
Para quienes prefieren estar cerca de la playa, Tree House Lodge es una opción popular, con cabañas frente al mar y una atmósfera relajada. Si prefieres lujo, aWà Beach Hotel combina comodidad y belleza natural, ofreciendo cómodas habitaciones y servicios exclusivos.
Ya sea que busques tranquilidad, vistas impresionantes o comodidad, Puerto Viejo tiene algo para ti. Descubre más opciones y encuentra el alojamiento perfecto para tu visita en nuestra guía de Mejores lugares para hospedarse en Puerto Viejo.
Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant destination full of activities for both adventurers and those seeking relaxation. Here are some of the best things to do in this charming town.
1. Surf at Salsa Brava: This is one of Puerto Viejo’s main attractions. The famous Salsa Brava beach is known for its big waves and is ideal for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, there are also other softer beaches to enjoy surfing, such as Playa Cocles.
2. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: This refuge offers one of the best ecotourism experiences in Costa Rica, with abundant biodiversity, including monkeys, turtles, and tropical birds. You can explore its trails, take a boat tour through the canals, or simply enjoy its peaceful beaches.
3. Explore Cahuita National Park: Just minutes from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park is perfect for hiking and snorkeling. With its impressive coral reef, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Costa Rican Caribbean.
4. Local Culture: Puerto Viejo has a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage, and you can learn more about its history and culture by visiting the Afro-Costa Rican Culture Museum or enjoying its music and dance at one of the local bars.
For more activities and adventures in the area, don’t miss our Tours in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca section, where you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of your visit.
