Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo for solo travelers
Is Puerto Viejo good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women commonly travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid isolated roads and beaches after dark and watch drinks. |
How to meet people in Puerto Viejo
Hostel social nights, surf lessons at Cocles, group bike rides, yoga and Afro-Caribbean cooking classes. The scene is young and easy to join.
Good things to do alone
- Bike to Punta Uva beach
- Try rice and beans with coconut at a local soda
- Take a chocolate tour with an Indigenous guide
- Walk Cahuita National Park to spot sloths
- Surf a beginner lesson at Playa Cocles
Where to stay in Puerto Viejo
| 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 |
Solo travel across Costa Rica
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Tamarindo | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Manuel Antonio | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Santa Teresa | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Monteverde | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puerto Viejo | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Nosara | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Tortuguero | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Jacó | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Uvita | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Playas del Coco | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sámara | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| San José | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Puerto Viejo good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Costa Rica's Caribbean surf and reggae town: rasta cafés, jungle beaches, Afro-Caribbean food and a backpacker scene.
How do you meet people in Puerto Viejo?
Hostel social nights, surf lessons at Cocles, group bike rides, yoga and Afro-Caribbean cooking classes. The scene is young and easy to join. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Puerto Viejo?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Puerto Viejo safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women commonly travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid isolated roads and beaches after dark and watch drinks.
More about Puerto Viejo
Going to Puerto Viejo solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Puerto Viejo meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.