Itinerary
Puerto Viejo itinerary (3, 5 & 7 days)
Puerto Viejo is best when you slow down: beach mornings, jungle afternoons, and simple food stops. Here are three flexible itineraries depending on how much time you have.
3-day Puerto Viejo itinerary
- Day 1: Playa Negra + sunset walk. Easy dinner in town.
- Day 2: Playa Cocles / Punta Uva beach day. Optional surf lesson.
- Day 3: Cahuita National Park day trip for wildlife + coastal trail.
5-day Puerto Viejo itinerary
- Day 1: Settle in, Playa Negra.
- Day 2: Best beaches loop: Cocles → Chiquita → Punta Uva.
- Day 3: Cahuita National Park.
- Day 4: Food day + slow morning. Read: best restaurants.
- Day 5: Manzanillo day trip (quieter beaches + jungle paths).
7-day Puerto Viejo itinerary
- Days 1-2: Beaches and town rhythm.
- Day 3: Cahuita for wildlife and trail walking.
- Day 4: Rest day: coffee + reading + beach sunset.
- Day 5: Manzanillo day trip.
- Day 6: Optional activity: snorkel (conditions-dependent) or a surf lesson.
- Day 7: Favorite-beach repeat and last dinner in town.
Practical tips
- Don't over-plan. Weather changes; keep 1-2 gentle activities per day.
- No car? Totally fine. Bikes + taxis + buses work well. Read: Puerto Viejo without a car.
- Sea conditions matter. Snorkeling depends on calm days. Read: snorkeling guide.