Luxury Puerto Viejo
Vacations & Tours made for you
Dazzling marine life
Explore the underwater species and vibrant coral reefs protected by Cahuita National Park
Rainforests and wildlife
The surrounding rainforest is home to a variety of protected wildlife
On the water
Enjoy the waves with surfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving
A Caribbean escape
The easy-going and stylish southern Caribbean stretch of coast that forms Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica is no exception to the country’s widespread biodiversity and prime choice of nature reserves. Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge are both waiting to be explored, but there are also plenty of other things to do here. A day trip to Panama’s Bocas del Toro coral reefs is spellbinding, as are the many cultural tours, cycling routes and boat charters on offer.
Located just under an hour southeast of Limón, the vibe in Puerto Viejo is unhurried and youthful. The beaches, deserted in places, are also dotted with cool beach bars playing reggae in others. The waters are generally calm and crystalline, except for the perfect surfing waves off the Salsa Brava beach. At every turn you’ll find the sights and sounds of the buzzing rainforest waiting to greet you.
Puerto Viejo is actually set on the edge of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, whose vegetation brushes the high tide line and are brimming with eagles, pelicans, caimans, and tapirs. In the water, its reefs are equally alive with sea turtles, dolphins, blue parrot fish and other dazzling marine life.
Understandably growing in popularity year on year, the relaxing charm of Puerto Viejo has brought a number of intimately chic hotels to its shores and visitors can choose from boutique boltholes to eco-friendly cabins a stone’s throw from the virgin beaches or first-rate restaurants.
Highlights
Feel the thrill of world class surfing at Salsa Brava beach
Discover Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Jaguar Rescue Center
Enjoy the laidback Caribbean vibes that make this coastline a beachside paradise
Puerto Viejo strikes the perfect balance between serene coastal getaway and abundant natural paradise. The atmosphere is distinctly Caribbean – think laidback, sun-filled days followed by vibrant nights lit up by music, bars and restaurants.
Dan Scott-Kerr
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Puerto Viejo
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Discover more of Costa Rica
Arenal
The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.
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Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.
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Dominical
A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
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Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
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Nicoya Peninsula
Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. A natural paradise with a focus on sustainability and respecting the precious environment.
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Pacuare Reserve
Exhilarating and remote, get off the beaten track here with white water rafting, vast areas of primary, virgin rainforest and masses of wildlife. Stay at sustainable, luxury lodges in this stunning riverside location.
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Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste is located 100 miles northwest of San Jose, with Arenal to the south, Tenorio Volcano National Park to the west and the Caño Negro Forest to the east. It’s renowned for its light blue river and waterfalls, tinged a mesmerising turquoise colour by particles from volcanic activity.
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The Central Cloud Forests
Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.
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The Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.
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San Jose
Costa Rica may be renowned as a bountiful, serene paradise, but lesser known is its cosmopolitan heart: San José. Positioned in the mid-west of the Central Valley, it presents a sleek and modern contrast to the rest of the country.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
The year in Costa Rica is split between the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the green season, which runs from May to November. No matter when you go, Costa Rica offers the chance to discover some amazing ecosystems and see fascinating wildlife all year round.
As Puerto Viejo is a coastal destination, we advise visiting during the dry season to make the most of the activities available. We recommend avoiding travelling from September to October as many regions experience heavy rainfall during this time.
Dry season
December – April
Green season
May – November
Plan your trip to Puerto Viejo
Whatever you want from your adventure in Puerto Viejo, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
