BEACHES
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Rent a bike or walk. Puerto Viejo and the beaches surrounding its area offer a great opportunity for whoever wants to explore Costa Rica's beauty. One of the best things with the south Caribbean coast is the diversity of the different beaches and communities. You have black sand and white sand beaches, exciting surf spots and calm snorkeling areas. There is a place for everyone so both backpackers and luxury travelers will be comfortable. Go explore!
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Playa Negra is a black sand beach and stretches more than 10km from the west entrance of Puerto Viejo. A good beach for beginner surfers. Walking out to the right from the hostel you follow the main road until you reach Playa Negra, this should take you only 5-10 minutes.
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Cocles is the top Caribbean Costa Rica beach for surfing and boogie boarding. Bring your own board or take surf lesson from local agencies to explore the waters. Horseback riding trips also takes place at Cocles and if you're hungry you can find many restaurants. Walking out to the the left from the hostel you follow the main road for about 30 minutes.
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Playa Chiquita is a favourite for those who want to relax in a peaceful environment. To access the beach there's no road, instead you take the short walk down one of the several trails and you can find numerous small bays and perhaps a private or uncrowded beach. Along the main road there's a supermarket and restaurants. It takes around 10 minutes to bike here.
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The quiet beach at Punta Uva is known for its calm reef and protected water. It's a great place to bring kids and appeals to those who are looking for a quieter spot to spend their vacation. However, if you're up for any activities you can rent equipment for both snorkeling and kayaking. Here are also restaurants and a grocery store. It should take you around 20 minutes to bike here. Check out the blog for more info...
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JAGUAR RESCUE CENTRE
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The Jaguar Rescue Center is an animal rescue center located near Playa Chiquita, 10 minute bike ride from Puerto Viejo. The center is dedicated to rehabilitation of mistreated, injured, orphaned or confiscated animals. Here you can see sloths, monkeys, jaguars and other species. Jaguar rescue center offer $20 tours Monday-Saturday and you'll be walking around outside for about 2 hours. If you're interested in volunteering they also accept volunteers. Go support our animal friends!
Click HERE for more info...
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CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
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Cahuita town is a laid back and vibrant little village in the setting of Costa Rica's unique Creole culture. Many young people come here seeking the easy life for a few days and it's definitely worth a visit if you're on the Caribbean side. It's got an interesting history of being secluded by Costa Rican officials although that has changed the last 30 years. Most of the residents are of Jamaican descent due to mass importation of cheap labor. It's an easy 20 minute drive to get there or you can take one of the daily buses from Puerto Viejo bus station. Click HERE for more info.
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WHITE WATER RAFTING
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If you're up for an adrenaline experience while in Puerto Viejo, Pacuare river rafting is a great idea! You can do one-day tours at this exciting river and it will definitely be a memorable excursion. Transport as well as food will be included. Get ready for 4 hours of exciting descents along the Pacuare river, through 30km and 38 class 3 and 4 Rapids.
BRI BRI WATERFALLS
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Within the BriBri rainforest you can find the Volio waterfalls with cascading water spilling into natural pools. There are many different tour companies who offer guided trips to these falls, but if you're feeling adventurous you can also walk on your own through the rainforest and discover nature. It's a moderate trek to get there so you will need to bring any necessities and of course, water. It's a great place for adventure and beautiful sights. You can take a bus to BriBri from the bus station in Puerto Viejo and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. Time to get lost!
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MANZANILLO
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Manzanillo is as far as you can go along the coastal road towards Panama. This little town remains an outpost for Afro-Caribbean culture and you can do simple activities such as snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. Daily buses go here if you check out the bus schedule to Manzanillo at the bus stop in town. Click HERE for more info
