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10 Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica in October

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Sloth in Costa Rica
Photo by Pixabay

Want to know about things to do in Costa Rica in October? Perfect, that’s exactly what I’m here to share with you.

While October is one of the rainest months in Costa Rica, the rainfall is significantly lighter on the country’s gorgeous Caribbean coast. In fact, September and October are the perfect months to visit this region for the best weather and lightest crowds.

Costa Rica is known as one of the most eco friendly nations on the planet and has incredible natural beauty to prove it. One could easily spend a month here and not run out of things to see. I encourage you to consider a 7 to 10 day Costa Rica itinerary. This way you’ll have time to spend in each place without feeling rushed.

To help you plan your trip to Costa Rica in October, I’ve put together this list of my favorite things to do in Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast.

Weather in Costa Rica in October

October is part of the green season or rainy season for most of Costa Rica, so prices will be lower for both hotels and airfare this time of year.

However, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is experiencing its dry season in October, which makes it the perfect time to visit as most days will be sunny and warm. The country’s Pacific coast and South Pacific regions will typically experience more rainy days than sunny days this time of year.

Average temperatures for Costa Rica in October hover around 75 to 85 degrees for most of the country. The higher elevation areas near the capital of San José tend to be a bit cooler.

October weather in Costa Rica can also be unpredictable at times, so come prepared for both sunny and rainy days.

Things to Do in Costa Rica in October

Things to do in Costa Rica in October
Photo by Pixabay

1. See the sloths

Seeing sloths in the wild in Costa Rica is one of my favorite travel memories ever. I think they are just too cute for words and believe you’ll be just as excited as I was. 

Sloths are found in large numbers on the Caribbean side of the country, so you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing them during your visit. Both Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo are especially good locations for spotting sloths. 

Sloths are solitary creatures so you will usually find them alone as they prefer to have their own tree. Once you spot one, they are easy to observe since they don’t move very fast. You’ll usually find them munching on tree leaves or climbing around, albeit very slowly. 

People love to share when they spot one, so do the same for others if you see one first. Sloth spotting seems to be a favorite activity among just about everybody in Costa Rica. Who can blame them? 

If you’re having trouble finding them on your own, head over to the Sloth Sanctuary near Limon. The sanctuary is a rehabilitation and education center for sloths. The funds from admission go to support the important work they do for the animals. 

Caribbean beach
Photo by Pixabay

2. Explore the beaches

One of the things that surprised me most about Costa Rica during my visit was how beautiful the beaches were. Since you’ll be visiting Costa Rica in October, you’ll find the dry season along the Caribbean coast to be the perfect time to visit the beach.

The beaches in Costa Rica are generally not overcrowded, so you don’t have to worry about finding space on the sand. In fact, during my visit to Costa Rica, my friends and I were on the beaches by ourselves most of the time. 

Here is a list of a few of the beaches you should see when visiting Costa Rica:

  • Playa Cocles: This is one of the most popular beaches in the area for both tourists and locals. It’s also popular with surfers, so you can watch them riding the waves if the time is right. There are cafes and bars along this beach if you get hungry or want a cocktail. You can also rent surfboards and bodyboards nearby. 
  • Playa Negra: This is a black sand beach and one of the most popular in the area. There are lots of bars and restaurants near this beach, so this is the place to be if you want a livelier atmosphere. It’s also the perfect place to try out some surfing lessons if you’ve been wanting to learn. 
  • Punta Uva: This is one of the nicest beaches for swimming because the water is extremely calm on most days. This makes Punta Uva a great spot for snorkeling or taking young kids if you’re on a Costa Rica family vacation.

Make sure you check out more than just one beach while you’re in Costa Rica. I promise it’ll be worth your time.

If you’re willing to put up with the rain and plan to visit beaches on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio beach and the Osa Peninsula are popular destinations.

Jaguar
Photo by Pixabay

3. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

If you’re going to be in Puerto Viejo during your visit to Costa Rica, try to make time for a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center. They provide care and rehabilitation to orphaned and injured animals from the surrounding rain forests. 

With a visit here you’ll be able to see some of the local wildlife up close. They typically have jaguars, sloths, monkeys, birds, and snakes in their care along with plenty of other animals. 

Tours are available most mornings and are an excellent way to learn more about the animals you’ll see in Costa Rica. Plus you’ll get the opportunity to interact with the monkeys if you’re lucky!

The tours are about 90 minutes long and offered Tuesday through Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The center is closed on Sundays. Tours will cost $20 (USD) per person. 

under water fish
Photo by Pixabay

4. Go Snorkeling

This Costa Rica travel itinerary would not be complete without some snorkeling time. One of the best spots for snorkeling in Costa Rica is at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge found about 8 miles south of Puerto Viejo. 

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a protected area that includes a reef full of marine life just offshore. Those swimming and snorkeling near the reef can see lobsters, anemones, urchins, crabs, sea cucumbers, shrimp, sponges, and even green turtles. 

Other areas along the Caribbean coast that are good for snorkeling are Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, and Cahuita National Park. 

Snorkel gear can be rented along many of the beaches if you’d like to go snorkeling on your own. Tours can also be booked from your hotel and hostel if you’d prefer to go with a guide. Most guided tours will last between four to six hours and include multiple snorkeling spots.

Costa Rica in October
Photo by Pixabay

5. Visit Tortuguero National Park

One of the most unique things to do in Costa Rica in October is to visit Tortuguero National Park. The park sits on a sandbar on the country’s northern Caribbean coast. It’s covered in rainforest and considered a major nesting site for green turtles. 

The Sea Turtle Conservancy is also found here and runs a research station and several exhibits. The exhibits provide information about the conservancy’s work along with tons of information about the turtles that are native to the area. 

The best time to see Green Sea Turtles at Tortuguero is July to mid-October. The best time to see Leatherback Sea Turtles if from February to June.  Even if your visit to Costa Rica is planned outside of the various turtle nesting times, Tortuguero is still a fantastic place to visit.

Aside from turtles, you’ll get to experience lots of other wildlife when visiting Tortuguero National Park. The area is also home to jaguars, tapirs, sloths, birds, snakes, and many other creatures.

Trail in a forest
Photo by Pixabay

6. Go hiking

There are many great destinations for hiking in Costa Rica in October. Some of the most popular hiking destinations are the Arenal and La Fortuna area, Monteverde, and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. 

These destinations are in the central and Pacific coast region of the country, meaning you will likely experience rain while hiking in these areas. It is recommended you bring waterproof hiking boots and a rain jacket for hiking in these areas of Costa Rica in October. 

If you prefer a drier hiking experience in Costa Rica in October, head over to the rainforests near Tortuguero National Park or Cahuita National Park. Both areas are packed with local wildlife from sloths to jaguars, to howler monkeys.  Be sure to stick to the trails and make sure somebody knows where you’re headed.

As always, be respectful when encountering local wildlife and view from a distance.  If you encounter injured animals during your visit to Costa Rica please contact one of the country’s many rescue centers and sanctuaries for assistance. 

Surf board
Photo by Pixabay

7. Take surf lessons

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a very popular destination for surfers from around the world. The famous Salsa Brava surf break is located near Puerto Viejo and is said to be one of the best surf spots in all of Central America. I am told Salsa Brava is only recommended for experienced surfers, so if you’re just learning you’ll want to avoid this surf break. 

For beginners or those still sharpening their skills, you can head over to Playa Cocles which is a short walk from the center of Puerto Viejo. This beach is excellent for beginners and those looking to take lessons. 

If you’re looking for information on local surf schools, here are a few options near Puerto Viejo:

Prices vary between the shops but seem to average between $40 to $60 per day. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can always just rent a board and teach yourself.

Sea turtle under water
Photo by Pixabay

8. Go diving

Costa Rica is a wonderful diving destination in Central America for both beginners and those with more experience.

For the more experienced divers, you may wish to consider heading to the country’s Pacific coast to see Bull Sharks near Bat Islands, Hammerheads at Cocos Islands or go cave diving at Catalina Islands. These diving destinations along the Pacific coast are said to be best for experienced divers due to the strong currents in this area. 

For new divers, the Caribbean coast makes an excellent choice. The protected reefs make for safe diving conditions with tons of beautiful marine life. 

For those looking to try diving for the first time or get their certification, Punta Uva Dive Center offers both introductory courses and full certification. Prices are very reasonable. If you’re not sure diving is for you, they offer a one day course that gets you in the water and familiar with the equipment for about $85.

Zip lining in costa rica
Photo by Costa Rica Costa Rica

9. Try Ziplining

Costa Rica is a popular place for ziplining, especially since the country is covered in rainforests. Viewing the forests from the treetops is an incredible experience and one you won’t soon forget. If you’re adventurous and not afraid of heights, I recommend trying a ziplining tour while you’re here. 

There are two main ziplining tours available along the Caribbean coast area near Puerto Viejo. 

The first is Terraventuras. Their tour lasts about 4 hours and includes pick up from your hotel or hostel in Puerto Viejo. The cost of the trip is about $59 per person. 

The second ziplining tour in the area is called Gecko Trail. Their tour also includes pick up and drop off from your hotel or hostel in Puerto Viejo and will last about 4 hours. The cost is the same as above at $59 per person.

Both of these ziplining tours get excellent reviews. You can check out their websites via the links above to see which you’d like to try. 

If you’ll be exploring any other parts of the country during your visit, ask your hotel for recommendations for ziplining tours. They are available all over the country so you should have no problem finding one no matter where you happen to be.

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica
Photo by Frank Ravizza

10. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

If you’re willing to brave the rain, a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park must be on your list of things to do in Costa Rica in October. Arenal makes a great stop either just before or just after you make your way over to the Caribbean coast. While Arenal volcano is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica, crowds will be significantly lighter if you’re visiting in October.

I recommend spending at least two nights near Arenal so you have time to explore the different sections of the park. Visitors can hike around the volcano, explore the surrounding rain forest, swim in the natural springs, visit the country’s largest lake, and view some impressive waterfalls. 

Arenal is the perfect area to experience the country’s rainforests during the green season. The trees and plants will be bright green and full of wildlife unique to the region. Plus, you’ll get to see one of the country’s many volcanoes up close.

You can get to Arenal volcano in about 4 hours from San Jose. There are several shuttle services operating in Costa Rica. Most will charge about $55 (USD) one way and include pickup from your hotel or hostel in San Jose.

Lodging on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast

There are some really unique and beautiful eco lodging accommodations in Costa Rica. If you’ll be traveling along the Caribbean coast I recommend booking your hotel near Puerto Viejo if possible. This is where I stayed during my visit and really loved the area.

Here are a few ideas for hotels and lodges in the area:

  • Hotel Banana Azul: This is the hotel I wish I had stayed at but didn’t. This is a beautiful property surrounded by rainforest and right on the beach. Their restaurant serves delicious food as well.
  • Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: This hotel has a beautiful pool and bar area with well-appointed rooms. It’s located right next to Playa Cocles.
  • Samasati Yoga and Wellness Retreat: If you’re looking for a nice place that includes yoga and meditation, this is your place.
  • Tree House Lodge: If you’re looking for unique and eco-friendly accommodations check out the Tree House Lodge. They are a 10-acre oceanfront ecolodge with six different houses available for rent including a treehouse and a school bus.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Costa Rica in October and that you’ve found it useful in planning your trip.

If you have more time to spend in Central America consider heading from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro for even more beautiful and affordable Caribbean beaches.

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Things to Do in Costa Rica in October
Eden Fite in the Medina in Essaouira
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

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Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro the Easy Way

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Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro

If you’re planning the trip from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, and you want to go the easy way, then this post is for you.

Bocas del Toro can be found in the northernmost region of Panama located along the border with Costa Rica.

It sits along the Caribbean coast of Central America so it’s quite a popular beach destination, especially for backpackers and budget travelers.

There are several islands that make up the Bocas del Toro province, and visitors can easily travel between them. 

The trip from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro is a fun one, so I hope you get the chance to make the journey.

I’ve broken the trip down into several steps to help you understand and navigate the border crossing process, so let’s get to it. 

Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro – A Step by Step Guide

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Photo by Tiago Fernandez

Step One: Make your shuttle reservation online

The easiest way to get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro is to take a shuttle.

The shuttle service is both economical and convenient. For just $34 the shuttle will pick you up right from your hotel or hostel in Puerto Viejo, take you through the entire border crossing process, and deliver you to the dock in Bocas del Toro.

The entire trip will take about 4 hours in total, from door to dock. 

Once you decide which day you want to make the trip to Bocas Town, you’ll want to make your reservation online with Caribe Shuttle.

They are extremely reliable and have been around forever. I recommend making your reservation online in advance if possible, but you can usually secure a spot just a few days out if you’re flexible about what time you leave in the morning.

Shuttles depart daily from Puerto Viejo at 6 am, 8 am, and 12 noon. 

Step Two: Be ready for your shuttle on the day of your trip

On the morning of your trip, plan for your pick up window to be about 20 before or 20 minutes after your scheduled departure time.

You will not know how many other travelers the driver will need to pick up or in what order.

Your best bet is to be ready to go a little early, but expect that your driver might arrive a little late. Out of respect for your fellow travelers, try to be ready to go when the driver arrives. 

Step Three: Drive to Sixaloa

Once your driver has picked up all the passengers, you will begin to make the drive to the border town of Sixaloa.

The drive will take about 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Sixaloa, you will hop out of the shuttle and grab your bags.  

Step Four: Pay an exit fee at Costa Rica Immigration

Once you’ve got your bags, you’ll head over to the Costa Rica immigration building.

Your shuttle driver will take you where you need to go so you don’t get lost. Once you find your way to Immigration, you will need to pay a $7 exit fee to Costa Rica.

They will give you a receipt for this payment which you will need to present later, so hold onto this receipt. 

Sixaloa Bridge border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama

Step Five: Cross the Sixaloa bridge

After you’ve paid your exit fee with Costa Rica immigration you get to cross the famous Sixaloa Bridge.

The bridge pictured above is the old crossing but has since been replaced by a more modern bridge. It used to be quite the adventure to get across.

The original bridge had uneven surfaces and missing boards back in the day. The new bridge is paved, so if you have a roller back with you, you should be just fine. 

At this point in the trip, your first shuttle driver will introduce you to your second one.

Your Costa Rican driver cannot cross the border with you, so you are getting handed off to a Panamanian driver who will assist you in navigating the remainder of the border crossing process. 

Step Six: Go through Panama Immigration and Customs

Once you’ve crossed the Sixaloa Bridge with your new driver, you’ll be taken over to the Panama Immigration and Customs building.

Be sure to have your passport, Costa Rica exit receipt, and onward travel documents ready to show at the border. Here they will stamp your passport and take your picture.

They may or may not ask for onward travel documents, but be sure to have these ready just in case.

For most people, this will be an airplane ticket out of the country or a shuttle reservation back to Costa Rica. 

Step Seven: Take the shuttle to the pier in Alimante

Once you’ve cleared immigration and customs into Panama, your driver will take you to your shuttle.

Once settled in your new shuttle, you will begin your drive to the pier in Almirante. The drive from the border to the pier will take about one hour. 

Almirante pier in Panama

Step Eight: Take the water taxi to Bocas del Toro

Once you get to the pier in Alimante (pictured above), you will board one of the water taxis to get to Bocas Town.

If you didn’t take the Caribe Shuttle and you get there on your own, the cost is about $6 per person. If you’re with Caribe Shuttle, the boat ride is included in the price you paid.

Boats depart about every half hour, and the ride will take approximately 30 minutes. I recommend bringing a hair tie if you have long hair, it gets super windy on the boat. 

Once you’re on the boat, you can just relax and enjoy the short ride. This was my favorite part of the trip from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro. It’s not every day you get to take a boat to your hotel. 

Bocas del Toro dock

Step Nine: Arrive at the Bocas Town dock

Once you arrive at the dock in Bocas Town you should be able to walk to your hotel or hostel.

Bocas Town itself is quite small, so you would only be walking a few short blocks at the most. If you have reservations for lodging on another island in the vicinity, you can arrange for another water taxi from this same dock.

This additional water taxi should only cost a few dollars. There will be guys with small boats hanging around the dock. If you’re too shy to ask for a ride, just look around. I promise you, someone will offer you a ride. 

How to get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro on the public bus

If for some reason you prefer to take a public bus instead of the Caribe shuttle, here’s how to do it. 

  1.  Catch the bus to Sixaloa from the bus station in Puerto Viejo. The bus fare will cost about $3. The ride to Sixaloa will take about one hour. Buses depart every hour starting at 6:30 a.m. The last bus departs at 7:30 p.m during the week and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. 
  2. When the bus drops you off in Sixaloa, head over to the Costa Rica Immigration building to pay your exit fee of $7. Keep your receipt. 
  3. After paying your exit fee, make your way across the Sixaloa Bridge. 
  4. After crossing the bridge, head over to Panama Immigration and customs to show your passport and have your picture taken. 
  5. Once through Panama immigration, head over to the shuttle and bus area. From here you can either wait for the bus to the pier in Almirante or take a shuttle for about $5, or whatever you are able to negotiate. If you take a shuttle, the drive will be about one hour. If you prefer to take the bus, it will cost $3 and take about one hour and 40 minutes. 
  6. When you arrive at the pier in Almirante, you will need to pay $6 for a ticket, unless you negotiated the price to be included with your shuttle driver. Boats depart from the dock to Bocas del Toro every 30 minutes or so. 
  7. After 30 minutes you’ll arrive at the dock in Bocas del Toro and can walk to your hotel from here. If staying on another island, grab a water taxi at the dock for just a few dollars more. 

Once you arrive at the dock and drop off your bags, you’ll find there are plenty of fun things to do in Bocas del Toro.

If you haven’t made a lot of plans just yet, you can find lots of tours being sold near the dock. You’ll find everything from zip lining to island hopping, or even surfing. Either way, don’t forget to leave time for relaxing at the beach. 

What’s been your most interesting border crossing so far? Let me know in the comments below! 

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Eden Fite in the Medina in Essaouira
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

10 Reasons to Stay at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel

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Pool at Costa Rica Backpacker's Hostel

One of the best decisions I made when visiting Costa Rica on my first ever solo trip was to stay at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel in San José.

If you are traveling solo or are on a budget, I recommend booking your first night in San Jose at this hostel.

When I stayed here I met so many fun people in the short time I was there. I even met two girls to travel with for the majority of my trip. 

Whether you’re taking your first solo trip or just looking for a fun hostel on your first night in Costa Rica, consider reserving a bunk bed at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel. 

Here are my top 10 Reasons to Stay at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel.

National Theater of Costa Rica
Photo credit: repistu

1. Location

Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel is located in the capital San Jose, which is found pretty much right in the center of the country.

This location makes it a great place to stay as a base for exploring the rest of the country.

There are dozens of day trips or short two or three day trips you can arrange right at the hostel if you’d like to visit La Fortuna, the cloud forest, go ziplining, see Monteverde, Manuel Antonio Beach, etc.

During my own visit, I arranged for a shuttle to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side of the country.

The hostel is also located in the downtown area of San Jose for those that would like to explore the capital city before moving on to the rest of the country.

The National Museum of Costa Rica is a short 7 minute walk from the hostel.

2. The Airport Shuttle

I’m not sure about you, but after a long flight I don’t really want to deal with figuring out how to get to my accommodations.

I’d much rather have my transportation figured out or arranged before I land.

Once you reserve your bed at Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel, you can schedule a shuttle to pick you up from the airport.

Send them an email with your flight information including the date, airline and arrival time.

When you exit the airport after going through the passport line, you will see your driver holding a sign that says Costa Rica Backpackers.

The shuttle will cost $26 USD or 14,205 CRC. You can also schedule a shuttle back to the airport for the same price. 

3. The People

Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel is the first stop for many travelers when they first arrive in Costa Rica.

For that reason, many of the guests are either on the first or last night of their trip. 

This makes for an exciting place to be and a great place to meet fellow travelers.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet a new travel partner, or to just get destination ideas from people returning to San Jose from other parts of the country.

This hostel is perfectly set up with lots of community space to hang out and mingle as well.

If you’re on the shy side,  just find a spot in the common areas and look approachable. It won’t take long for someone to strike up a conversation.

When I first arrived and checked in, I had barely put my things down before I was approached by two girls asking me where I was from.

We ended up spending the next three days traveling along the Caribbean coast together. Backpackers are a friendly bunch, so don’t be shy. 

Bar at Costa Rica Backpacker's Hostel

4. The Bar and Happy Hour

The bar at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel gets busy just about every night.

There are some good drink and shot specials, so you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time.

I believe I was getting bottled local beers for the equivalent of about a dollar during my visit, but don’t quote me on that.

They also make a few mixed drinks and frozen margaritas, but cocktail options may vary depending on what they have in stock on any given day.

That being said, the real reason you want to hit up the bar for happy hour is to meet other travelers.

You’re pretty much guaranteed to meet people from all over the world while you’re here, and may even make some new friends. 

Be mindful of how many drinks you have while you’re here. Don’t forget you probably have a long travel day the following morning, so don’t set yourself up for a bad day.

Have fun, but pace yourself. 

5. The Swimming Pool

There is a swimming pool in the main courtyard of the hostel right next to the bar.

During my first night here, the pool wasn’t very busy because most people were at the bar.

However, on my last night in San Jose, the pool was the place to be. It was a lot like a Spring Break party, lots of beer, bikinis, and splashing.

If you’re at all familiar with the climate of Costa Rica, you’ll understand why the pool is such a big attraction.

The weather here can get hot, so it’s nice to have a fun way to cool off. 

So, put on your best bikini, grab a beer from the bar, and join the party. 

If there’s enough people around, you can probably start a game of water volleyball. This is a great way to make some new friends.

Kitchen at Costa Rica Backpacker's Hostel

6. The Kitchen

The hostel has a full kitchen next to the bar area if you’d like to make yourself something to eat on a budget.

Many guests leave behind their leftovers, so there’s almost always something to eat. 

During my visit, someone had left behind milk, cereal, and bananas, so everybody was enjoying a free breakfast. 

Aside from providing a budget-friendly meal option, the kitchen is also a great place to get to know the other guests.

There’s almost always someone in there cooking or eating, so feel free to join them if you’re hungry.

If you really want to make some friends, offer to share your food. You’ll be very popular in no time at all.

If you’re on a tight budget and plan to do some cooking during your stay, there is a convenience store nearby selling groceries.

Consider picking up some pasta or sandwich ingredients.

Pasta and sandwiches are great for sharing, but also fill you up so you can stretch your budget if you have to.

7. Clean Rooms

Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel has clean rooms with a variety of options.

During my visit I stayed in a female only four person dormitory room. The hostel also also offers male only or mixed bed dorms of 6 or 8 beds.

Private rooms are also available. All beds include sheets, blankets, a pillow, and a locker.

All room options can be booked in advance online with just a 5% deposit. The remaining balance is paid when you arrive.

In addition to the clean rooms, you’ll also find plenty of bathrooms and showers. I found shared shower and bathroom facilities to be clean as well.

There are multiple areas where you can find bathrooms and showers throughout the property.

If you have plans early in the morning, be sure to wake up early so you can beat the crowds to the showers.

Once 9 or 10 rolls around, the shower and bathroom areas will be quite crowded.

Get in and out before 7:00 a.m. and you’ll have the place to yourself. The facilities will also be freshly cleaned during this time.

The restaurant, bar, and common areas were neat and tidy as well during my visit. It appears they have cleaning staff there throughout the day.

Here’s a short video shared by Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel. The video shows some of the local landmarks you can find near the property along with some of the hostel’s facilities.

8. Free Wifi

Once you check into your room (or bed) at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel, you wil be given the code for the free wifi.

The free wifi is immensely helpful if you need to be in contact with friends or family back home. Or, if you are researching things to do in Costa Rica during your visit.

It’s honestly not the fastest wifi you’ll ever use, but it’s pretty good nonetheless.

Plus, having access to free wifi helps so you don’t have to get a sim card or calling plan while you’re on your trip. Well, as long as all your hostels include free wifi. You should be able to get along just fine.

You can also use the free wifi to download movies or audio books. I recommend doing this if you’ll be taking a shuttle to other parts of the country.

Some of the drives can be long, so you’ll want to have some entertainment while you’re on the road.

9. The On Site Restaurant

One of my favorite things about Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel was the on site restaurant.

The restuarant was open the majority of the day and you could get breakfast, lunch, and dinner there.

There were quite a few options, with plenty of local dishes to try.

If you’ve never had it before, order the Gallos Pinto, it’s delicious.

Prices at the restaurant are also incredibly affordable. I never paid more than a few dollars for a meal.

To be honest, one of the primary reasons I loved this restaurant so much was becasue I could get something to eat without leaving the hostel.

As I mentioned before, I stayed here during my first ever solo trip, so I was a bit nervous about venturing out on my own.

While things have certainly changed for me on that front, I appreciated having that option at the time.

10. The Staff

The staff at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel are all super friendly.

They are happy to answer any questions about the hostel or make recommendations on places to go or where to find dinner or drinks in the neighborhood.

The staff are also really helpful when assisting you with making reservations for transportation or accomodations in other parts of the country.

They can also help translate for you if you need to make a phone call or get information about a tour or activity.

Just let them know you need assistance and they can help you with your call.

When talking with other travelers during my visit, they all had similarly nice things to say and gave this hostel rave reviews.

To this day, it remains one of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed at.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my top 10 Reasons to Stay at Costa Rica Backpacker’s Hostel. I also hope I’ve convinced you to book your stay, I think you’ll be glad that you did. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it. It really helps me a lot. Thanks for reading.

If you’re headed to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast after your stop in San Jose, be sure not to miss Puerto Viejo.  The beaches there are incredible.

Book Your Trip

Find the best flight deals by using SkyScanner. This is the search engine I use to compare flights and prices before booking my own trips.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION
I recommend searching for hotels through Booking.com to compare hotels on amenities, location, and price. If you are a member of a hotel’s rewards program, always book direct with the hotel. If you are not loyal to a specific hotel brand, using Booking.com for the best price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is more important than ever. For just a few dollars a day you can protect yourself and your trip. I personally use World Nomads, but whomever you choose, don’t skip out on travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Want to save it? Pin it. 

Costa Rica Backpacker's Hostel Pinterest image

Related Posts

Eden Fite in the Medina in Essaouira
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

How to Have an Incredible Time in Puerto Viejo

By

Things to do in Puerto Viejo

With its rockin Afro-Caribbean culture, tropical climate and eclectic beaches, a trip to Puerto Viejo makes the perfect Caribbean beach destination. 

There are lots of reasons people are drawn to Puerto Viejo. For backpackers, its an affordable destination on a stop before reaching Panama.

For surfers, it’s the chance to surf the world famous Playa Cocles and Salsa Brava surf breaks.

For solo travelers, its a safe and fun place to get their feet wet before moving on to other parts of Central America. 

While Puerto Viejo is many things to many people, it’s mostly a peaceful little Caribbean town lined with beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character. 

While you’re in Costa Rica, be sure not to miss these unique things to do in Puerto Viejo.

Getting to Puerto Viejo

The easiest way to get to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or Puerto Viejo for short, from the capital of San Jose is to arrange for a shuttle.

There are several companies operating shuttles with door-to-door service featuring dozens of routes around the country.

Interbus offers service between San Jose and Puerto Viejo for $54. The trip will take approximately five hours.

A quick visit to their website will show you their routes and prices, along with a timetable to plan your trip. 

GrayLine is another shuttle company offering door-to-door service from San Jose to Puerto Viejo also for $54.

If you prefer to have a private shuttle, you can book your transportation through Costa Rica Shuttle, with one-way service costing $240. Depending on van size this includes up to 8 or 10 passengers. 

If you prefer to have more freedom during your visit, you may wish to get a rental car. The roads can be a bit rough with lots of potholes, so just be careful.

Also, be sure to get the insurance. Other drivers may hit your vehicle but they will keep driving. True story! 🙂

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a warm tropical destination, so it’s great most of the year. While temperatures will average between 60 to 75 Farenheit most of the year, expected rainfall will increase during certain times of the year.

January to April: This is Costa Rica’s dry season, and also its busiest tourist season. You’ll experience less rainfall but also higher prices and larger crowds.

May to June: This is Costa Rica’s green season. Rainfall will start to increase and crowds will start go get a bit smaller. This is a great time to visit if you’re interested in seeing the coutry’s wildlife. It’s also a great time to explore the country’s Caribbean coast and a great time for surfing.

July to August: Rainfall continues to increase and crowds continue to get smaller. This is a great time to visit Tortuguero to see the turtles. You can also head to the Pacific Coast for Humpback Whale watching.

September to October: This is the height of the rainy season in Costa Rica. You’ll get virtually no crowds and but should expect daily rainfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are still plenty of things to do in Costa Rica in October and September.

Top 10 Things to do in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo beach

1. Visit the beaches

One of my best memories from visiting Puerto Viejo was spending long days at the beaches.

Be sure to spend as much time as possible enjoying them. This is the Caribbean after all, so take advantage of it while you can.

There are several beaches in the immediate area, each with its own character. I recommend visiting them all if you can. Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

  • Playa Cocles: This is one of the most popular beaches in the area for both tourists and locals. It’s also popular with surfers, so you can watch them riding the waves if the time is right. There are cafes and bars along this beach if you get hungry or want a cocktail. You can also rent surfboards and bodyboards nearby. 
  • Playa Negra: As the name implies, this is a black sand beach and also one of the more popular beaches in the area. This beach tends to be a bit more lively than some of the others. There are several bars and shops along the sand so there is usually a lot going on here. This is a great place to get surf lessons if you’re interested in learning while you’re here. 
  • Playa Punta Uva: This is one of the nicest beaches for swimming with the water being mostly calm. For that same reason, this is also one of the best spots for snorkeling. You can find shops renting gear nearby for just a few dollars. 
  • Playa Chiquita: This is a relatively quiet beach as it is reached by a path through the rainforest. Many do not know where the path is, so it tends to be less crowded. So if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to lay in the sand, this might be the place you’re looking for.
Sloth at Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

2. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

Do not miss a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center while you’re in Puerto Viejo. A visit here will give you a unique opportunity to see the local wildlife up close and learn about all the animals.

On most visits you’ll get to see sloths, jaguars, monkeys and exotic birds up close…really close. During some visits you may even be able to go inside the monkey cages if there happen to be babies in their care at the time.

If you’ve ever wanted a baby monkey to stand on your head, this might be your chance. 

The Jaguar Rescue Center provides around the clock care to injured or orphaned animals from the surrounding Caribbean and rain forest.

You’ll get to tour their facilities, meet the animals, and hear about the work they do at the center.

This was one of my favorite memories of Costa Rica and one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo if you’re an animal lover like me.

They offer tours in the morning for about $20 per person. Check their website for dates, times and more info. 

Things to do in Puerto Viejo - Bike Riding

3. Rent a bike

Renting a bike is the most fun and most practical way to get around Puerto Viejo.

The town of Puerto Viejo is not that big, so you can ride your bike from the center of town to most of the places you’ll want to go. 

If you are going to rent a bike, I recommend just renting one for the number of days that you’ll be in town.

Most of the hotels and hostels will offer bike rentals for just a few dollars a day. You should be provided with a lock so you can secure it when you are not using it. 

If you are planning to explore a bit further outside of Puerto Viejo, you can take a taxi. I recommend having the front desk of your hotel contact the taxi driver for you.

Be sure to get the driver’s number once you reach your destination. When you’re ready to leave you can ask a store owner or one of the locals to call your driver for you. 

Things to do in Puerto Viejo - Surfing

4. Go surfing

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is home to Salsa Brava, one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. Surfers from all over the world come to Costa Rica just to surf here.

Salsa Brava is reportedly best in the dry season from November to April. It is also rumored to be a rather challenging surf break, even for experienced surfers due to the shallow surf.

For less experienced surfers or those just learning, give Playa Cocles a try instead. It’s just a 10 minute walk from Salsa Brava.

Playa Cocles is also an incredibly popular surf spot in Costa Rica, but its a bit more forgiving than Salsa Brava.

This is also the location of several surf competitions that take place every year, which I’m told is a really fun time to visit.

If you don’t know how to surf, consider taking lessons at one of the area’s surf schools. Just head over to Surf the Jungle or Caribbean Surf School to inquire about lessons and pricing.

Snorkeling

5. Go snorkeling

Snorkeling is another fun activity in Puerto Viejo. While not the location of the best snorkeling in the world, there are still several places that are worth checking out if you enjoy viewing marine life.

If you’re serious about your snorkeling, make your way over to Playa Punta Uva towards the south.

This is one of the best beaches for snorkeling in the area. Another great spot is near the shallow reef by Manzanillo, or at Cahita National Park.

You can find snorkeling gear at stands along some of the beaches. You can also inquire at your hotel or hostel, they will likely have gear available you can rent.

Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica
Photo by Damocean

6. Explore Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is a recreation area and wildlife refuge just north of Puerto Viejo. If you’re an animal lover like I am, this is one of the most fun things to do in Puerto Viejo.

There’s tons of wildlife in the park. You’ll have the opportunity to see iguanas, lizards, monkeys, birds, and of course, sloths.

There’s a long trail that weaves through the park and along the beach. Whether you see wilflife or not, it’s a beutiful walk and a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Kayaking in Costa Rica

7. Go kayaking

If you’d like to try kayaking, the nearby Punta Uva river is the perfect spot to go.

You can get to Punta Uva via a 5 mile bike ride or a quick ride on the local bus.

Once in Punta Uva, you can go kayaking either in the ocean, or on the river. If the water is choppy, you may wish to consider the river, which will be a more peaceful experience.

Plus, you’ll have the chance to see turtles, birds, and sloths as you paddle down the river.

You can find kayak rentals along the river for just a few dollars. You may wish to bring water shoes, but they are not necessary.

white water rafting - Costa Rica

8. Try white water rafting

Not far from Puerto Viejo is the famous white water rafting destination of Rio Pacuare. This is likely one of the most adventurous things to do in Puerto Viejo.

The Pacuare River features Class III and Class IV rapids and makes a really fun day trip if you’re looking to explore outside of Puerto Viejo.

There are a few different companies that offer the white water rafting trips on Rio Pacuare. Here are a few to get you started.

Pricing will vary depending on the company and itinerary you select, but they run about $129. This will include pick up and drop off from your hotel along with breakfast and lunch.

Cacao bean
Cacao bean

9. Take a cacao tour

If you’re looking for things to do in Puerto Viejo that involve food, you’re in luck.

Cacao is a popular crop grown near Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. There are several cacao farms in the area, including one that offers tours.

The chocolate tour at Caribeans is quite popular with visitors. Guests on the tour will learn how the cacao is grown, harvested, processed, and made into the final product.

You’ll even get to sample the cacao and chocoalte as part of the tour.

Every review I’ve read of this tour says its wonderful, so give it a go if you’d like to learn about cacao and support a local farm. The tours run several days a week at varying times.

Visit their website for exact times. The tour will cost about $28 per person and last approximately 3 hours.

Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge
Photo by Damocean

10. Visit Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a protected tropical rainforest south of Pueto Viejo.

The wildlife refuge protects several rare habitats and endangered local flora and fauna.

Some of the unique wildlife you can find here include crocodiles, pacas, West Indian manatees, dolphins, green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, woodpeckers, parakeets, eagles, pelicans, toucans, motmots and many more.

You can get from Puerto Viejo to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge either by bus or taxi. The drive will take about 20 minutes.

The best time to visit is September and October, which is the dry season in the wildlife refuge.

11. Sample the Local Food

One of the absolute must do things to do in Puerto Viejo is to try the food. If you have not yet tried gallo pinto, you do not know what you’re missing.

Gallo Pinto is a traditional Nicaraguan and Costa Rican dish consisting of black beans or red beans and rice. While it sounds simple, it is incredibly flavorful.

I recommend sampling this dish at as many places as possible. You’ll love trying all the different varieties. 

Besides the Gallo Pinto, you’ll also want to try the seafood, the ceviche, the casado, sopa negra, plantains, and tamales, just to name a few.

Where to eat in Puerto Viejo

If you’re looking for something different from the local cuisine, I recommend checking out one of the Italian restaurants in the area.

These restaurants are fun to go to in the evening if you’re looking for a romantic dinner or just looking for wine. 

  • Cafe Viejo: This restaurant is located right on the beach. It features great pasta along with fresh seafood and salads. 
  • Amimodo Ristorante Pizzeria: Focus here is on the pizza, but pasta and salads are also available. They don’t have a website, but you can find them across from the Lizard King Hotel and Resort. 

When you’re in the mood for somewhere more lively, head over to The Lazy Mon. You can find them right on the beach near the center of town just south of Playa Negra.

This is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. They have a great happy hour as well. Some evenings you can even hear live music from some of the local reggae bands. 

Rockin J's Hostel in Puerto Viejo

Where to stay in Puerto Viejo

There are dozens of affordable hotels and resorts in Puerto Viejo. Do yourself a favor and stay at one of the options right on the beach.

Most of the hotels and resorts here are beautiful and surrounded by the lush green rain forest.

As I always recommend, stay at the nicest place you can comfortably afford. This should get you pretty far here in Puerto Viejo, there are not many options that are super-expensive. 

If you want to stay somewhere nice, take a look at Hotel Banana Azul. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, take a look at Rockin J’s hostel. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and that I’ve convinced you to include Puerto Viejo in your Costa Rica travel itinerary. There are so many unique and fun things to do in Puerto Viejo, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

If you’re backpacking through Central America and heading down to Panama, I’ve put together a post on the easiest way to get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro. Bocas is amazing, so don’t miss your chance to visit.

Book Your Trip

Find the best flight deals by using SkyScanner. This is the search engine I use to compare flights and prices before booking my own trips.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMODATION
I recommend searching for hotels through Booking.com to compare hotels on amenities, location, and price. If you are a member of a hotel’s rewards program, always book direct with the hotel. If you are not loyal to a specific hotel brand, using Booking.com for the best price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is more important than ever. For just a few dollars a day you can protect yourself and your trip. I personally use World Nomads, but whomever you choose, don’t skip out on travel insurance. It can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Want to save it? Pin it. 

Things to do in Puerto Viejo - Pinterest Pin

Related Posts

Eden Fite in the Medina in Essaouira
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.