
Puerto Viejo
Caribbean side; slower, greener and on its own weather pattern.
- Budget level
- Mid-range
- Best months
- Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Ideal stay
- 2–4 days
- Best for
- Nature, Adventure, Beach
Overview
Caribbean side; slower, greener and on its own weather pattern. It is one of the places we suggest when planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Plan & book
Stays, activities and transport for Puerto Viejo will be bookable here soon.
Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.
Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.
Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.
Why go to Puerto Viejo
- A representative coast stop on most Costa Rica itineraries
- Fits the wider Central America & Caribbean travel style
Budget
Puerto Viejo is mid-range by Costa Rica standards. Across Costa Rica, mid-range travellers typically spend about $115–$185 per person per day.
Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Costa Rica budget breakdown.
Practical information
- Language
- Spanish; English is commonly available in tourism areas
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC); US dollars widely accepted
- Power
- Type A/B, 120V
- Entry
- Entry rules depend on nationality — verify current official requirements before booking.
When to go to Puerto Viejo
Plan 2–4 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.
Getting around
- Buses are an affordable way to reach most popular destinations, run by multiple private operators rather than one national service
- Shared tourist shuttles connect the main towns more directly
Suggested itineraries
Two coasts
12 daysPacific wildlife and Caribbean calm.
Route: Guanacaste → La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo

