Things to do

THE TOWN OF PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA

We find this blog describes it best: "Puerto Viejo is an awesome, laidback, Caribbean, Euro-backpacker, Rasta-surfer town on the south Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This tiny little town offers up an amazing variety of international culinary flavors as well as a wide variety of experiences to choose from. You can surf the world famous Salsa Brava, relax in the natural rock tide pools at the edge of the ocean, party the night away downtown, or unwind in a secluded jungle bungalow!"

Useful links: www.gobackpacking.com, anywhere Costa Rica, wikitravel.org, Puerto Viejo Mapa de Satellite

Actividades y Experiencias

Snorkeling

One of the best places to snorkel is Cahuita National park which has the largest coral reef in South Central America. There are lots of tour options that combine a boat ride to the reef followed by hiking in the rain forest. When we snorkeled we saw lots of colorful fish, a stingray and even a small tiburon (shark) sleeping at the bottom of the ocean!

Useful links: Punta Uva Dive Center

Surfing

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is well known for its world class surfing. The famous Salsa Brava waves are near Puerto Viejo. These are thick Hawaiian style waves that build in deep water and break over a shallow reef.

Useful links: Salsa Brava Surf Report

Sea Kayaking

This is another fun outdoor excursion to do in the area with lovely cliffs and caves to explore along the coast. Many tours also combine the experience with a hike in the rain forest.

Useful links: River and sea kayaking with forest hike tour

Horseback Riding

Explore beaches on the back of a lovely horse with the help of a guide.

Useful links: Horseback riding tour

Canopy Tour

A typical experience to make when in Costa Rica is to zip-line through the rain forest getting a birds-eye view of the flora and the fauna that lives in the tree tops while getting an adrenaline rush!

Cahuita National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks which extends for several miles along the coast just north of Puerto Viejo. Beyond the breathtaking beaches here you will see lots of wildlife from howler monkeys to sloths and racoon. You can explore the park on your own or take a guided tour.

Useful links: Cahuita National Park Hike

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Turtle Watching

This amazing ecological treasure is one of the primary sites for the nesting of leatherback turtles. It offers also spectacular beaches and a wide ecological diversity.

Useful links: Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge Jungle Hike

Jaguar Animal Rescue Center

This is a wonderful way to experience the local wildlife up close and learn about them from some very dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer guides. The best part for us is interacting with baby monkeys and seeing the sloths up close!

Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve

"The Kekoldi people were once part of the Bribri indigenous tribe, but formed their own, separate group years ago. Today, they live at the base of the Talamanca Mountains, in a reserve that is known for migrating birds of prey, green iguana protection efforts, medicinal herb gardens and beautiful handmade crafts"

Useful links: ateccr.org bird-watching-in-kekoldi-indigenous-territory

Chocolate Tour

Cocoa trees are indigenous to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. You can find a few of them in our very own garden at Casitas las Flores! This tour will give a chance to learn and enjoy one of nature's greatest gifts!

Useful links: caribeanschocolate