Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a gem on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast, known for its laid-back vibes, stunning nature, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. To ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip, here's your essential "before you go" guide.
1. Know Your Destination
Let’s get the destination straight—Puerto Viejo (for short) is a laid-back, tropical gem nestled in the Limón Province of Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. Don’t mix it up—there’s another Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, so make sure you’re heading to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca!
Costa Rica itself is a tiny Central American paradise, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, and Puerto Viejo sits in its most vibrant, Afro-Caribbean corner.
Remember
- Puerto Viejo is located in the Limón Province of Costa Rica.
- It's important to specify "Puerto Viejo de Talamanca" as there's another Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica is a small Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
2. Getting There
Airport: Where to fly into?
You have two main airport options:
- San José International Airport (SJO): The main airport, about 4.5-5 hours from Puerto Viejo by shuttle or bus.
- Limón Airport: Much closer, about 1-1.5 hours from Puerto Viejo, but fewer flights land here, so check availability!
Note: If you decide to fly into Limón Airport for that closer, quicker trip to Puerto Viejo, heads up! You’ll first land at San José International Airport (SJO) and then transfer onto a small domestic flight to Limón. It’s a quick hop over, but make sure to plan your layover time accordingly. ✈️
Getting to Puerto Viejo from the Airport
- Caribe Shuttle: A comfortable, air-conditioned shared shuttle (approx. 5 hours from SJO, 1 hour from Limón).
- From SJO: Takes about 5 hours. ($60 per person)
- You will catch an Uber/taxi from the airport to meet the shuttle at Denny’s
- From Limón: Takes about 1 hour. ($30 per person)
- From SJO: Takes about 5 hours. ($60 per person)
- Mepe Bus: The Mepe Bus is super affordable but less luxurious public transit. You will have to get an Uber or a taxi from the airport to the bus station. You will purchase your ticket in person at the bus station. ($12-$20)
- From SJO, it takes around 5.5 hours
- From Limón 1-1.5 hours.
- Rental Car: Want total freedom? Grab a rental car at either airport. From SJO, it’s a scenic 4.5-hour drive through the mountains and rainforest. From Limón, a short 1-1.5 hours to Puerto Viejo.
3. Hotel Recommendations in Puerto Viejo and Cocles
Puerto Viejo is the vibrant main town, bursting with culture, shops, and restaurants. Cocles, is just a 10-minute bike ride or a 5-minute drive away and is a charming neighboring community known for its stunning beaches and lively social scene. Cocles offers a more relaxed vibe while still being close enough to enjoy all the action in Puerto Viejo.
Booking.com is my recommended search engine to look up prices for these locations:
Hotels in Puerto Viejo Center
- Namu Garden Hotel
- Olinca Boutique Hotel
- Ana Kimba Hotel
- Hotel Pura Vida
- Umami Hotel
- Casa Wolaba Hostel
- El Clan Hostel
- La Tribu Hostel for Women
- La Ruka Hostel
Hotels in Cocles
- Terrazas del Caribe
- Siren Sanctuary Resort
- Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort
- Aguas Claras
- La Tica & La Gata
- Le Cameleon
- Beach Front Chill Surf Spot
- Playa 506 Hostel
- Selina Hostel
- Tasty Dayz Hostel
4. Entry Requirements
When traveling to Costa Rica, a passport is required for entry. If you're coming from the United States, you won't need a visa if you're staying for 6 months or less. Make sure to have the name and/or address of your accommodation ready to provide to immigration officials at the airport. This will help ensure a smooth entry into this beautiful country!
5. Communication
To stay connected in Costa Rica, you have two main options:
- WhatsApp is widely used in Costa Rica for communication.
- Consider buying a local SIM card for reliable access to data.
6. What to Pack
Puerto Viejo’s beach-town vibes mean your wardrobe should be as relaxed as the locals:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing: Think shorts, tank tops, sundresses, and swimwear.
- Sandals, sneakers or water shoes: Essential for the beach and jungle trails.
- Rain jacket: The area is lush and tropical, so expect the occasional rain shower.
- Bug spray: For the inevitable mosquitos, especially around sunset!
7. Additional Important Trip Info
- Costa Rica is in Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe daylight saving time.
- The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), though USD is widely accepted.
- For a quick colones-to-USD conversion, double the number before the comma on the bill.
- Expect to pay around $6-$10 USD for meals at local "sodas" (diners) and $10-$20 USD at restaurants.
- Groceries can be a bit pricier than in other parts of Costa Rica.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
Conclusion
By planning ahead with these essential tips, you'll be well-prepared to embrace the "Pura Vida" lifestyle and enjoy all that Puerto Viejo has to offer!
Safe travels!
