Curator’s statement
The lesser-explored Caribbean side of Costa Rica offers stunning wildlife, beautiful beaches and delicious, fresh food with a unique blend of Costa Rican and Jamaican culture. This place quickly developed to have all the modern amenities you need yet still holds an untouched charm (they did not have electricity until 1986!).
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Where to stay in Puerto Viejo
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Things to do in Puerto Viejo
Green macaw at Ara Manzanillo Conservation Project
Ara Manzanillo: The Jaguar Rescue is a popular spot to support animals rehabilitating (spoiler — there's no actual Jaguar), but be sure to also check out this lesser-known green macaw conservation project. You will only find green macaws on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica!
Beach Clubs: If not staying at these hotels already, you can get a free day pass at Da Lime Beach Club (part of Hotel Aguas Claras) and Awa Beach Club (part of Awa Beach Hotel) as long as you purchase food and drink.
Punta Manzanillo: At the end of the highway you'll find a hike (or walk — however hard you want to make it!) filled with monkeys, rugged coastlines and picture-perfect little stretches of sand to lay underneath palm trees.
Playa Punta Uva: Head to this beach to explore ocean caves, the famous leaning palm tree and a river to take a kayak up to explore wildlife.
Jamaican Cooking Class: Take Josefina Morales-Gallimore's cooking class to eat delicious food and learn the unique history of this area.
Chocolate: Take a hands-on chocolate-making course at Talamanca Chocolate with Ansel and one of her chocolate apprentices on her farm. You can also take tours from indigenous Bribri in their village and cool off in a waterfall after your hard labor!
Shopping: There are lots of shops in town, but don't miss Casa Mandala alongside the highway for a large, tasteful collection of goodies to bring home.
Places to eat & drink in Puerto Viejo
Included breakfast at La Prometida Hotel
Susannah's Ice Cream: Popular spot to enjoy ice cream right by the beach and popular vendors
Soda Shekina: When in Costa Rica, you must eat at a soda for local affordable dishes, and this place does not disappoint. Must get the garlic shrimp! (Insider hint: This is Josefina's sister's spot)
Iriria Speciality Coffee Truck: Get your morning coffee from a truck on the beach!
Spicy Coconut: Great aesthetic and delicious, healthy food with some cute apparel
Mixta: If you are craving some elevated Mexican food with beautiful cocktails while in Costa Rica, this is your spot. Don't skip the fish tacos!
Tambie Bro's Panaderia: Stop at this Argentinian couple's casual spot on your way out to Manzanillo and hopefully have the same thought as me when eating their sandwiches and smoothies: "Oh, this is what food is supposed to taste like."
Need to know
Aim to go early spring or early fall to avoid the tropical rain that makes this place so lush! You can get around by Uber, taxi or Tuk-Tuk's, but some activities would be easier by renting a car.
Travel Advisor
Hallie Riswold
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