Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is no longer visited just by surfers, as its authenticity has captivated the hearts of so many. Take a trip from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and discover its charm for yourself!

The route from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is full of surprises. The best part is that with a private car service like Daytrip, you have the opportunity to explore all these bucket-list-worthy stops along the way. If you want to learn about Costa Rica’s history, add Cartago, Costa Rica’s oldest town, to your itinerary. If you'd like to meet sloths or exotic frogs, include Frog's Heaven and Sloth Sanctuary on your trip!

Until the late 1790s, accessing the coast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca was difficult, but it helped the locals cultivate their traditions and culture. As of 1979, the city and surrounding villages were finally connected to Limón (the province's capital city) by road. Slowly but steadily, the city was provided with electronics and other modern amenities, which improved the quality of local people's lives.

Nowadays, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known as a tropical rainforest paradise with pristine beaches, exotic wildlife and lush jungles, vibrant nightlife, and streets filled with reggae and Latin music. It is one of the best places for surfing in Costa Rica, which is also one of the reasons Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has become a famous destination.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is also attractive for nature lovers. It is located near the Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where people can explore the rainforests and diverse wildlife. Visitors can also spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and so much more.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is truly unique and special and is sure to become one of your top destinations! Immerse yourself in the tropical yet laid-back atmosphere that the locals call "pura vida," an expression you will likely hear hundreds of times during your stay.

English is widely spoken

While knowing some basic Spanish won’t hurt anyone, some locals have English as their native language, so if languages are not your strength, you will not get lost by knowing just English.

Bring insect repellent

As you head out for dinner, mosquitoes and bugs will be present, so make sure you bring a good bug spray to avoid bites.

“Pura vida” is not just the lifestyle

When talking to locals (or ticos, as they like to call themselves), you will most likely hear them saying “pura vida,” which can also mean “thank you,” “hello,” or “goodbye,” depending on the context. It is also a response to the question "How are you?" meaning everything is going great. This phrase is a great way to connect with the locals and show appreciation for their culture.

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by bus

If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to reach Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you can choose one of the main bus companies that offer this route, Mepe. A one-way ticket costs around $13. The travel time is usually 4 to 5 hours. Keep in mind that the tickets can only be purchased in person, so make sure you arrive earlier (about 30 to 45 minutes before) to secure a seat.

From San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by private car service

If you are struggling to figure out public transport or you are too worried about being left without a seat, you can rely on a private car service such as Daytrip to take care of everything. Your local English-speaking driver will gladly pick you up at your accommodation in San Jose and take you on an unforgettable ride. You will reach the bohemian city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

By choosing Daytrip, you also choose flexibility, as you can choose when you want to begin your journey. Not only that, you can also select what sightseeing stops you desire to make along the way. As Costa Rica is full of surprises, we recommend taking advantage of this amazing benefit!

Some of the stops you can include in your itinerary include historic places, such as the Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum or Cartago, which are rich in colonial history. After that, you can visit Finca La Isla, where you can not only tour the botanical gardens but also taste exotic fruits.

It would not be Costa Rica if there weren’t tropical stops along the way. Make sure you visit the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can meet tropical birds or even sloths. If you don’t spot any sloths, don’t worry because you can also visit the Sloth Sanctuary, which is home to more than 200 of these slow yet lovely animals. If you are a true nature lover, you won’t want to miss Frogs Heaven, where you will meet frogs of all colors, including toucans and snakes.

Rent a bike and explore the surroundings

If you want to explore more of the coast but don’t want to pay for tuk-tuks (although it is also an experience on its own!), renting a bicycle is the best way to do so. You will find plenty of bike rentals all around. Possibly, even your accommodation is renting them! It is an easy way to access other parts of the town and nearby beaches that might be hard to access otherwise.

Connect with nature at the Cahuita National Park

Make sure you plan one day to visit the beautiful Cahuita National Park, one of the rare parks without an entry fee. During your tour, you can explore the beaches' wildlife and crystal-clear waters. If the weather is great, you can also go snorkeling, as this park has one of the largest coral reefs in the country!

Learn about how the chocolate is made

While in Costa Rica, you should definitely visit one of the chocolate farms. You can learn about the history of cacao plants and the processes involved in turning cacao beans into chocolate. You'll also have the opportunity to sample chocolate and make your own. One highly recommended chocolate factory in the area is Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate, so be sure to visit their website!

Savor the Afro-Caribbean cuisine

There is no better way to experience a culture than by trying their most traditional foods. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is rich in delicious local dishes you must try during your stay! Here are two culinary delights you simply cannot miss:

• Rice and beans: Although the dish's name sounds straightforward, it is not just rice and beans. This culinary delight is unique because coconut milk is used as the base to create a creamy consistency.
• Rondón: Interestingly, the name of this dish comes from the English phrase “run down”, referring to the process of cooking this dish. It is a soup made of seafood, coconut milk, and vegetables.