Online Reservation Forms:

 

SAN JOSE AIRPORT TO PUERTO VIEJO & CAHUITA

Collective Shuttle:
The collective shuttle daily departures:
- At 7:50am from San Jose Hotels down town
- At 7:20am from San Jose Airport - Calalu Restaurant by the airport

- At 10:00am from San Jose Hotels down town

- At 10:30am from San Jose Airport

- At 3:00pm from San Jose Hotels down town

- At 03:30pm from San Jose Airport

Travel times 4.5 hrs.

* This collective shuttle is rated in $45 per person, per way.

* Pick up and drop off from available from the main hotels, please check with us to double check availability on this as well.


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Private VIP Transportation Service:
At the time of your arrival one of our drivers would be waiting for you at the airport exit with a sign with your name on it. From there you would be assisted.
The total rate for this service is $300 (per way, from 1 to 4 guests and $25 the extra guest after 4)
Includes: Your own private driver, own private minibus or large SUV
Departure time is selected by the client. (Please provide your arrival flight itinerary)

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FROM PUERTO VIEJO & CAHUITA TO SAN JOSE

Collective Shuttle:

Morning Departure times from:
Manzanillo: 6:15 a.m.
Puerto Viejo: 6:50 a.m.
Cahuita: 7:20 a.m.

Arriving into San Jose area by 11:20 a.m.

Afternoon Departure times from:
Manzanillo: 1:30 p.m.
Puerto Viejo: 2:30 p.m.
Cahuita: 3:15 p.m.

Arriving into San Jose area by 06:20 p.m.


Pick up available from the main hotels in the area.
The collective shuttle is rated in $45 per person, per way.

Private Shuttle:
This is a private door to door service with your own driver and own vehicle. Pick up would be directly at your location and at the time of your election and drop off would be your at destination in the San Jose area.
The total rate for this service is $300 (per way, from 1 to 4 guests and $25 the extra guest after 4)
Includes: Your own private driver, own private minibus or large SUV

Please let us know if you are interested in our services as we would be more than happy to take care of your transportation while in Costa Rica.

 

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Puerto Viejo to San Jose city
Puerto Viejo to Arenal La Fortuna
Puerto Viejo to SJO Airport
Puerto Viejo to Turrialba
Puerto Viejo to Montezuma
Puerto Viejo to Mal Pais
Puerto Viejo to Santa Teresa
Puerto Viejo to Tambor Beach
Puerto Viejo to Tamarindo
Puerto Viejo to Monteverde
Puerto Viejo to Puntarenas
Puerto Viejo to Jaco Beach
Puerto Viejo to Herradura
Puerto Viejo to Quepos
Puerto Viejo to Manuel Antonio

 

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About Puerto Viejo

 

Puerto Viejo is the largest tourist destination in Costa Rica's small Caribbean coast. Other nearby communities are Cahuita, Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo.

 

The vibe here is laid-back, Caribbean-style with a great diversity of people living here and visiting here. For more info on the Puerto Viejo vibe, read Puerto Viejo - Not for Everyone.

 

And what about the weather? You can check current conditions and find out about what's the norm for different times of the year on the Weather page.

 

Or maybe you're looking for more info about the site or how to contact us.

Puerto Viejo - Not for Everyone

 

Colin Brownlee writes about life in Puerto Viejo and how it isn't the vibe everyone will love but if it's you, then you may fall in love with it.

 

Colin answers some of the myths and mistruths spoken about Puerto Viejo, things that tourists are often told about the Caribbean in San José or the Pacific Coast hotels.

 

Why would you live there?  There is nothing down there.

 

This was a comment from an American expat that lives in central valley of Costa Rica where most expats that decide to live in Costa Rica live.  In some sense, he is right.  Puerto Viejo has no golf courses, marinas, country clubs, tennis courts, and almost no swimming pools and very few hotels even with A/C.

 

There are many rumors and half-truths like this about the Caribbean side of Costa Rica so I decided that I would share my own observations after living down here for a few years.

 

Personally I like it the way it is as it has kept the development down to a minimum and the "Disney set" out and tends to cater to a more "down to earth traveler" I think the rumors and myths have served many of us who have chosen to live here very well.

 

It's all blacks down there.

 

Actually a recent survey by the Ministry of Health showed that about 80% of the local inhabitants are indigenous Bri Bri. But they tend to live out of town and not be very visible. Maybe about 30-40% of the remaining local population are African Caribbean who are descendants from Jamaican workers that arrived here just over a century ago.  Their presence adds a very interesting vibe to the local culture. The Caribbean would in no way be what it is without their presence. The rest of the population is Tico and a huge smattering of expats that are mainly from Europe, South America and Canada. Almost all from the USA are real lefties. Last census in early 2002, there were 49 different countries represented out of just over 2000 people.

 

If you'd like to learn more about the local indigenous culture, check out this photo album or this informative article by Heidi Gradall.

 

They are all god damn pot smoking, "tree hugging" hippies down there.

 

Yes, there are many "bohemian types". Their presence over the years has been invaluable to keeping the place real laid back and always interesting. If you look at almost any place that is desirable to live in US, Canada and many parts of Europe (i.e. San Francisco and NYC versus Oklahoma or Arkansas) you will see they have a huge alternative culture that many people find comfort in living with. As for the tree huggers: thank (what ever you believe in) that they are here. There are still many first growth trees to appreciate.

 

It rains all the time.

 

Yes, this is a rain forest, and guess what? You get rain. But if you look at annual inches per year you will see that it rains more in many popular places on the Pacific than the Caribbean, this chart shows a comparison of the different areas of Costa Rica.  You'll note that the South Caribbean coast is actually one of the driest parts of the country!

 

The main difference being is that rain on Caribbean is usually spread more out over the year. Also most don't realize that the majority of the rain here comes at night and usually is very welcome.  Click here for more on local weather.

 

The roads are bad and it is really dangerous.

 

After being all over Costa Rica, I can assure you the roads here are in just as bad condition here as anywhere else. In fact much of it is better because Limon is a port city and it is the main truck route from Limon to San Jose. So the roads on that stretch are quite good which accounts for over 2/3rds of the trip (no, it is not the California Interstate 5). However, yes, the road from Limon to Puerto Viejo is in bad shape and full of pot holes. But if you take care, it is totally passable with any vehicle. On top of that, the trip here is broken down to 3 sections you will pass through. You will go through the mountains (very high up) then through the many banana and pineapple plantations and then follow the coast all the way down to Puerto Viejo from Limon. Most find the drive or bus ride very enjoyable. But if you are one who is only after a destination in life and does not enjoy the journey, Jaco on the Pacific might be better for you.  There are regular flights to there from San Jose airport.

 

There is so much crime down there.

 

This is one the myths that I get the biggest kick out of. How anyone could think that Puerto Viejo is more dangerous than places like Quepos, Jaco or even Tamarindo is beyond me. Hell we won't even discuss comparing it to San Jose. Yes, there is a drug element. But what city does not have that. Unless you choose otherwise, you can use the only thing that Nancy Reagan was famous for and "Just Say No". It has always worked for my years of living here. I think the other reason there is a perception that crime is worse is because of the African Caribbean population. Petty theft is a real problem, but violent crimes against tourists are not the norm.

 

It's hot and humid down there.

 

Yes, it is humid, but I find the Pacific much hotter. In fact the temperature here is way more consistent and is very rarely so hot that you feel incapacitated. Most find the temperatures quite comfortable.

 

Is it Paradise?

 

Well, it is as close as I have come this far in my life. But while living here is not always easy, although, I can assure you, it always interesting.

 

What is the weather like?

Contrary to common opinion that it rains all the time on the Caribbean, the South Caribbean Coast is actually one of the driest places in Costa Rica when you look at total rainfall over the year - check this chart to see a comparison of the different areas of Costa Rica.

The difference is that on this side, it is more spread out over the year. Also note that most rain comes at night and days clear by early-late morning. My neighbor Charlotte has graciously let me use her rain chart that shows trends in rain patterns. You will note that while there is some trends, it's still a crap shoot. And most time, when it rains, it may be short, but a dump an amount of water you might have never seen before. It can be very magical.

 

 

Surfing Info and Conditions

 

The Puerto Viejo area has some great surfing beaches, from beginner to advanced. Costa Rican surf champion Gilbert Brown hails from here! We get a lot of questions about surf conditions for the area.

Puerto Viejo area surf spots

Playa Negra is where beginners go to surf and where local instructors can be often be found giving lessons.

Playa Cocles is a great surfing beach for intermediate surfers.

Salsa Brava is the place for more advanced surfers.

The best waves are found from November to March.

 

The Yahoo Group crsurf will send you weekly surf condition updates for all of Costa Rica including a report on the Caribbean.

 

The Magic Seaweed site has information on the latest surf conditions at Salsa Brava.

 

And there's more surfing info and more links at www.crsurf.com.

 

Puerto Viejo Top Picks

La Costa de Papito Rustic elegance in the jungle

Gecko Trail Adventures Vacation planning experts!

El Encanto Bed & Breakfast Inn High quality small hotel

Coco Loco Lodge Bungalows in a tropical garden

Pure Jungle Spa Artisan spa, new location!

El Nido Cabinas Resort affordable luxury

Magellan Inn Unique & elegant, pool, AC, sat tv, wifi

Green Property Management best selection of rentals

Magic Moon Beach House & Bungalow your own secluded beach

La Finca Chica Cottages w/ kitchen, ADSL, tel, sat TV

El Arbol Jungle Houses Luxury houses with jacuzzi

Geckoes Lodge Luxurious Holiday Houses w/ pools

Jungle Dreamz Vacation House Manzanillo 2 bdrms

Blue Conga Hotel An idyllic place close to everything

Villa Toucan Private 2 bedroom oceanview

Tierra de Suenos tropical bungalows at Playa Chiquita

Tree House Lodge Unique sustainable eco-lodge

Totem Hotel Resort All the charm of an exotic paradise

Casa del Zorro Spacious 2 bdrm/2 ba house

Aguas Claras Caribbean style 1, 2 & 3 bdrm cottages

Pedro's Place Beachfront Vacation Rental House

Selva Encantada Eco Friendly Residential Lots

Cabinas Los Almendros Steps to beach. A/C & Kitchens

Le Caméléon 5 star luxury boutique hotel, Numu rest.

Caribe Town Resort private bungalows, suites, pool

Mother Dear Elegant seaside cottages

Banana Azul Beachfront boutique hotel with pool

Cashew Hill Jungle Cottages A tranquil paradise

Buganvillea Resort Pool, a/c, nature

Casa Fiesta Beachfront with pool, a/c, internet, cable TV

Shawandha Lodge Luxury art made bungalows

KOKi Beach Fusion food, beach and street views

La Kukula Lodge New ecolodge

Pachamama Caribe On a jungle river at Punta Uva

Caribe Sur Real Estate The Finest Caribbean Properties

Chimuri Beach Retreat Retreats on quiet beach

Cabinas Guarana Small artful hotel on a quiet street

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

 

 

Located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover’s paradise. Here amidst the exotic flora and fauna, lies a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and some of the most amazing surfing opportunities. Fast becoming one of Costa Rica’s premier tourist hot spots, many international surfers come here from all over the world to ride the famed Salsa Brava waves, making this Caribbean influenced town is a ‘must visit’ place when in Limon.

 

Simply known as Puerto Viejo by the locals and not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui in Heredia, this bustling town lies 34 miles south east of Puerto Limon, and 10.2 miles south of Cahuita. Formerly a quiet little fishing village, Puerto Viejo has a charm that is all its own. Becoming increasingly popular, especially with the young hip crowd, this town is among the top rated surfing destinations of the world. With its relaxed atmosphere and its own unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, Puerto Viejo is a lively place to have a fun relaxing vacation.

This town has a wide variety of bars, discos and restaurants as well as reasonably priced accommodations and hotels scattered all over the place. Additionally, there are also plenty of good shopping opportunities available out here as well. With its gold sand beaches, tropical vegetation and many interesting attractions nearby such as the Cahuita National Park, Talamanca Indian Reserve and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a great opportunity to experience Costa Rica at its best.

Most roads to this town are in pretty poor condition with the only paved road being the main highway from Limon to Manzanillo. The streets here are dirt paved. However, they give Puerto Viejo a kind of rustic touch that is distinctive and unique. The people here are also very friendly and all this adds to this tiny village’s charm.

Famous for its fabulous beaches, Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brave beach is a surfer’s paradise. However, be warned of the waters here that have a strong rip current. So, swimming is not advisable. This beach is for surfing experts only. Aside from surfing, one can also indulge in horseback tours of the area, as well as snorkeling, diving, mountain biking, kayaking or boogie boarding. Whether you are looking forward to having a good time or just a laidback retreat, the shores of Puerto Viejo are a great place to kick back and soak in the sun.

 

 

Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Caribbean province of Limon runs 125 miles (200 km), from the northern Nicaraguan border to the southern border with Panama. Exotic nature reserves, such as the famous Tortuguero National Park, beckon adventurous travelers, while alluring southern beaches allow visitors to relax in an easy Caribbean vibe. With a mesh of Tico and Afro-Caribbean culture, Limon Province displays a unique side of Costa Rica.

 

Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Once a completely isolated frontier land, the eastern-most province of Limon was given a breath of life after the establishment of a seaport at Puerto Limon on the central coast. In 1867, authorities decided that an Atlantic port was needed to export bananas from the region's booming plantations to markets around the world. As the story goes, a solitary lemon (limón in Spanish) tree was growing at the proposed site and gave the port its name. The consequent establishment of Puerto Limon and construction of a railway to San Jose opened a near-abandoned province to the rest of the country. While the railroad no longer exists, the paved Guapiles Highway (Hwy 32) provides easy access, linking the Caribbean to the rest of the country.

Traveling north from Limon, forlorn Caribbean beaches and exotic nature reserves beckon adventurous travelers to explore areas often overlooked beauty and wildlife. The smooth alluvial plain, which extends westward from the Atlantic coast to the mountain ranges of Costa Rica's heartland, provides an ideal location for the villages that dot Highway 32's descend from the Central Highlands. Banana plantations envelop much of the surrounding terrain, as do thick rainforests, which grow in density with every step northward. The region's climate is undoubtedly sustained by Costa Rica's highest annual rainfall averages. It's no wonder that some of the most ecologically diverse parks in the country are located in Limon's northeast (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre, Barra del Colorado, and Parque Nacional Tortuguero.) Here, swampland encompasses such an immense area that parks such as Tortuguero are only accessible by plane or motorboat.

Rains are spawned by trade winds off the Caribbean, and they fuel the dense forests that give sanctuary to the region's diverse flora and fauna. These Atlantic fronts, referred to as "temporales del Atlantico," often last for days, especially during the rainy season, which stretches from mid April through December. Here, humidity is more pronounced as a result of heavy and moist air that hovers over the Caribbean Sea. However, in spite of the storm fronts that whisk over the region, Limon is frequented by enough pleasant sunshine to forgive the rain. In fact, the months of February and March may be spared of rainfall altogether. The dry season often experiences weeklong periods devoid of a single drop.

South of Puerto Limon, the Talamanca Mountain Range makes its way toward the coast. The region derives its name, Talamanca, from these overbearing mountains, which forever cast their shadow on the coastal hamlets below. In this area, Cahuita National Park, with its translucent blue-green water, hosts a great coral reef for those interested in snorkeling or scuba diving. The Jamaican roots of Cahuita's inhabitants heavily influence the easy-going culture of this costal village.

Further south, Puerto Viejo prides itself as the best surfing spot on Coast Rica's Caribbean. It's reputation is well-deserved thanks to fabulous surfs that barrel thier way along the shore. Puerto Viejo's tiny coastal hamlet is popular with the alternative crowd, as well as surfers. The nightlife presents an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Tico, and foreign culture that mesh together at the town's discos.

Perhaps the greatest draw for visitors to the province of Limon is a distinct multiculturalism that's unique to the region. Approximately one-third of the population is black, primarily of Jamaican descent, and many indigenous Bribri and Cabecar people live among the Talamanca areas. Limon's multicultural dynamic can be found up and down the Carribean coast of Costa Rica.

 

 

How to End Up in Puerto Viejo

 

 

Puerto Viejo is a small town located on the southern Caribbean coast in the province of Limon. Below you will find driving directions from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. Driving time from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is approximately 4 hours by private vehicle, 4.5 hours by public transportation (bus), depending on traffic and road conditions.

 

 

 

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