Amazing Day Trips to Take from Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

The Pacuare River is one of the top white-water rafting rivers in Costa Rica. With plenty of class II and III rapids, this all-day adventure will be an exhilarating and nature intense experience that the entire family will enjoy. When you are not paddling through the rapids, you will float idyllically through dense tropical forest, next to beautiful waterfalls, and in plain sight of plenty of wildlife.

Cahuita National Park is home to the most expansive coral reef system in Costa Rica. The reef is home to multiple species of coral, tropical fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and a number of other marine creatures. The tropical rainforest of this amazing national park is home to sloths, monkeys, hundreds of species of birds, colorful tree frogs, and an impressive collection of other land creatures. This combo day tour gives you the opportunity to experience the Cahuita National Park from above the sea, below the sea, and from the rainforest.

A half-day professionally guided nature trek through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge is a unique opportunity to experience the exotic flora and fauna of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. There are 384 species of birds that live in this protected rainforest refuge! Walking through this dense and lively rainforest is a truly magical experience and one that should not be missed, especially because it is so close to Puerto Viejo.

Spend the day kayaking with an experienced naturalist and guide around Punta Uva. On this five-hour journey, you will first paddle along the coastline where you will observe dramatic cliffs, mystical caves, and vibrant rainforest. Then, you will paddle up a river where you will likely see sloths, monkeys, turtles, bats, iguanas, and an astounding collection of colorful birds. You will learn a wealth of fascinating information from your guide. You will also have the chance to relax on a beautiful beach and have a little snack before taking a hike to Grape Point.

This combo day trip is definitely one for the books! What better way to spend a day on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica than by visiting an animal rescue center, visiting an indigenous family’s cacao farm, and ending your day swimming beneath a spectacular waterfall in the rainforest? Exotic animals, chocolate, and waterfalls are the perfect trifecta representation of this incredible region of Costa Rica.

Within biking distance, you can explore Playa Bonita, Playa Negra, Playa Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva. Biking is actually a very popular method of transportation here, especially because the terrain is relatively flat. An easy and fabulous day adventure is to rent bikes in Puerto Viejo, pack a cooler, and cruise the beaches of the southern Caribbean.

Bocas del Toro is a gorgeous archipelago that is part of Panama and is actually very close to Puerto Viejo. You can take a boat over to the islands and spend the day snorkeling, looking for dolphins, and relaxing on the beautiful Red Frog Beach. Red Frog Beach also has two beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious frozen cocktail and your lunch before returning back to Costa Rica.