Where To Stay In Puerto Viejo: 20 Best Accommodation Picks
Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for many years. For my first trip, I planned on visiting the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca area on the southern Caribbean coast, followed by some of the more typical tourist stops like La Fortuna. Instead, I ended up falling in love with Puerto Viejo and opting out of the other destinations so that I could spend a full week here!
There are lots of options for where to stay in Puerto Viejo, from AirBnBs to ecolodges to high-end luxury hotels. One thing you won’t find? Huge skyscraper resorts lining the beaches. Puerto Viejo has done a great job of protecting their beaches and jungles, providing plenty of amenities without all the congestion and construction you find in other tropical destinations.
The Puerto Viejo area generally refers to the stretch of coast from Cahuita down to Manzanillo, where the road ends. Each area offers a different feel and ease of access to restaurants, beaches, national parks, and other activities.
Top picks
Don’t have enough time to read this whole post? No problem – here are my top 3 picks!
1) La Paz del Caribe: Feel like you’re in the jungle while staying close to town and the beach.
2) AIRE Jungle Boutique Hotel: Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys in the trees above you and enjoy a three-minute walk to the beach.
3) aWa Beach Hotel: Enjoy the amenities of a larger resort paired with the quiet vibe of a small boutique hotel.
Where To Stay in Puerto Viejo
No matter your budget or desired accommodation style, there’s something for you on this list! I’ve divided it up by area, starting up north of Puerto Viejo town in Playa Negra all the way down to Manzanillo.
Where to Stay in Playa Negra
Just north of the town of Puerto Viejo, Playa Negra is a stunning black stand beach with some of the softest sand I’ve ever felt. There aren’t a ton of amenities here, but it is very close to Puerto Viejo town, where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, etc. You will likely need a car if you stay here, but the beach isn’t very crowded and you can find some great deals on accommodations.
1. La Prometida (Adults Only)
La Prometida is a quick walk to the beach and has a swimming pool with plenty of loungers. It has a beautiful, modern design, lush gardens, and private-feeling cabinas with balconies or terraces. Breakfast is included. This hotel hits the sweet spot between casual family-run accommodations and five-star luxury.
2. Villas Pina (Adults Only)
Villas Pina is another great option with a pool and relatively short commute to the beach. The staff will bring your included vegetarian breakfast right to your door every morning! Enjoy the beautiful gardens from your room’s balcony and keep an eye out for the sloths who hang around the property.
3. Casa Jeffrey
Casa Jeffrey is the perfect choice if you need a full kitchen. It is all but on the beach – just a 2 minute walk across the main road. You’ll share a beautiful pool, hot tub, and barbeque with a few other small houses.
4. La Bonita Lodge
La Bonita Lodge offers a small pool – great for cooling off after a hot day! It’s a bit of a longer walk to the beach than some of the other options in Playa Negra, but still very doable, and they offer bike rentals. Depending on when you’re traveling, you can stay at this beautiful property for less than $100/night.
Where to Stay In Puerto Viejo Town
Wondering where to stay in Puerto Viejo if you won’t have a car? Staying in town in your best bet! You’ll have access to restaurants, shops, bars, grocery stores, and fantastic beaches. You can rent a bike or take a cab, tuktuk, or bus to venture up and down the coast.
5. Namu Garden Hotel and Spa (Adults Only)
Here you have the option for either a regular hotel room or a private bungalow (some of the bungalows have their own plunge pools!). The hotel boasts a pool, spa, wellness center, and a full service restaurant and bar (the welcome drink they serve at check-in is fantastic!). It is tucked into a corner of town so it’s quiet, but you can walk to the beach and restaurants, bars, grocery stores, etc.
6. Conga Boutique Hotel
This hotel gets you the feeling of being in the jungle while still being just on the outskirts of town. It’s walkable to amenities in town, although it’s a bit farther to the beach than some of the other options. There is a pool and breakfast is included.
7. Hotel Indalo
A great budget option! Here you can be in the heart of Puerto Viejo for less than $100/night. This is a great location, with access to restaurants and activities, and is a short walk to the beach. Enjoy the pool and gardens, or ask the staff for help arranging activities.
8. Umami Hotel (Adults Only)
This is another great location – right in the center of town and a quick walk to the beach. The pool and sun terrace are the stand-out features here. They have a spa, and breakfast is included in your room rate.
Where to Stay in Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is a wonderful location – it’s close to town and has plenty of restaurants right across the road from the beach. If you don’t want to be right in town, this is your best bet for where to stay if you won’t have a car. The beaches here can be a bit more crowded than others, but they are good for surfing, easy to access, and you have lots of food options right off of the beach.
9. La Paz del Caribe (Adults Only)
I’ll be honest – I want to move in here. The grounds are beautiful – the gardens feel like part of the jungle, and there are two pools to choose from. Breakfast is included and there are several restaurants within walking distance. The beach is less than a 10 minute walk away. I was beyond excited to discover the sloth who was camped out in a tree above the parking area for most of our stay! (BONUS: the owners have several cats who are happy to lounge on your cabina’s terrace or by the pool with you!)
10. Finca Chica Lodge & Villas
Another great budget option, Finca Chica can almost always be booked for less than $100/night. This is a good choice if you’re traveling with others, as there is the option for a two-bedroom villa with included kitchen. It’s set back in the jungle, so you’re likely to spot a variety of wildlife here, and you can walk to the beach.
11. Hotel Aguas Claras (Adults Only)
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a higher-end result feel. There is a large pool, a full-service restaurant, and direct beach access. You’ll have the option of a regular room or a bungalow, some of which offer private plunge pools.
12. Satta Lodge (Adults Only)
Although it’s a bit far to the beach, this hotel will make you feel like you’re staying in a treehouse in the jungle. You will be surrounded by lush greenery, and can expect to spot lots of wildlife. Breakfast in included, there is a beautiful pool, and you have the choice of regular bungalows or a villa with a kitchen.
13. Le Cameleon Hotel
Le Cameleon offers the amenities of a high-end resort: multiple pools, a hot tub, a spa, a gym with yoga classes, a beach club, and a full-service restaurant. Breakfast is included in most room rates. You’ll have a choice of several room types, from regular rooms to suites with private pools to huge, 5-bedroom villas.
Where to Stay in Playa Chiquita/Punta Uva
Playa Chiquita is magical: clear, calm water, a jungle that almost meets the ocean, small tidepools where you can frolic in the water, and lots of quiet spots where you will see few other people. Punta Uva has a bit more in the way of beachfront activities, including kayak and paddleboard rentals. Both are great for snorkeling. You’ll want to stay here if you plan to spend most of your time hanging out at the beach.
14. Villas del Caribe
Although the rooms are slightly less updated than at some of the other options in this area, Villas del Caribe is an absolute steal for a beachfront location. You can walk right out to the beach, including an area with lots of small tide pools to play in. There’s a pool, a bar, and an excellent full-service restaurant. Breakfast is included, and you can book a regular room up to a two-bedroom villa with included kitchen.
15. Dragonfly Beachfront Villas (Adults Only)
Dragonfly has a great location – direct beach access to some of the best beaches on the coast. You’ll have the choice of a one or two bedroom bungalow, both of which have kitchens, and breakfast is included. There is a pool, and yoga classes and bike rentals are available.
16. aWa Beach Hotel (Adults Only)
Another luxury option, aWa sits right on the beach. They have a full-service restaurant, a beach club with lots of loungers, a bar, a spa, and bike rentals. Rooms are tucked into the jungle off of the beach and the property maintains a natural feel.
Where to Stay in Manzanillo
If you want to get lost in the jungle (namely, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge), this is the spot for you! You will need a car, as you’ll be further from restaurants and other amenities. Here you will enjoy fantastic wildlife spotting and pristine, deserted beaches.
17. AIRE Jungle Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
AIRE is a stunning property with open-air bungalows (with screens, of course). Each bungalow has a private plunge pool. A vegetarian breakfast is delivered to your doorstep every morning, and you are a short walk from the beach. (Note: this may not be the best option for those with limited mobility, as the furniture is very low to the ground.)
18. Almonds and Corals Boutique Hotel
This hotel is a great mix of lost in the jungle privacy and beachfront luxury. You’ll have direct access to a beautiful beach with loungers and beachfront food and beverage service. There is a full-service restaurant, and breakfast is included in many room rates. In addition to regular rooms, you have the option of booking a bungalow for even more privacy.
19. Kanik Apart Hotel (Adults Only)
Kanik has lovely modern bungalows with kitchenettes, and the included breakfast is delivered to your private terrace every morning. Bungalows have outdoor bathtubs where you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the jungle. There is a pool, and you are just steps from the beach – close enough to stumble out and take in a sunrise after waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys!
20. Exotico Beach Hotel (Adults Only)
Exotico is another great option for enjoying both the beach and the jungle. There is a pool with plenty of loungers surrounded by lush gardens, a bar, and a full-service restaurant. You can also book a massage or rent bikes. All rooms have terraces, and you can book larger villas with private pools and kitchens.
FAQs
I hope that this list has helped you decide where to stay in Puerto Viejo! Still trying to decide if this is the right trip for you? Read on for answers to a few FAQs!
How many days should I spend in Puerto Viejo?
Since it is a bit of a trek to get to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, I recommend spending no less than 3 days. This will give you time to explore a beach or two and the town of Puerto Viejo, plus visit one of the wildlife refuges or the Jaguar Rescue Center.
If you can swing it, 5-7 days will give you more of a feel for the place. You’ll be able to fit in more activities like kayaking or taking a chocolate tour and have time to relax at the beach.
Is Puerto Viejo safe at night?
Yes, but make sure to use common sense! Don’t walk on deserted beaches or roads alone at night. Don’t swim in the ocean at night, as the currents can be fierce and you don’t want to be out there after dark.
I would NOT recommend riding a bike up and down the main road after dark. It’s narrow, windy, and not well lit. Stick to town if you don’t have a vehicle, or take a taxi or tuktuk.
Is Puerto Viejo walkable?
If walkability is a concern, you’ll want to stay in town or very close to it, as the town itself is very walkable. To get to further out beaches, the Jungle Rescue Center, or the wildlife refuges, you will need another form of transportation. You should know if you’ll have a car or not before deciding where to stay.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are tons of great accommodation options in Puerto Viejo. Whatever your budget or location preference – jungle, beach, or a little bit of both, I hope you’ve found the best one for you here.
As nice as it is to hunker down in one place and have a home away from home for a few days, I like to stay in a couple of different places so that I can experience all that a place has to offer. Puerto Viejo is a great place to do this as you might want a couple of days in town and a couple of days in the jungle.
When you’ve decided where to stay in Puerto Viejo, head on over to booking.com to book!