Lynch's Guidebook
5 things to do in Puerto Viejo
I usually get asked what to do when visiting Puerto Viejo, so these are my top five recommendations of things to do in my hometown.
Rent a Beach Cruiser
Rent a bicycle beach cruiser and cycle to Manzanillo. Ride the road that follows the coast from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo and stop along the way visiting different beaches like Cocles and Punta Uva. Take your time to enjoy the great scenery and take small hikes on the different beaches. You can be adventurous and go snorkeling, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. Keep your eyes open for sloths, monkeys or toucans which are common to see from the side of the road or the beach. It's 15 km from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo which may sound like a lot but it's relatively flat, except for one hill. Anybody can do this, unless you're in very bad shape. Manzanillo is where the road ends, so from there on you will have to explore walking. Lock up your bikes and take a short hike to Manzanillo’s viewpoint. If you still feel like hiking south you will find lots of beaches along the path in the Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge.
Bribri and the indigenous territories
Bribri, the main town of the Talamanca region, is a place that most tourists won’t visit. It’s about a 25 minute drive away from the coast. Bribri hosts Talamanca’s municipal government, and a diversity of stores and services for the rural and indigenous inhabitants of the region.
Inland from Bribri are many Indigenous communities along the Sixaola River and its tributaries, with a very different terrain, culture and economy than the touristy coastal towns.
A very interesting community with very scenic landscape and welcoming people is Yorkin, Travel up River in a dugout boat and go back in time. Share and learn with families about their still authentic way of living. See how organic farming is just farming for them, how they get from nature the materials to build their houses and school. Learn the real process of how chocolate is made. You'll also learn about the medicinal plants and spices they have in their backyards. The families have lodging options if you're interested in extending your time and learning experience. But you can also get a great experience with a one day visit as well.
There are other interesting options that are easier to access, by car or a short hike, where you can also learn and have a cultural experience. There are waterfalls you can visit, chocolate tours, an iguana conservation program and organic farming. Ask Lynch for more info if you’d like to go,
The indigenous communities are unique, with lots to offer. This is the least developed region in Costa Rica making it very different from what you'll see anywhere else you travel.
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park definitely has to be on this list. There's a sweet trail that goes along the Park’s white sand beach, just south of the town of Cahuita. When you find the right spot throw out your towel and enjoy the beach, You can also keep walking to the lagoon and eventually get to Punta Cahuita. If you still have energy you can keep hiking to the south end of the park at Puerto Vargas.
Because it's a national park this is a good place to see wildlife in their natural habitat, highly recommended compared to the animal "shelters" or "sanctuaries". To enter the park you just need to give a donation at the front entrance and can then explore as much as you'd like. However if you’d like to maximize your experience I'd recommend getting a guided tour. This way you’ll see a lot more animals than you'd see on your own and learn lots more, But it's not necessary. If you’re just spending your day on the beach or are just interested in hiking the trails, you'll be fine on your own.
Cahuita has the biggest coral reef in Costa Rica, a good opportunity to go snorkeling. For conservation purposes and safety the park policy requires you go with a local guide and snorkel in the designated areas.
Cahuita town is also definitely a must visit. The town has a different vibe to it, more "tranquilo". With it's afro-caribbean culture you'll definitely enjoy your time in Cahuita.
Food
Most of us love eating. A fun part of traveling is tasting new flavors, sitting down with your travel buddy or maybe with a new friend and enjoying life.
The South Caribbean has a unique way of preparing food different from the rest of Costa Rica. Our specialty is “Rice and beans”, using coconut milk, Panamanian pepper and thyme, typically served with plantains in the form of "patacones" a salad and Caribbean chicken, Fresh seafood like red snapper, shrimp or in season lobster are local delicacies. There are also vegetarian options.
The most popular street food is "Pati". It's like an empanada, baked with filling of ground beef and tropical spices that’s great for a snack in between your main meals. Nowadays you can find vegetarian pati too.
There are many great Caribbean food restaurants from Cahuita to Manzanillo. In downtown Puerto Viejo I'll recommend you visit Lidia’s Place. In Punta Uva, Selvin’s is the place to go, and Maxi's is the famous Caribbean food restaurant in Manzanillo. But my personal favorite is Edith’s in Cahuita.
In Cahuita you can also find the best pati a few blocks from the National Park; just ask around it's a pretty well known spot. If you’re in Puerto Viejo you'll see several stands on the man street; there is one in front of Hotel Puerto Viejo I recommend.
Social activities
There’s always something going on in Puerto Viejo. We that live here are fortunate to have the beaches and the natural beauty of the jungle surrounding us every day. but there's more to Puerto Viejo than just all the tourist activities. Living in a small town brings people closer and makes random activities like the Green market on Saturday morning a social event. Tourist and locals go get fruits and vegetables for the week plus different organic and fair trade products. Besides all the natural goods you can also find some local art and some great pastry for your breakfast. Get some "pipas" and you'll have a refreshing morning.
I find the afternoon is one of my favorite times of the day. Lost of people go get some coffee or gelato. Some go hang out in town, Cocles or Salsa Brava or Puerto Pirata to enjoy the sunset. At Cocles sometimes there’s live music, surfing and volleyball.
And if you feel like going out, all the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Puerto Viejo is known for it's around the clock fun. The local bars offer live music, beachfront drinks, and dancing every night of the week. It’s a good idea to ask Lynch where the party is on any given evening. Sometimes you will have to wait till late-night for the dancing to really start. Reggae and latin-dance music are the mainstays of the parties, and local bands play regularly,
114 helybéli ajánlásával
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
I usually get asked what to do when visiting Puerto Viejo, so these are my top five recommendations of things to do in my hometown.
Rent a Beach Cruiser
Rent a bicycle beach cruiser and cycle to Manzanillo. Ride the road that follows the coast from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo and stop along the way visiting different beaches like Cocles and Punta Uva. Take your time to enjoy the great scenery and take small hikes on the different beaches. You can be adventurous and go snorkeling, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing. Keep your eyes open for sloths, monkeys or toucans which are common to see from the side of the road or the beach. It's 15 km from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo which may sound like a lot but it's relatively flat, except for one hill. Anybody can do this, unless you're in very bad shape. Manzanillo is where the road ends, so from there on you will have to explore walking. Lock up your bikes and take a short hike to Manzanillo’s viewpoint. If you still feel like hiking south you will find lots of beaches along the path in the Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge.
Bribri and the indigenous territories
Bribri, the main town of the Talamanca region, is a place that most tourists won’t visit. It’s about a 25 minute drive away from the coast. Bribri hosts Talamanca’s municipal government, and a diversity of stores and services for the rural and indigenous inhabitants of the region.
Inland from Bribri are many Indigenous communities along the Sixaola River and its tributaries, with a very different terrain, culture and economy than the touristy coastal towns.
A very interesting community with very scenic landscape and welcoming people is Yorkin, Travel up River in a dugout boat and go back in time. Share and learn with families about their still authentic way of living. See how organic farming is just farming for them, how they get from nature the materials to build their houses and school. Learn the real process of how chocolate is made. You'll also learn about the medicinal plants and spices they have in their backyards. The families have lodging options if you're interested in extending your time and learning experience. But you can also get a great experience with a one day visit as well.
There are other interesting options that are easier to access, by car or a short hike, where you can also learn and have a cultural experience. There are waterfalls you can visit, chocolate tours, an iguana conservation program and organic farming. Ask Lynch for more info if you’d like to go,
The indigenous communities are unique, with lots to offer. This is the least developed region in Costa Rica making it very different from what you'll see anywhere else you travel.
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park definitely has to be on this list. There's a sweet trail that goes along the Park’s white sand beach, just south of the town of Cahuita. When you find the right spot throw out your towel and enjoy the beach, You can also keep walking to the lagoon and eventually get to Punta Cahuita. If you still have energy you can keep hiking to the south end of the park at Puerto Vargas.
Because it's a national park this is a good place to see wildlife in their natural habitat, highly recommended compared to the animal "shelters" or "sanctuaries". To enter the park you just need to give a donation at the front entrance and can then explore as much as you'd like. However if you’d like to maximize your experience I'd recommend getting a guided tour. This way you’ll see a lot more animals than you'd see on your own and learn lots more, But it's not necessary. If you’re just spending your day on the beach or are just interested in hiking the trails, you'll be fine on your own.
Cahuita has the biggest coral reef in Costa Rica, a good opportunity to go snorkeling. For conservation purposes and safety the park policy requires you go with a local guide and snorkel in the designated areas.
Cahuita town is also definitely a must visit. The town has a different vibe to it, more "tranquilo". With it's afro-caribbean culture you'll definitely enjoy your time in Cahuita.
Food
Most of us love eating. A fun part of traveling is tasting new flavors, sitting down with your travel buddy or maybe with a new friend and enjoying life.
The South Caribbean has a unique way of preparing food different from the rest of Costa Rica. Our specialty is “Rice and beans”, using coconut milk, Panamanian pepper and thyme, typically served with plantains in the form of "patacones" a salad and Caribbean chicken, Fresh seafood like red snapper, shrimp or in season lobster are local delicacies. There are also vegetarian options.
The most popular street food is "Pati". It's like an empanada, baked with filling of ground beef and tropical spices that’s great for a snack in between your main meals. Nowadays you can find vegetarian pati too.
There are many great Caribbean food restaurants from Cahuita to Manzanillo. In downtown Puerto Viejo I'll recommend you visit Lidia’s Place. In Punta Uva, Selvin’s is the place to go, and Maxi's is the famous Caribbean food restaurant in Manzanillo. But my personal favorite is Edith’s in Cahuita.
In Cahuita you can also find the best pati a few blocks from the National Park; just ask around it's a pretty well known spot. If you’re in Puerto Viejo you'll see several stands on the man street; there is one in front of Hotel Puerto Viejo I recommend.
Social activities
There’s always something going on in Puerto Viejo. We that live here are fortunate to have the beaches and the natural beauty of the jungle surrounding us every day. but there's more to Puerto Viejo than just all the tourist activities. Living in a small town brings people closer and makes random activities like the Green market on Saturday morning a social event. Tourist and locals go get fruits and vegetables for the week plus different organic and fair trade products. Besides all the natural goods you can also find some local art and some great pastry for your breakfast. Get some "pipas" and you'll have a refreshing morning.
I find the afternoon is one of my favorite times of the day. Lost of people go get some coffee or gelato. Some go hang out in town, Cocles or Salsa Brava or Puerto Pirata to enjoy the sunset. At Cocles sometimes there’s live music, surfing and volleyball.
And if you feel like going out, all the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Puerto Viejo is known for it's around the clock fun. The local bars offer live music, beachfront drinks, and dancing every night of the week. It’s a good idea to ask Lynch where the party is on any given evening. Sometimes you will have to wait till late-night for the dancing to really start. Reggae and latin-dance music are the mainstays of the parties, and local bands play regularly,