Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast | Top 3 Things to Experience
Costa Rica is a literal tropical paradise! From lush rainforests, endless coastal beaches, and unlimited fruit stands; you’re bound to be transported into a WHOLE other world and escape reality for a bit. Have I convinced you to jump on a plane yet? Okay, let’s go.
After spending an entire month in paradise, I’ve compiled a list of 3 must-sees on the Caribbean coast; my favorite side of Costa Rica!
How To Get There
The easiest (and most cheapest) way to get to Costa Rica is to fly into the main airport in San José!
If you’re heading to the Caribbean coast from San José, the best ways to get to the coast is either by bus or renting a car. A bus ticket will only cost about $11 USD (5,500 CRC) and about $30-$50 USD (18,800+ CRC) a day for a rental car. It’s about a 4.5-hour trip so I recommend leaving early in the morning so you can take your time and stop along the way, since there’s SO much to see. There’s even a sloth sanctuary on the way there.
1) Puerto Viejo
What’s available:
Restaurants + bars
Shopping
Beach access
Puerto Viejo — what tropical + dreamy small beach towns are made of.
If I were to move to any beach town of my choosing, I would choose Puerto Viejo. Full of happy humans, fresh fruit stands on every corner, and endless stretches of pristine beaches; it’s definitely one for the books.
It’s the perfect spot to stay if you’re visiting Costa Rica and want to experience the laid-back tropical side of things! There are plenty of restaurants, quaint little boutique shops, and beaches everywhere you look.
TIP:
You have to try an authentic Caribbean restaurant! Specifically the coconut rice and plantains — to die for! Our fave was Restaurant Tamara 🤌
It’s super easy to get around because there are endless bike rentals and even tuk tuk’s (aka rickshaws) to scoot around town. I’d suggest renting a car if you plan on exploring outside the town (especially because there is a lot to see!!) Keep scrolling to read about what’s around the area!
2) Playa Negra
What’s available:
Beach access
Surfing
A black sand beach from the heavens! If experiencing beautiful volcanic sand has been on your bucket list, Playa Negra is world-class and a must see.
The beach is on the Caribbean Coast and is located just before the cutest little town of Puerto Viejo. It’s perfect for lounging on the beach, surfing in the warm Caribbean waters, and is close to a quaint village with local cafes + restaurants.
The best part? The beach was almost completely, and we had it all to ourselves.
BONUS: Where To Stay
If you want to have the FULL Costa Rica experience, booking a local Airbnb that has its own private access to this beach is the way to go!
We stayed at this Airbnb, and it was DREAMY. It’s the perfect tiny beach house with endless hammocks, surrounded by tropical foliage, and yes; you can wake up and immediately step right onto the beach. :’)
It’s perfect for a couples getaway, anniversary celebration, or even a weekend trip with your closest friends.
3) Refugio Nacional Gandoca - Manzanillo
What’s available:
Beach access
Hiking
Wildlife
Site-seeing
This spot is completely free! There is an option to donate, however.
It’s beautifully remote and inaccessible by any major traffic — which is what makes it so special. It’s about 45 miles (72 Kilometers) from Limon and past the two little towns of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo where you’ll run into the end of the dirt road to find the Refugio Nacional Gandoca.
It’s a protected national reserve on the coast of the Limon province and is tucked away just past the little town of Puerto Viejo down a small, winding road. The refuge is a tropical rainforest and also encompasses several rare tropical habitats like a lowland rainforest and a mangrove swamp.
There’s actually so much to do in the reserve itself, and you could definitely make a day trip out of it!
Once you walk in, there is a string of secluded and private beaches to your left, and a deep tropical rainforest to your right. Kind of like you’re on your own tropical island.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than a calm day at the beach, there’s actually a hike as you walk further in! Come prepared for it, because we didn’t and it was definitely a hike.
Even if you’re just exploring the sites, chances are you will see some pretty amazing wildlife!! From turtles, to toucans, to manatees; you’re bound to come across some cool tropical creatures.
I hope you found this helpful and intriguing!! I can’t wait to hear about your experiences. Happy travels!
xox, Tris
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