When to Visit Puerto Viejo: Seasons, Where to Stay, and Things to Do.
- Irene Dobles
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, nestled along Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a place where time slows down and life flows to the rhythm of reggae and the ocean’s tides. Famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture, world-class surfing, lush jungle, and laid-back charm, this seaside town attracts travelers year-round. But when exactly is the best time to visit Puerto Viejo? The answer depends on what you’re looking for—sun-drenched beach days, epic waves, or cultural immersion.
Unlike Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Caribbean side has a different weather pattern. Here, the seasons are less defined, with bursts of rain and sunshine alternating throughout the year. Instead of the typical dry season from December to April, Puerto Viejo experiences its sunniest months in September and October.
Rain showers are common year-round, but they are usually short-lived, leaving behind vibrant greenery and refreshing air. This unpredictability is part of Puerto Viejo’s wild beauty.
For Beach Lovers
If your dream is endless sunshine and turquoise seas, the September to October window is ideal. The Caribbean waters are at their calmest and clearest, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. The skies are bright, the beaches golden.
For Surfers
Surfers flock to Puerto Viejo for Salsa Brava, Costa Rica’s heaviest and most famous wave. The surf season here peaks between December and March, when powerful swells roll in from the Atlantic. Beginner-friendly breaks can also be found in Playa Cocles, making it a great time for both seasoned surfers and those trying the sport for the first time.
For Culture and Festivals
If you’re drawn to Puerto Viejo’s Afro-Caribbean culture, August is a vibrant time to visit. The town celebrates the Afro-Caribbean Day Festival with parades, music, dance, and food that honor the community’s rich heritage. It’s one of the most colorful cultural events in Costa Rica.
For Nature and Wildlife
The lush jungles surrounding Puerto Viejo teem with wildlife year-round, but rainy months bring the forests to life. Visit between July and October or March and May for the chance to spot nesting sea turtles at nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Key beaches in and around Puerto Viejo along with what makes each one special:
Beach | Highlights / Vibe | Best For / Notes |
Playa Cocles | Golden sand, lively surf breaks, lots of nearby services (restaurants, surf schools). | Good for surfing, surfing lessons; also good if you want a mix of activity + beach time. |
Playa Negra | Black sand, dramatic visual contrast; quieter, more photo-friendly; less crowded. | Not the best for swimming when waves/currents are strong; strong visual appeal for walks, sunrise/sunset. |
Playa Chiquita | Smaller, more secluded, lush jungle backdrop, calm more often. | Ideal if you want quiet, relaxing beach days; less built up; not always easy access (sometimes via short walks). |
Punta Uva | Turquoise, clear water; reef protection so gentler waves; beautiful scenery; great for snorkeling. | Family friendly, swimming, snorkeling; less surf-oriented; picturesque for photos and peaceful days. |
Playa Grande (Manzanillo region) | Long stretches of beach, more remote, part of the Gandoca-Manzanillo protected area. | Best for those who like to explore, wildlife, being away from crowds. |
Playa Puerto Viejo / Salsa Brava | Right in town; famous surf break “Salsa Brava”; vibrant, lively. | Great if you want to stay centrally, enjoy nightlife, restaurants; surfing for experienced surfers. |
Cahuita National Park Beaches | White sand, coral reef, excellent snorkeling, see marine life + jungle combined. | Good for more relaxed water activities, nature + wildlife, hiking + beach combos. |
Luxury Hotels & Boutique Escapes
If you’re looking for high-end stays in or near Puerto Viejo—places with excellent amenities, design, comfort, and beauty—here are some of the top choices. These hotels combine nature, style, privacy, and service.
Aguas Claras Hotel, Cayuga Collection
Almonds & Corals Boutique Hotel
aWà Beach Hotel
Le Cameleon Hotel
Namu Garden Hotel & Spa
Umami Hotel
Tours & Activities in Puerto Viejo
Here are some top tours & activities to include in your itinerary. These blend nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation, often with private or small-group options so you can enjoy them in comfort.
Nature & Wildlife
Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge / Gandoca-Manzanillo Nature Reserve. Hike through rainforest, mangroves, coastal forest and find sloths, howler monkeys, birds, amphibians, and maybe even elusive creatures. There are guided nature walks, kayak options, and sometimes boat rides.
Jaguar Rescue Center. A rescue & rehabilitation center for wildlife. Great for seeing animals closely, learning about conservation, and supporting ethical tourism.
Bird Watching Tours. There are excellent bird-watching options in Cahuita, Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, and within private reserves. Guided early morning walks offer good chances of spotting toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and other tropical species.
Nocturnal Wildlife Tours / Jungle Walks. At night the rainforest is a completely different scene—frogs, insects, nocturnal mammals. Some tours combine night hikes with kayaking or walks in reserves like Manzanillo.
Adventure & Outdoor
Canopy / Zipline & Jungle Canyoning. For adrenaline seekers: zip-lining high through the canopy, rappel, swinging Tarzan swings etc.
Waterfall Hikes. Several waterfalls are accessible via guided hikes—some easier, some more challenging (e.g. Kekoldi, BRIBRI). Great in combination with swimming and wildlife spotting.
Rafting & River Adventures. If you want more action, rafting on rivers, or combo paddling + hiking + swimming tours, can be arranged. These are more full-day or multi-day excursions.
Kayaking & Lagoon / Estuary Tours. Paddle through calm waterways, estuaries or lagoons, to see wildlife, mangroves, hidden beaches. These are more peaceful adventures, good for luxury travellers who prefer immersive nature without too much exertion.
Culture & Learning Experiences
Indigenous & Bribri Culture Tours. Learn from local Indigenous communities—about cacao / chocolate, medicinal plants, traditional practices, their view of nature. These can also include meals or culinary experiences.
Chocolate / Cacao Plantation Tours. From cocoa tree to bean to chocolate. You can often taste what you help make. A sweet way (literally) to connect with the region’s culture and agriculture.
Surf Lessons or Guided Surfing. For those wanting to ride the waves, there are private or semi-private surf lessons. Cocles is often a go-to break.
Relaxation & Unique Experiences
Beach & Marine Snorkeling / Swimming in Cahuita National Park. Calm water snorkeling, seeing coral reefs, tropical fish, maybe sea turtles. A relaxing half-day or full-day option.
Horseback Riding between Jungle & Beach. Riding along beaches and through forest edges is a peaceful, scenic way to see more of the landscape. Some tours even allow you to ride into the shallow sea.
Puerto Viejo is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. No matter when you go, Puerto Viejo rewards visitors with its mix of reggae vibes, coconut-scented cuisine, lush jungle, and some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. It’s not just about the time of year—it’s about embracing the rhythm of the Caribbean.
Original content by Costa Rica Luxury Travel Magazine.
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