Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo
Costa Rica's Caribbean surf and reggae town: rasta cafés, jungle beaches, Afro-Caribbean food and a backpacker scene. The vibe is relaxed but petty theft, humid heat and rain are common.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,190–3,500Comfortable, one person · ₡1M–1.6MDetails
- Value for money14/100Better value than 13% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Sep–OctWarmest: Apr, 29°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilWater is treated but supply and quality vary; most travelers and locals use bottled or filtered water, especially in rentals.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$77–153Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBike rentalWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but many small spots, bike rentals and street vendors need cash.Details
Where to stay in Puerto Viejo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Puerto Viejo center | Hostels, bars and restaurants within walking distance |
| Playa Cocles | Surf beach with hotels and bars, a short bike ride away |
| Playa Chiquita / Punta Uva | Quiet jungle beaches and eco-lodges, taxi or bike needed |
| Cahuita | Smaller, calmer coastal town beside a national park, about 25 minutes north |
Apps that work in Puerto Viejo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis and shuttle vans are the norm; agree on the fare before travelling.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but many small spots, bike rentals and street vendors need cash. ATMs run out at busy times.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.