My top addresses in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo: live the Pura Vida at its finest
After living there for several months, I've been able to try out quite a few places. Here are my favorites:
Top beaches:
- Playa Cocles: Located at around 30min walking from the center of Puerto Viejo (15-20min by bikes), you can enjoy a cool walk between jungle and ocean to arrive at this magnificent beach. The waves and the current are pretty strong, that might be the place to experience some surfing sessions, even if I cannot recommend enough to be careful with the current.
- Playa Punta Uva: Great spot to do some snorkeling and relax. This paradisiac beach is at 30-35min by bikes from the center of Puerto Viejo, but is really worth it. Enjoy relaxing time at this natural swimming pool!
- Playa Chiquita: The walk from Playa Cocles to Playa Chiquita (passing by Punta Uva) is a perfect activity for a chilling afternoon in Puerto Viejo. The landscapes are amazing and you will, for sure, spot monkeys, sloths and other animals on the way.
- Manzanillo National Park: This giant National Park is the home of multitude of fauna and flora. You can easily spend half a day in there, walking, spotting animals and relaxing at the beaches. You can visit it on your own, but I would recommend to do it with a certified guide if you want to make sure to see animals and not get lost ;)
