From postcard-perfect beaches to the verdant, tropical jungle with canopies that hide secret waterfalls to volcanoes that tower over it all, Costa Rica is about as close to paradise as you can get. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected with national parks and reserves, making it one of the best destinations for nature lovers and wildlife spotters. If spotting sloths and toucans from a hanging bridge or while whizzing along a zipline doesn’t sound like an adventure, I don’t know what does. Costa Rican cities are full of rich culture and fascinating things to do. From beach town to bustling urban jungle cities, tourist-focused or Tico-typical, getting to know these charming cities in Costa Rica is fun. Each one has its own unique flavour and folklore.
One consistent feature is a beautifully designed in every Costa Rica city is a central park accompanied by a stunning cathedral and the friendliest people. No matter what city you find yourself in, it’s the gateway to so much more. Each one is surrounded by remarkable nature and limitless opportunities to explore. Costa Ricans (often called Ticos) are some of the friendliest people in the world and pura vida is their motto, something you will hear them say often. Pura vida means everything from hello, goodbye, thank you to everything is good. It’s not just a motto, it’s a way of life. The economy was built on coffee and chocolate (I can relate), Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world. There’s a local saying “Pura Vida”, which captures the lifestyle and simple joys in Costa Rica.
Contents
Costa Rica Cities
Top Tours
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour – Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall and Arenal Hot Springs with lunch and dinner from San Jose.
- Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour – a half-day nature walk from Quepos.
- Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat – swim and snorkel on a tropical island cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island.
20 Cities In Costa Rica To Visit
1- Liberia
Liberia sits in the heart of the Guanacaste province next to Daniel Oduber International Airport.
This relaxed colonial city has all the comforts you could ask for, without being overly crowded.
You can easily sink into Tico life in Liberia.
Enjoy a meal at one of the many Costa Rican sodas that serve traditional dishes or grab a coffee and sit in Parque Mario Cañas Ruiz where many friendly locals meet.
The best part about Liberia is that it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring the extensive beauty of Guanacaste.
There is a bus station in the city centre with bus service that take you just about anywhere
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is just 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Liberia, where you can explore steaming volcanic lakes, bubbling mud pots and many misty waterfalls.
I highly recommend renting a car and heading north towards the mountains, through a tiny town called Cañas Dulces and farther on.
With cattle farms and aerial views, the scenery is breathtaking, very much ‘off the beaten path’.
Hot tip: Before heading to the city from the airport, be sure to stop at Café Europa, located right across the main road.
They have the most delectable baked goods to satisfy your need for a sweet treat.
The bus station in Liberia is at JHJ4+87H, Los Ángeles, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica.
Café Europa is 4 km west of Daniel Oduber International Airport 21, Guanacaste Province, Liberia, 50101.
Recommended tour:
- Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from Guanacaste
- Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo
Stay at: Andaz Costa Rica At Papagayo, By Hyatt
2- Coco
Coco is a classic tourist beach town that is chock-full of charm and only 22 miles (35 km) from Liberia, it’s easy to access.
Shops, handcraft boutiques, an impressive selection of dining options and coffee shops fill Coco’s main street.
Gelato Heladeria El Coco serves up the best gelato and coffee in the area.
It’s so good that I regularly made the trip from Liberia to Coco to get my fix!
Coco Beach is tucked in a bay surrounded by rolling tropical mountains.
The sand is powdery soft and the beach spans 1.5 miles (2.5 km), which provides plenty of space for a stroll along the shore.
If you’re looking for adventure, take a scuba diving course or snorkelling tour here.
Coco is just one of several beaches in the area.
Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama are a few minutes north, both beaches are calm and family-friendly.
Playa Ocotal is a small beach within walking distance at just over 2 miles (3.5 km) southwest of Coco.
Playa Ocotal is absolutely one of the best snorkelling spots.
Be prepared to float with turtles, stingrays, pufferfish and an array of colourful sea life
Heladerua El Coco is at Main Boulevard In front of Santorini Guanacaste Plays del Coco, 50503.
Recommended tour: Sunset Catamaran in Playa Flamingo Coco
Stay at: Villa Teresita – vista hermosa
3- Tamarindo
Renowned for its golden beach with consistent rolling waves, Tamarindo is the ideal surfing destination.
Whether you’re an avid surfer or just getting started, Tamarindo is the place to be.
There are unlimited options for surfboard rental and lessons on every corner.
The city is bright and modern.
Boutique shops and art galleries line its bustling streets.
At night, Tamarindo comes alive with beachfront bars and live music.
There’s even an epic night market with vendors selling unique handcrafted goods and loads of freshly made local food.
Just north of Tamarindo is Playa Grande, a stunning beach twice the size of Playa Tamarindo and home to a large population of leatherback turtles If you are there at the right time, you can catch the remarkable sight of turtles nesting.
If you’re seeking a much quieter beach, not far south of Tamarindo is Playa Avellana.
It is my favourite beach in Costa Rica – vast, secluded and breathtaking.
If you’re a seashell lover, you’ll love this beach too.
Make sure to take in a sunset.
Almost all the beaches on the Pacific coast offer an unforgettable sunset experience.
Tamarindo Moonlight Night Market is at 5F plaza palmas 200m east Banco National, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, 50309.
Recommended tours:
- Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
- Marlin del Rey Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo
Stay at: The Oaks Tamarindo
4- Nicoya
Nicoya is the major city of the Nicoya Peninsula and the cultural centre of Guanacaste.
It is an excellent hub for exploring the stunning peninsula that surrounds it.
Nicoya’s main attraction is Iglesia Colonial de San Blas, with its fascinating history between the indigenous Chorotega tribe and Spanish conquerors.
Built in 1644, it is one of Costa Rica’s oldest churches and is now a museum housing ancient religious artefacts.
There are many thrilling adventures located very close to Nicoya.
Barra Honda National Park is just 8.5 miles (14 km) east of the city, where you can go on an exhilarating cave tour descending 197 feet (60 m) to explore these underground wonders.
Palo Verde National Park, Tempisque Safari Refuge and Diria National Park are other great destinations within arms reach.
Iglesia Colonial de San Blas is at 4GVW+6M5, 150, Guanacaste Province, Nicoya.
Stay at: Kintiri Glamping
5- Sámara
Sámara is where life moves at a different pace, laid-back to the very core.
Surrounded by dense tropical greenery and an amazing coastline, the streets in between host the friendliest folks.
Sámara has a strong café culture and you’ll find many to choose from.
Never pass up a chance to sip on some delicious Costa Rican coffee. I personally loved Bohemian Café.
Along with local coffee, they have fantastic fresh, organic breakfasts worth stopping for.
Sámara Beach is long and curved, with small peaks at each end.
The wide, flat sandy shore leaves plenty of room to roam or relax and never feels crowded.
The rolling, gentle swell makes it a hot spot for learning to surf.
At the west end of the beach, a small trail over the peak leads you to natural tidal pools at Izquierda Beach.
You can even visit an aeroplane graveyard along the way.
There are a handful of breathtaking, postcard-perfect beaches all around Sámara: Playa Carrillo, Playa Camaronal and Playa Corozalito, to name a few.
Rent a scooter or ATV and take advantage of the area.
Bohemian Café is at Frente Natural Center, Guanacaste Province, Sámara.
Recommended tours:
- Safari and Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour Samara
- Samara Trails in Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
Stay at: Hotel Villas Tangerine
6- La Fortuna
People flock from all over the world to take in the natural wonders of La Fortuna, which is right between Liberia and San José at approximately 80 miles (130 km) from each city.
Visitors mostly use La Fortuna as a home base while exploring its wild surroundings and you don’t have to go far out of town to begin seeing the area’s wonders.
The Sloth Watching Trail is just to the west of town, where you can have a peek at sloths in their natural habitat.
Continuing 3.7 miles (6 km) down that same road will lead you right to Arenal National Park.
Where there are volcanoes, there are hot springs and waterfalls.
Both of which you can find in abundance here.
La Fortuna Waterfall is particularly impressive with its 229 ft (70 m) drop and it sits at the base of two towering volcanoes that make up Arenal National Park.
Arenal Volcano is active, while Chato Volcano is dormant with a beautiful turquoise crater lake.
Join a tour and explore this park to the fullest.
The Sloth Watching Trail is at 600 east of the Central Park, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007.
Recommended tours:
- Full day Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and Hotsprings
- Balsa River White Water Rafting class 2/3
Stay at: Nayara Gardens
7- San Ramón
San Ramón sits 3460 feet (1050 m) above sea level in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and provides stunning views of the Nicoya Peninsula.
There is a strong sense of community in this city, with kind locals who welcome visitors.
San Ramón is also known as “the poets and presidents’ city” since five different presidents in the history of Costa Rica were born there.
Alberto Manuel Brenes Park in the city centre is a focal point for local gatherings and events.
The most remarkable feature is San Ramón Nonato Parish, which towers over the city.
The beautiful church opened in 1954 and was a momentous occasion.
Local volunteers worked for more than 20 years to replace the previous church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1924.
The city is surrounded by luscious cloud forests like Madre Verde Nature Reserve, coffee farms and nature reserves with fewer crowds and not to be missed.
- Alberto Manuel Brenes Park is at 3GPH+VWC, Alajuela Province, San Ramon.
- San Ramón Nonato Parish is at C.0, Provincia de Alajuela, San Ramón, 20201.
- Recommended tour: Zipline canopy half day adventure tour in San Ramon
Stay at: Country House Arenal
8- Atenas
Atenas is said to have the best climate in the world.
This little city located in the Central Valley is surrounded by coffee and sugar cane plantations.
It is so well-loved that it has an ever-growing expat community.
Arenas was once part of the original Oxcart Trail in the 1800s, a route used to transport coffee beans from coast to coast.
Despite Atenas being a small city, its centre is a buzzing place.
It’s famous for its regular farmer’s market where locals and ex-pats mingle over fresh, locally grown produce, baked treats and an abundance of handcrafted goods.
The rich volcanic soil in the area is perfect for growing coffee.
You can easily take a day trip to one of the many coffee farms around Atenas.
El Toledo Coffee tour is just 4 miles (7 km) northwest of the city.
You can also find the beautiful Botanical Orchid Garden 8 miles (13 km) east and many wildlife rescue reserves very close by.
Stay at: Tierra Vital Atenas Villa 2
9- Alajuela
Alajuela is rich in history and is one of the largest cities in Costa Rica, less than two miles (3 km) from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
It is fondly known as “The City of Mangoes” because of its many mango trees in the city centre.
There is even a mango festival every July.
As with most Costa Rican cities, Alajuela has a charming park in the centre.
General Tomas Guardia Park has been a meeting point in Alajuela since 1890 and is considered a historical heritage site.
The park is accompanied by Our Lady of the Pillar, an impressive cathedral.
This red-roofed cathedral has a gorgeous interior and is open to the public.
The Juan Santamaria Plaza is an important landmark dedicated to honouring national hero Juan Santamaria.
It serves as a symbol of patriotism and bravery.
The highlight of Alajuela is the immense farmer’s market in Plaza Ferias.
It’s one of the largest farmer’s markets in Costa Rica.
You can buy all kinds of local fruit and vegetables at great prices and also baked goods, clothes, fresh-cut flowers, trinkets and much more.
- General Tomas Guardia Park is at 2Q8P+HFR, Alajuela Province, Alajuela.
- Our Lady of the Pillar is at 2Q8P+MQ4, Bernardo Soto Alfaro, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela.
- Juan Santamaria Plaza is at 2Q7P+WJR, Av.1, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela.
- Plaza Ferias is at Av.Central Juan López del Corral, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, 20101.
Recommended tour: Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour Sabanilla Costa Rica
Stay at: Pura Vida Hotel
10- San José
San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital city, located right in the centre of the country.
With Juan Santamaría International Airport 10.8 miles (17.5 km) away, it’s the main entry point for most travellers.
Getting around this cultural hub of Costa Rica is very easy on foot.
You can see beautiful architecture, classic churches, immaculate cemeteries and many unique plazas that provide bird-watching opportunities around every block.
There are several pedestrian-only streets, like Avenida Central, which pass right through the centre and lined with many fancy shops, restaurants and cafés.
If you love museums, San Jose is for you.
This city is chock-full of amazing museums, most of which have very unique exteriors.
The National Museum of Costa Rica is a symbolic building that’s been declared an Architectural Historical Heritage site.
Even the Jade Museum, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Children’s Museum all have unique exteriors.
- The National Museum of Costa Rica is at Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, Bella Vista, San José.
- The Jade Museum is at WWMG+7W San José, San José Province, Costa Rica.
- The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is on the Ground floor of the Plaza de la Cultura.
- Central Avenue is at Calle 5 San José Centro San José CR 10104, Av. Central.
- The Children’s Museum is at WWR9+GR4, Av 9, Bajos de La Union, San José.
Recommended tour: Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner San Jose
Stay at: BEE Suites San José – Escalante
11- Heredia
Heredia is less than seven miles (11 km) north of San José but has a much more relaxed and unique atmosphere.
The city was founded in 1705, making it one of Costa Rica’s most historical cities.
Heredia is also called “The City of Flowers” because of the abundance of flowers and gardens.
The city is known for its exquisite colonial architecture.
Heredia Nicolás Ulloa Central Park, the city’s meeting point, is surrounded by spectacular buildings.
The Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral was built in 1796 and has the oldest stained glass windows in the country and tall white columns lining the interior.
Just across the central park is El Fortin which stands at 42.5 feet (13 m) and rises up over the rest of the buildings.
The tower was built in 1876 as a military lookout and part of a Spanish fort, but never completed.
Monte de la Cruz is just 7 miles (11 km) north of Heredia, where you have a leisurely hike and take in spectacular views of the city, Barva volcano and the vast surrounding coffee plantations.
- Heredia Nicolás Ulloa Central Park is at XVXM+94H, C. Central, Fatima, Heredia.
- The Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral is at XVXM+FG, C.Central, Fatima, Heredia.
- El Fortin is at Av. Central, Fatima, Heredia.
- Monte de la Cruz is at 3W9F+62C, Heredia, Montecito, Costa Rica.
Stay at: Casa Flores
12- Curridabat
Curridabat is a modern, progressive city that stays true to traditional Costa Rican charm.
It’s very environmentally focused, with lots of effort put into green spaces, clean air and protecting its important winged creatures like butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
It’s also a shopper’s paradise.
Talk about contrast With plenty of shopping centres, from the trendy Momentum Pinares to the Plaza del Sol mall, there are dozens of shopping options for everyone.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, Curridabat has local and international arts and crafts markets.
Head north 7.5 miles (12 km) to the San Isidro district to find Vázquez de Coronado Church, an absolutely stunning gothic-style church with manicured gardens around it.
I highly recommend making the short journey to see it.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Europe for a moment.
- Momentum Pinares is at WX6M+C2C, 251, Pinares, San José Province, Curridabat, 11801.
- Plaza del Sol is at Freses, San José Province, Curridabat, 11801.
- Vázquez de Coronado Church is at C.155, San José, San Isidro.
Stay at: BEE Suites San José – Escalante
13- Cartago
Cartago is one of the oldest, most historic cities in Costa Rica that has fascinating stories.
Juan Vasquez de Coronado founded Cartago in 1563 and it was the country’s capital until 1823.
Due to many earthquakes and eruptions caused by the nearby Irazu Volcano, Cartago has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times.
Since 1575, several churches have been built at the site of the Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins.
A constant string of earthquakes destroyed each one until the project was cancelled in 1910.
Local folklore insists the site was cursed.
The ruins still stand today for you to explore.
Mirador Sanatorium Carlos Duran was once a large tuberculosis and mental illness hospital, then changed hands and became an orphanage, then a prison and then abandoned.
Visitors can now wander the ruins that remain.
Oh, and I should mention that it’s Costa Rica’s most haunted site
The impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels houses the sacred statue La Negrita.
A young indigenous girl is said to have discovered La Negrita in the 17th century.
She found the small black statue of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the forest near Cartago.
Visitors come from all over to see this mysterious little statue.
- Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins is at V37H+PX4, C. 0, Provincia de Cartago, Cartago.
- Mirador Sanatorium Carlos Duran is at Sanatorio Dr. Carlos Durán, 219,, Provincia de Cartago.
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is at V37P+JRX, C..1, Provincia de Cartago, Cartago.
Recommended tour: Cartago Highlights: Irazu Volcano, Orosi, Lake and Ujarras Ruins.
Stay at: Casa de montaña Arisa
14- Puntarenas
Puntarenas is a port city stretched across a long, slim peninsula on the Gulf of Nicoya.
The city is an important commercial fishing port, as well as a ferry and cruise ship terminal. But it’s a lot more than just that.
A well-loved feature of Puntarenas is Paseo de los Turistas, a promenade that stretches the entire length of Puntarenas Beach and is lined with vendors selling souvenirs and delicious local snacks.
The Churchill, a seriously levelled-up shaved ice treat, is a local speciality and a tourist attraction of its own.
From Puntarenas, you can go island hopping in the Nicoya Peninsula. Boat tours are frequent and easy to find.
The islands are breathtaking.
Tortuga Island is particularly popular for its crystal clear turquoise water and spectacular abundance of marine life.
It’s a snorkelling enthusiast’s dream.
Recommended tour: Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat
Stay at: D’Palm Villas
15- Jacó
Jaco is one of the most developed coastal cities in Costa Rica.
While its backdrop is lush green mountains, its beachfront is built up.
Jacó is a hotspot for surfing and a buzzing nightlife.
Playa Jacó is the place to be if you want to learn how to surf.
Plenty of surf shops can be found in town that offer board rentals and lessons.
Just south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is a popular spot for advanced surfers.
Even if you’re not keen on surfing, you’ll have fun watching the pros ride the waves.
Jacó makes it easy to take advantage of the natural attractions by day and dance up a storm at night.
In the centre, all the nightclubs you could ask for are right at your fingertips.
For a dose of wildlife, Carara National Park is 14.5 miles (23.5 km) north of Jacó and is home to macaws, sloths, monkeys and so much more.
And if you’re a history buff, the park also contains 15 pre-Columbian archaeology sites, some dating back 2000 years.
Recommended tours:
- Full Day Fun Pass Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One with Lunch (7 Hours)
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure
Stay at: Stay In CR Los Sueños Condos
16- Uvita
It may not be a city, but Uvita has earned its place on this list with good reason.
The town is pushed back about 1.8 miles (3 km) from the coast, making way for the spectacular Marino Ballena National Park.
Marino Ballena National Park was created to protect the thriving marine wildlife in the area.
Perhaps the park’s most remarkable feature is where two beaches come together shaping the awe-inspiring Whale’s Tail.
Walking along the Whale’s Tail during low tide at sunset is an unforgettable experience.
Interestingly enough, Uvita is the humpback whale headquarters of Costa Rica Make sure you enjoy a whale-watching tour while visiting.
You won’t be disappointed
Uvita Waterfall is just 1.5 miles (2.6 km) from the town where you can follow a river to the waterfall and slide down the chute There are numerous waterfalls for you to discover just steps away from town.
If you’d like to get up and close to the underwater world, book a snorkelling trip to Caño Island Biological Reserve.
This verdant tropical island hosts pristine beaches and is teeming with sea life.
Uvita Waterfall is at Calle Bejuco, Puntarenas Province, Uvita.
Recommended tour:
Stay at: Golden Pineapple Villas
17- San Isidro de El General
Sprawled across a valley at the base of the Talamanca Mountains, is San Isidro de El General.
While the city is mostly a stopping point for people passing through on the Inter-Americana Highway, its bubbling local charm is worth getting to know.
Shops, restaurants, and the classic feature of a Costa Rican central park accompanied by a beautiful church, fill the centre.
The centre is divided into unofficial districts, each with a concentration of specific shops or services.
There’s a financial district where most of the banks are, a medical district near the hospital and even a shoe district.
If like me, you love a farmer’s market, San Isidro de El General has one you won’t want to miss.
This farmer’s market is the biggest in the southern region.
It has hundreds of vendors selling all the local produce, cheese, meats and handcrafted goods you can think of.
While in the city, you won’t help but notice Cerro Chirripó towering in the distance.
Standing at 12 533 feet (3820 m), it is Costa Rica’s tallest mountain.
It’s not far from the city, in Chirripó National Park and if you’d like to hike to the top, it’s a two-day affair.
For a much more relaxed hike, Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is 12.5 miles (20 km) northeast of the city and is a perfect place for waterfalls and wildlife spotting.
San Isidro de El General Farmer’s Market is at 97CX+542, San José Province, San Isidro de El General, 11901.
Stay at: Casa Los Madriz Suite #2
18- Turrialba
Turrialba offers a quaint mix of city and farm culture.
Surrounded by rich, green farmland, the small city has the Turrialba and Colorado rivers flowing through it.
You can find The Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE) here, which focuses on agricultural and sustainability studies.
CATIE has a fantastic and massive botanical garden you can visit to see a wide variety of exotic plants and fruit trees and learn more about the studies taking place.
Approximately 11 miles (18 km) north of Turrialba is Costa Rica’s most significant archaeological site, Guayabo National Monument.
The monument is the largest pre-Columbian ruins found in the country, possibly dating back to 1000 BC.
You can explore petroglyphs and tombs and the remains of an ancient city.
Of course, the highlight of Turrialba is the very active Turrialba Volcano, with its regular puffs of smoke and ash.
The National Park can be closed from time to time, due to volcanic activity.
If you happen to be in the area while it’s open, don’t pass up the opportunity to see this natural beauty up close.
The Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Centre is at La Haciendita, Cartago Province, Turrialba.
Guayabo National Monument is at Guayabo, Santa Cruz, Cartago Province, Turrialba.
Recommended tour: Rafting Pacuare River One Day from Turrialba
Stay at: Bella Vista Ranch Ecolodge
19- Puerto Limón
The largest port city on the eastern side of Costa Rica, Puerto Limón is a city with its own flavour.
Its strong mix of Creole and indigenous influence has created a unique culture.
Balvanero Vargas Park is located on the east side of the city centre.
Sky-high palm trees line the park, unique statues are dotted throughout, and a cosy gazebo stands in the middle.
It is also a hotspot for iguana and sloth spotting, so be on the lookout There is a plethora of food vendors around the park, so you can taste some divine local snacks.
If you’d like to get up close and personal with more sloths, the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is just 20 miles (32 km) south along the coast.
Here, you can meet rescued sloths and learn more about them.
Just off the shore of Puerto Limón sits the completely undeveloped Isla Uvita.
Christopher Columbus anchored his ships on the island while repairing them.
From the city, you can hire a boat and driver to take you there to explore.
- Balvanero Vargas Park is at XXVF+4W5, Limón Province, Limon.
- Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is at Route 36, 30 km South of Limón Limon, Limón Province, 7302.
Recommended tour: Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon
Stay at: Exôtico Beach & Rooms
20- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is more of a small town than a city, but it deserves to be included.
It is a backpacker, beach-hopper and surfer’s dream with a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere that is magnetic.
Getting around town is easy on foot, but the best thing to do is rent a bike and beach hop.
Pedal east of town, and you have Playas Cocles, Chiquita, Uva and Manzanillo within reach.
Palm trees line each pristine beach and feature seemingly endless lengths of soft sand.
At the end of Playa Cocles, 2.7 miles (4.5 km) from town, is the Jaguar Rescue Centre.
The centre rehabilitates injured wildlife until they are ready to be released.
A visit to the centre will not disappoint
Puerto Viejo isn’t all about pristine beaches, it is enveloped by thick, verdant jungle and the perfect climate for cacao.
Yes, chocolate.
No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a chocolate tour where you can see it go from bean to bar the traditional way.
Puerto Viejo has numerous chocolate farm options to choose from.
Jaguar Rescue Centre is at Villas del Caribe, Limón, Punta Cocles.
Recommended tour: Private Native Caribbean Cooking in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Stay at: Casa Vista Mar
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