Puerto Viejo beach

The beaches of Puerto Viejo have a rather austere atmosphere. There are no sunbeds with umbrellas, showers and toilets are not provided, but the shortcomings seem to be a trifle in the face of the tranquillity and lack of crowds of noisy tourists.

• Cocles Beach (Playa Cocles) is located near the city. The long coastline is washed by high waves which makes Cocles attractive for many surfers. Surfboards are available for rent. Right on the spot you can find an instructor who will give a lesson in surfing for a small fee.
• Playa Negro (Playa Negro) is located in the vicinity of Puerto Viejo. A long and wide area is covered by black sand. The beach and the water are not very clean, so it is always quite deserted.
• the Beach of Puerto Viejo (Playa Puerto Viejo) in the city bay is covered with fine white sand. The entrance to the water is sandy and gentle, the bottom is hard. Not deep, but suitable for small children. Those who love swimming and active games in the water are better to go to another beach.
• Playa Punta Uva-one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean region, located in the center of the national wildlife refuge Gandoca Manzanillo, 7 km from Puerto Viejo. Punta Uva, covered with fine golden sand, skirts the splendid turquoise lagoon. The entire length of the beach is surrounded by a tropical rainforest with palm trees rising to the water's edge. No beach infrastructure. Getting to Punta Uva is not easy, which, however, does not prevent tourists from taking a long bus off-road to Manzanillo, and then cross a small river by boat and go to the beach on foot through the forest.
• Playa Chiquita (Playa Chiquita) is located near the small fishing village of Chiquita. Along the rugged coves of the coast, covered with fine light sand, several small beaches with clear water and a picturesque underwater world with coral reefs, lush algae, small tropical fish are scattered. Snorkelers and scuba-divers love this place. Entering the water is not quite safe - you might scratch your feet on the corals. Water temerature can be up to +28°C. Waves are of medium hight. It is almost always deserted as it is quite difficult to get to the beach - a couple of kilometers from Puerta Viejo by bike or car, then walking through the jungle.

Puerto Viejo has 3 supermarkets, many shops with water equipment, cafes, eateries, restaurants, bars, hotels and hostels. Rooms and bungalows are for rent. No luxurious 5-star hotels. Bike and motorbike rental service is availible. The resort is designed for young people and those who value privacy.

When is it better to go

The peak  season in Costa Rica begins in December and lasts until April. This period is characterized by clear, sunny weather without precipitation and a massive influx of tourists. Air temperature – above +30°C, water – not below +25°C. From June to October, the rainy season prevails, when the country is flooded with heavy tropical downpours with churly blasts. It is possible to go on a trip in November and May, when the rains are not torrential and fall rarely. At this time, the cost of tours is reduced.