Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. While Tortuguero in the north may get all the attention, come down to this part of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast for excellent surfing, tremendous snorkeling and diving, great night life, cheap accommodation, and a lot of delicious food options. It’s also a popular spot for expats from America. Moreover, just a few hours from here is Cahuita National Park, a beautiful park for hiking and monkey spotting. There are a lot of reasons why I love this part of Costa Rica. It’s a good alternative to the more expensive and touristy Pacific side of the country.
Puerto Viejo
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Puerto Viejo
1. Cahuita National Park
2. Hit the beach
3. Yoga
4. Tour the Jaguar Rescue Center
5. Natural juices and homemade chocolate
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Surfing
Puerto Viejo is the most famous surfing area on the Caribbean coast, and you’ll find lots of places ready to teach you how to hang if you’re a beginner. Though the waves aren’t as good as on the Pacific coast, it’s easier to learn and a lot cheaper here. Beginner lessons last a couple hours and cost around 27,000 CRC.
2. See the iguanas
A few miles south of Puerto Viejo lies Iguana Verde where you can take an Iguana Conservation Tour. For 8,025 CRC, you are able to see the facility and learn about the Green Iguana, which is an endangered species.
3. Bike to Manzanillo
For about 2,700 CRC you can rent a bike for a day. Cycle to Manzanillo and back on a relatively flat and (mostly)-paved road. Along the way, explore the secluded beaches, and take some time to have a picnic lunch. The journey is around 26km round trip.
4. Go fishing
Costa Rica offers some of the world’s best sport-fishing. Whether you’re an avid fisher or a newbie, there are plenty of options to check out. Trips vary in length and price, so be sure to ask about snorkeling possibilities for a combined tour. Expect to pay at least 55,000 CRC per person (exclusive tours will cost more).
Typical Costs
Budget hotel prices – Hotel prices start at 16,000 CRC per night for a twin room, including breakfast. Most hotels will be over 20,000 CRC per night, however. Airbnb is available in the area, though there are very few options available for shared accommodation. What shared accommodation there is begins at 8,000 CRC per night, while a private room will cost around 18,000 CRC per night and an entire home/apartment around 29,000 CRC.
Average cost of food – Food in a “soda” restaurant (ie mom and pop joints) typically cost about 1,600 CRC for a local dish. Main courses in most budget restaurants, especially in the main town, cost around 5,000 CRC. The popular tourist restaurants cost around 10,000 CRC per meal (with a drink), so avoid them if you want to stay on a budget. If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries will cost around 15,000-20,000 CRC. This includes basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.
Transportation costs – Traveling by bus from San José will cost 3,300 CRC if you take the regional bus. The nicer charter buses will charge you around 27,000 CRC each way. If you are coming from (or going to) La Fortuna, buses cost around 1,500 CRC. Local buses cost 1,100 CRC to the Cloud Forest from Santa Elena. A taxi from Santa Elena to the Cloud Forest Reserve will typically cost 4,800 CRC. Car rentals are available in the area, though the roads outside of Santa Elena are unpaved so make sure you get a 4WD vehicle with a spare tire — chances are you may need it!
Suggested daily budget
22,150-24,900 CRC / 40-45 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
- Eat empanadas – On the road between town and Rocking J’s, across from the Lizard King is a stall that sells fried chicken and empanadas for 535 CRC. Not only are they delicious, they are also ridiculously cheap. Eat at this place to save money, but make sure you head by after he opens at 4pm.
- Camp – Most of the resorts and hostels by the beach let you camp. If you don’t have your own tent, you can rent them. For around 4,300 CRC per night, it’s the best way to keep your accommodation costs down.
- Take a public bus – Bars in town are about 25% more expensive than at the hostels and hotel bars that line the road towards the main beach. Start your night there, and save some money.
- Avoid the high season – Prices will be higher during the summer (and during holidays) so be sure to travel during the low-season to take advantage of lower prices!
- 2-for-1 and all-you-can-eat – The Japanese restaurant in town has 2-for-1 happy hours every night and all-you-can-eat sushi on Tuesdays. Worth it!
- Rent a bike – For a few dollars each day you can rent a bike. This is all you need to get around the area and it will save you money taking taxis or buses.
My Must Have Guides For Traveling to Costa Rica
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to take money out of the travel equation and and master the points and miles game. It will show you how to easily collect and redeem travel points for free airfare and accommodation so you can get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes the solo female travel column for this website and her detailed guide addresses all the concerns women have about traveling and gives the specific advice and tips you need to conquer the world and stay safe.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book will teach you everything you need to know about landing your dream job and features interviews with dozens of teachers, recruiters, detailed information on the top teaching destinations, sample resumes, advice on nailing your interview, and much more.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach how to master the art of travel so that, no matter how long you want to travel for, you’ll save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experience.
Articles About Costa Rica
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