Caribbean Dream in Puerto Viejo
Travel Guide Menton
Inspiration
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PLAces
In the heart of Menton you will find the famous, colorful Saint-Michel Basilica. The square in front of the basilica invites you to relax before taking the yellow steps of Menton to the Plage de Sablettes.
From the Basilica of Saint-Michel, you have the option of walking through the narrow streets of Menton up to the Quartier Garavan. There you have a great panoramic view of the French Riviera.
Nationalpark Cahuita
Jaguar Rescue Center
Cahuita National Park is a hidden treasure along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. A scenic trail winds through tropical rainforest, past white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Along the way, you’ll spot howler monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and plenty of marine life just offshore.
Jaguar Rescue Center is a heartfelt sanctuary dedicated to protecting Costa Rica’s wildlife. Walking through the center, you’ll see rescued animals like jaguars, sloths, monkeys, and birds being cared for in natural, spacious habitats. Informative tours give you an up-close look at the amazing work being done to rehabilitate and release these creatures back into the wild.
To get the best view of Menton, you should walk across the Plage des Sablettes to the Port des Sablettes and go onto the jetty that reaches up to the stones.
The Plage de Fossan is perfect for watching the sunset & sunrise. There are numerous bars and restaurants along the promenade for refreshments after a swim.
Manzanillo
Tortuguero
Manzanillo is a laid-back paradise on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. Nestled between palm-fringed beaches and vibrant coral reefs, this small town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and wild nature. You can explore the nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, kayak through mangroves, or simply soak up the sun on quiet shores.
Tortuguero is a magical rainforest haven on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” A network of winding canals, lush jungles, and abundant wildlife makes it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. You’ll glide past turtles nesting on the beach, monkeys swinging through the trees, and colorful birds darting overhead.Tortuguero is about a 3.5 t o 4-hour journey from Puerto Viejo by car and boat.
other places worth
a visit
Playa Negra
Playa Cocles
Playa Chquita
PLaya Punta Uva
food
We discovered this little restaurant near the Saint-Michel Basilica, and the food looked super delicious.
Craving something sweet? – Then Crèperie Saint Michel is the right place for you! You’re sure to find something to suit your taste here. From sweet crepes to savory ones.
Cocomar Comida Caribeña
Como en mi Casa - Art Cafe
Cocomar Comida Caribeña is a cozy local gem serving authentic Caribbean flavors in the heart of Puerto Viejo. Dishes like coconut shrimp, passionfruit ceviche, and Caribbean-style chicken are packed with bold, homemade taste. Don’t miss the house plantain chips or their refreshing hibiscus-ginger drink.
This bright and friendly café is a feel-good favorite in Puerto Viejo. Run with heart and creativity, Como en mi Casa serves up fresh, nourishing meals with a homemade touch – all vegetarian, mostly vegan, and full of flavor.
If you can’t decide between pizza and seafood, you can find both at Al Vecchio Forno!
You like French cuisine? – Then you should definitely do so at Les Enfants Terrible.
Taco shack
GypSea Café
Located just across from Playa Chasma, Taco Shack is a lively beachside spot known for its flavorful tacos and vibrant atmosphere. They offer a variety of tacos, including shrimp, chicken, and shredded pork, all praised for their taste and freshness.
GypSea Café feels like a little tropical oasis right by Playa Chiquita. With its open-air vibe and jungle surroundings, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy fresh, vibrant food. Whether it’s a smoothie bowl to start your day or a relaxed lunch, everything tastes like pure Caribbean sunshine.
other places
Taylor's spoon
Terramar Cocles
Soda Playa Chiquita
Spicy Coconut
sleep
We found a really nice Airbnb run by Cyrille with a breathtaking view of the Côte d’Azur and Monaco. It is located in Roquebrune, but there is a convenient bus service that will take you to Menton within just 10 minutes. If you’re interested, drop us a line and we can send you the link to the AirBnB!
A little paradise in the old town of Menton – that’s the best way to describe La Petite Maison! Unfortunately, we only discovered this accommodation afterwards. The next time we are back in Menton, we will pay a visit to La Petite Maison and Beatrice, the owner.
Kañik Apart Hotel
Känik Apart Hotel is the perfect jungle hideaway near Puerto Viejo. Surrounded by lush greenery and just minutes from the quiet Playa Manzanillo, it’s the ideal spot to unplug and recharge. Relax by the pool, wake up to tropical birdsong, and enjoy a slow-paced Caribbean vibe that feels miles away from the hustle.
AIRE Boutique Hotel
AIRE Boutique Hotel is a serene jungle retreat just steps from Playa Grande. Designed with minimalist elegance, each suite offers a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast with continental, vegetarian, and vegan options, all served in the comfort of their suite. The hotel is adults-only, providing a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
summary
Lush Life in La Fortuna
in a nutshell
Puerto Viejo is a vibrant coastal town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, known for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. It’s the perfect spot for beach lovers, surfers, and those looking to soak up tropical rhythms and colorful local life. Spending two to three days here lets you enjoy highlights like Playa Cocles, Cahuita National Park, and the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center.
Beyond surfing and sunbathing, Puerto Viejo offers lively markets, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and chill cafés where reggae beats fill the air – a fantastic place to relax and experience the unique culture of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
How to get around
We highly recommend renting a car if you want to explore the area freely – especially for reaching spots like Cahuita National Park, Punta Uva, or the Jaguar Rescue Center, which are a bit outside the town center.
Within Puerto Viejo itself, you can easily get around on foot, by bike, or take a short taxi ride to most places.
Travel time
The best time to visit Puerto Viejo is during the dry season from December to April, when you can enjoy sunny beach days and calm seas.
The green season (May to November) brings more frequent rain showers, usually in the afternoons, but also means fewer tourists, vibrant jungle scenery, and better deals. Just bring a light rain jacket and insect repellent to stay comfortable!
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