Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a town in southeast Costa Rica, on the Caribbean coast. It’s known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra. The Jaguar Rescue Center rehabilitates wild cats and other animals. Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge has rainforest, wetlands and mangroves. To the north, Cahuita National Park protects a large coral reef and has a shipwreck dive site.
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Top places to visit

1

Playa Cocles

Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Playa Cocles is a renowned white sand beach in Costa Rica, famous for its surfing, swimming, and sunbathing offerings. Unlike nearby Salsa Brava, which has perilous breaks for surfers, Playa Cocles offers steep lefts and rights that break on the sandy shore. The ideal time to visit this beach is between December and March when the conditions are favorable. There are fewer vendors here than other beaches in the region, making it a peaceful haven.
This is such an amazing beach with the perfect waves to play in all day long. Boogie board and surfboards are available for rental along with classes. The most beautiful women spend the day here ❤️
Alex Larsen — Google review
I just loved this beach, you have such a nice vibe here. You can watch the surfers here, rent a board for 30$ an hour. Not to many venders here which is nice. It was busy in the weekend, but during the week it is quiet calm.
Marije Van Neck — Google review
great beach but i heard stories about lack of safety during the night. Waves can get crazy as well so swimming isn't guaranteed like in the coral reefs in the area.
Petar Chalamov — Google review
Beautiful beach with relaxed vibe and pretty wild and unspoiled sorroundings. If you have a chance, get a walk to the nearby little jungle, there’s a couple of great viewpoints as well the possibility to spot wildlife!
Natalia Sarzi Amadè — Google review
This beach is so awesome. The wave are strong it'll be a workout staying on your feet. Very dangerous but fun at the same time. Really wish I had time to surf.
Tha Don One — Google review
This is the beach you should plan to spend most of your time at! The beach is full of people and activities, you can easily find surf lessons, and food can be hard by just walking from the beach! Locals will be wondering through with all kinds of homemade goodies and gifts. Locals definitely prefer to spend their day here, and you can expect to see beach games, surfers, and even fire twirlers at night! This place was our highlight for fun in the sun! The sand bar makes it easy for swimming without going out deep, be weary of the surf as the waves can be rather big and crash on the beach. You will truly enjoy your experience here!
Patrick Dunlop — Google review
Small surf at this beach or at the time of our visit. Only a few people out surfing. Life guards were present and kept people where they needed to be for safety. This is a big wide open beach with lots of space to spread out and not be on top of other people. Not a lot of shade as there is at many other nearby beaches. Bringing an umbrella or canopy would be an option for helping get out of the direct sunlight.
lanster — Google review
This beach is an absolute gem for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With its crazy waves, it's a paradise for surfers looking for an adrenaline rush. But that's not all; the beach also offers a breathtaking early morning walk, where the golden sun rises over the horizon, casting a magical glow on the glistening water. And when evening approaches, the sunset view is simply awe-inspiring. The vibrant hues of the sky merge with the crashing waves, creating a picturesque scene that will leave you in awe. Whether you're a surfer or simply seeking natural beauty, this beach has it all
Tree Flow — Google review
Very long and beautiful beach with easy access to parking and nearby vendors. Might have been just the day we visited but the waves and current were too strong to swim in (even a couple of feet in) and the beach doesn’t offer any shade anywhere close to the water so we ended up leaving and going to another beach with calmer waters for swimming.
Rachelle Moore — Google review
Okay beach, very strong current and big waves. Not a place for a lot of swimming. Take a look at the trees surrounding it, we saw multiple sloths!
Eline Holtslag — Google review
Very beautiful beach and huge, just absolutely giant. But there are many sections where it is too dangerous to swim because of the current and other ocean safety hazards. Food stall and board rental stands line the beach, so find one with the right board for you. At night there is music, entertainment and a merry old time. For safety, there are lifeguards all around who are constantly monitoring the beach. There is not a lot of shade, so bring plenty of sunscreen and liquids. Parking is super easy for bikes, cars, or any kind of scooters.
samuel dean — Google review
One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to! A must visit in Costa Rica. -but be careful!- It is a very long, natural kept beach, with beautiful sand, a treeline with natural shadows and a lot of privacy. The water has a clear blue colour, there can be some rough waves and currents though - alright for surfing. !!BUT THERE ARE THIEVES!! Please be very careful with your belongings. A young women right next to us got her bag stolen by a teenage boy. He was coming from the street to the beach, took her bag even though she was laying next to it and then started running to a white old car with a black trunk. As soon as he got in the car the driver drove off. We and a few other people on the beach tried to help her but it happend way to quick. Very sad that stuff like this still happens here, save to say - not for the first time!
Niklas Wittwer — Google review
Lovely beach with beautiful views. Unfortunately we were here in December and the rip tides made it impossible to swim here, the water was not clear enough for snorkeling and there was no surfing. The sand is fine and shiny with some black sand along the beach. The water entrance was shallow enough that we could go in a bit and play in the waves.
Valentina ch — Google review
Vibes were really great! The vendors that were on the street were nice and friendly. The beach had many opportunities to rent surfboards or to play volleyball. Water was cooling for the 30+ degree weather, and the waves were really beaut.
S Nalin — Google review
2

CHOCORART

Mentioned on 
Chocolate factory
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
What a wonderful experience in every way. Worth every penny. The tour was beautiful, entertaining, and thorough. We had a great walk, saw amazing things, and the sipping chocolate at the end was one of the most amazing things I've ever tasted. Highly recommended.
robert berry — Google review
We didnt have the chance to visit this kakao plantation, but we did have a chat with the person working there and he was amazing. We had seen and tasted some of these chocolates in town and needed to buy some of the varieties they did not have any more in town. The guy was working on a batch at the moment for another tour group arriving later that day and he managed to make the combination we were craving right on the spot. Extraordinary attention from this guy and the information he gave us about the location and their plantation. Definitely you should make a little stop here for a tour and visit more of the local kakao production regions.
Andres Capurro — Google review
2 hour session worth it! We have a newfound appreciation of the craft of chocolate making as a result . Thanks included - small walk through jungle and farm , lots of nature spotting and natural growing fruits tasting . Then cacao process demonstration , and more tasting of cocoa beans at different stages ending in delicious choco drink , and chocolate taste plus miracle fruit taster. $25 each for the tour high season and 1000 colones for each little roll of chocolate - we bought x 8 in different flavours , knowing 100% organic and 90%+ farm grown ingredients ( minus the sugar cane which is from the Costa Rican mountains)
Maria C — Google review
So sad, we did not know that tours are only at certain times. TOURS ARE AT 230PM M-F. We did walk up the path to the tour. You need to be able to walk to get there. It is a steep path. A beautiful path. There was a guy who greeted us and gave us a sample of chocolate. We were able to purchase some chocolate. I was so excited to see this tour. As sad as we are we live Costa Rica and will be back. Check out the Oasis at Puket for lodging close to Chocorat.
Debra Johnson — Google review
Very happy with the experience at Chocorart. Amazing finca with a beautiful atmosphere, garden and friendly people. Tour is around 28$ per person, duration around 1.30h!
Francesca Cogo — Google review
Wow, what an amazing experience. The chocolate was the best we have ever tasted and the tour was with lots of love and details. We learned a lot! Even beyond chocolate, as there are plenty of exotic plants in the property. The farm is absolutely stunning beautiful and we could have stayed forever. That was just an amazing day. Thank you so much!
Julia Clottu — Google review
Marcus makes this one of the best experiences you will have in Costa Rica. If you love dark chocolate this is the place to go. If you just want to learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy the educational experience you can’t go wrong here.
Gene Heinrich — Google review
This tour is amazing! Learned a lot about chocolate production and chocolate history in Costa Rica. The guide/owner is an absolute gem and the walk through the jungle and plantation is sublime. We came in the off season and did the 2:30 pm tour on a Monday so it was just my wife, a very friendly danish family and I. Which may have made it more personal than usual. Still, this is my favorite tour in Costa Rica.
Dalton Altizer — Google review
Increible tour de chocolate, was a really nice experience, the tour guy was supet nice and he speak like 4 lenguages jajjaaja, they show how the chocolate is made from the fruit to the final product. Really recomended and if you love the chocolate this is for you.
Alejandro Rosete Rondon — Google review
A tour through rainforest where you learn about cocoa history in Costa Rica, cocoa grow, harvest and processing including tasting freshly made chocolate at the end. Amazing chill tour guide. 5/5 ⭐️
Václav Bílý — Google review
We did the tour on our last day in town and I'm glad we did. This was so fun! A casual laid back tour at a family run operation. The young lady who was our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. She showed us a lot of editable plants and we were able to sample many fruits. Sure also took the time to point out the wildlife. Learning about the chocolate making process was interesting and the tasting was yummy.
Nina Gale — Google review
Our trip to Costa Rica is 17 days. We have done zip line tours, canyoning, night tours, this tour has been my favorite tour of all of them. We saw a toucan, sloth, iguana and frog on the tour. Our guide was the owner's daughter and she was so wonderful and knowledgeable. They have owned the farm for 35 years. We tasted fruits of other trees on the farm. It was such a lovely experience! We were able to taste the cacao in all it's stages. I would recommend this tour to anyone staying in the area, well worth it! $25 for adults, $12 for children 3-10. You can buy their chocolate bars for 1000 colones.
Samantha Mass — Google review
We texted through WhatsApp to reserve our tour spot. It was that simple . We walked around the farm and had a taste of a few different fruits/ herbs on the farm and learned about the cacao history in the area and the process of making chocolate. We got to taste the chocolate at different states of the process. People can also participate in helping grinding the cacao seeds. They smell amazing by the way. At the end, We bought a few chocolate to try. The chocolate is a healthier version for sure but too grainy for my taste and a bit bitter for my kids. In all of the flavor we tried , my daughter and I liked coconut flavor. My husband liked organe peel. And my son liked mints. The highlight of the tour for me was at the end when I got to try the tiny red miracle fruits that made sour lemon taste sweet. So weird but what an experience. I loved it so much lol Also I bought a frozen bottle of cacao pup juice. And I thraw qnd drank it the next day. OMG it was so good. It was pricey for a juice but totally worth it.
Trang Thu — Google review
Awesome trip! Definitely recommend. We were able to try tropical fruits from the garden and of course some cacao beans, chocolate ect... we've seen some animals (frogs, sloths and tucans) and at the end we could buy some chocolate. 5/5
Max K — Google review
beautiful family farm. the nicest educational tour with information about chocolate production. if you have the opportunity and time, definitely spend it visiting this amazing farm. There is no rush on the tour and everything is beautifully explained, and along the way you also have the opportunity to taste various seasonal fruits. I wish the farm continued success and 100% recommend.
Tomas Minarik — Google review
3

Playa Punta Uva

Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Playa Punta Uva is a popular beach known for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. The beach boasts of crystal-clear waters and white sand. It is home to a shallow coral reef that attracts tourists from all over the world. The area provides plenty of shade during the day, making it perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. However, caution should be exercised during high season due to strong riptides and waves.
I really liked this beach. It was calm during the week, but busy in the weekends. The water was very clear and there was plenty of shade during the day.
Marije Van Neck — Google review
Beautiful beach, definitely the beach to hit if you're looking for a place to camp out on. Beach front parking, you can find your own secluded spot, and the sand is some of the best sand I've felt under my toes! You will certainly not be disappointed with this beach! If you are looking for a place to hang out for the day, that is more private and secluded, this beach is your ticket. It'll be hard to find any locals selling goods, food will require you to either run a few min back into town, or plan to bring something prepared or to cook.
Patrick Dunlop — Google review
Lovely beach, although riptides and wavy during high season. Good amount of shady spots
Maria C — Google review
Great beach. Kid friendly and couldn’t see any rips on the day. Not much seaweed and the bottom was sandy. Minimal vendors or people badgering you. Kayaks available for hire. Couldn’t see any toilets or places to get snacks / refreshments. You can also explore the cave / tunnel out at to r point. See description below: Well worth the walk. Doesn’t take long, perhaps 15 minutes from the beach. Please wear water shoes, runners or other appropriate footwear. Flip flops aren’t going to cut it. The first part of the walk there is a rope to help you get up because it can be slippery. Then follow the main track, taking the left path when it forks. Follow down to the point that has made a natural tunnel underneath. To get down to the instagram favourite spot for people, be very careful. It was soooo slippery and you could easily injure yourself. Once near the cave / tunnel, again, the rocks are still slippery even in the water. The mud on your shoes makes it worse so take the time to clean them in the water before venturing out to snap that selfie. It’s not very deep when you wade in but there are two currents - one from each side that could easily knock you off balance. To exit, we didn’t take the same path in, instead heading across the rocks for about 10m then climbing up. There are two gravesites here as well. Hmmmm. Take the chance to use other tracks to explore. You have beautiful vistas over another beach and the trees are magnificent. Keep your eyes out for toucans and sloths.
Debi Slinger — Google review
Ended up being our favorite place. Small hike for a beautiful view, or chill on the beach. Kayak rentals. Amazinggggg
Megan Hanks — Google review
Top beach, sloths around at the trees .
Ivana Kopkova (Iva_runstheworld) — Google review
Great place to hang out with friends and Family. Easy and safe access for every vehicle. 10/10
Vargas Aar?n — Google review
Absolutely beautiful, one of the best beaches I’ve been in my life. Super peaceful, no vendors and minimal other tourists 🤣
Brandin Devonn — Google review
One of the best beaches in that part of Costa Rica. Get there before 10am and you have one of the first picks to back your car right up under some trees on the beach and set up camp. The pretty white fluffy sand and the pretty clear turquoise water that is fairly calm for snorkeling.
Brandon Johnson — Google review
Very nice spot. The beach is beautiful and the water was clear ! There’s also a small river on the side if you’re not fan of the waves. Easy to find a spot in the shade too.
Anne-Julie Dudemaine — Google review
We went here on one of our excursions. We had a great long beach ride. The horses were pretty calm. Mine tried to run a little bit. Lol. The views were great along the way on the beach. There was also a dog that followed along with us for the duration of our ride. He just saw us and stayed with us until we got off the horses. He was not owned by the owner of the horses, we asked once we for back. We also had a little.extra bonus by getting off of the beach path and went into a almost farm like, county stroll. There were very few houses, massive trees, beautiful leaves and lush, beautiful green fields. Once we returned to the stable, we were able to wash our hands and what not. While we were waiting for our ride to come we were served a tray of fresh fruit and bottles of water. What a great way to end our day of fun.
tina A — Google review
We arrived mid-afternoon and it was fairly full but we were able to find parking. No charge and no changing rooms. The beach was lovely and the water was perfect. A laid back sort of family vibe. Some shade to sit under not far from the water.
Sharon Burkholder — Google review
Playa Punta Uva in Costa Rica is a beautiful beach that’s perfect for relaxing, hiking, and exploring. Our group had an amazing time here!
Rostislav Sikora — Google review
4

Jaguar Rescue Center

Mentioned on 
Wildlife rescue service
Transportation service
Jaguar Rescue Center is a rehabilitation and rescue facility that focuses on caring for local wildlife. They offer both public and private tours with knowledgeable guides who introduce visitors to the center's current residents while sharing their stories. The volunteers at this center are dedicated individuals who donate their time to help animals in need. A portion of each ticket sale goes towards repairing power lines, which will decrease the number of animal injuries in the wild.
I had Max as our guide. He was funny and informative about the animals and their history of why they arrived to the center. This place does excellent work rehabilitating local animals to be released back into the wild, if at all possible. Definitely worth the money and time for the tour!! I collect magnets from my travels, so I bought one from the gift shop to support their mission.
Dakota McCure — Google review
Amazing work being done here. The guided tour was great. We had Johnny as our guide. He’s fantastic. Very enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. Kept everyone engaged while we were seeing different animals and learning about their stories. I wish we had more time in Costa Rica as I would have loved to volunteer.
Atilio Lavoie — Google review
This is worth the visit if you're in town. This experience was worth every penny. We did the earlier tour at 9:30am but there is an 11am tour as well. It is recommended that you arrive 20 min before so you can be part of your preferred language group tour. There was Spanish, English, French, and German from what I heard upon purchasing tickets. The tours are led by volunteers. Our tour guide was great. Very energetic and had a great attitude. We saw so many animals and learned a lot about conservation efforts in the area. We saw sloths, ocelots, birds, monkeys, and even a deer. It was amazing. I highly recommend.
Karina Cecilia — Google review
I absolutely loved my tour with Johnny at the Jaguar Rescue Center! Our group was taught so many fun facts and stories about the animals in this center, and we got to see some of the cutest local animals in the sanctuary! This center rehabilitates a huge variety of animals that are then released back into the wild. The ones shown in my photos are part of the sanctuary, ones that unfortunately cannot be released back into the wild. To see more of the sanctuary animals and to hear all their stories, you'll have to visit and take a tour, or you can help their mission with one of their volunteer opportunities! ☺️
crysta daniels — Google review
Great experience! Our guide was Anje who was amazing; very personable and informative! If you are even remotely around the area it is worth the visit. Some helpful notes for future guests: it’s smart to bring cash if you’d like to tip your guide. Parking is a little tricky if you’re the second tour of the day but if you’re patient you’ll be fine (if you’re an 1130 tour, people will starting clearing out around 11). Most importantly, as a PSA, if you’re the last person in the group, always latch the gate!
Nick Van Hoy — Google review
Please make sure to visit the Jagua Rescue Centre if you’re in Costa Rica! One of the highlights of our month in this country. The guides are so knowledgeable and have such an amazing success rate for releasing animals back into the wild. They don’t let humans see any of the animals being rehabilitated to the wild as this can make them dependent on human contact. Instead, you’ll be shown around sloths with genetic problems, spider monkeys who were kept as pets and couldn’t survive in the wild and other animals which failed to stay in the wild without the help of human support. It felt really ethical and it was such a special morning.
Carys Reid-Davies — Google review
We did a tour at this place. I don’t know if it was worth the money, but the stories were really nice. In the beginning it felt like a zoo, because of the cages. But the tour guide explained to us why it was like that. They function like an animal hospital so all the moneys goes there. The guides and volunteers don’t get any money. I think that’s weird to be honest
JL K — Google review
The staff here is amazing and very knowledgeable about the animals. Ale was our guide, and he took the time to answer questions and give us backgrounds on every animal. I was surprised at the story of how the refuge came to have its name. I won't spoil it here on Google, but I highly recommend that you check out the Jaguar rescue center next time you are visiting Costa Rica.
Tamra Erhardt — Google review
Great place doing important work. I was initially surprised by the price of the tickets and thought twice about going. But we did and once I heard about what they do and how they do it, the fact that they get no government funding and rely on ticket sales and private donations, I’m really glad we did. Jonny, the tour guide, gave us a really entertaining tour too. Definitely recommend
Nick West — Google review
Great place doing great work. At the time of this review entrance is $24. The Guides are all volunteers, and they do tours at 9:30 & 11:30, with the ability to schedule a private tour instead in the afternoon. (Private tour costs more.) They will explain the incredible work they do, and you will see animals that cannot be set free for various reasons. At the same time, look up and spot animals in the wild in the trees above. Arrive 15-20 minutes before the tour. Can buy tickets online or at the facility. They do have a small gift shop, cafe and restrooms. Tours are in Spanish and English, and sometimes French or German.
Chelsea Gastelum — Google review
Absolutely worth the stop - Max was a great tour guide, and can feel that all the volunteers are very passionate! Thoroughly enjoyed the stories, knowledge, and humour. Awesome work being done to save, help, heal animals. Highly recommend!
Mike Hall — Google review
Wow! What a wonderful experience. Luisa was an amazing host. We saw sloths, monkeys, macaws, agouti, cayman, snakes, turtles, and boars. Luisa explained how this company uses volunteer work and donations to help preserve and help animals in the area. If I lived here, I'd definitely volunteer!
Aaron Simon-Welch — Google review
Our tour guide was Lindsay. She was a fantastic guide and was very engaging and knowledgeable. We enjoyed being able to meet the current residents and hearing their stories. It’s so lovely to see volunteers dedicating their time to such a great cause. A portion of each ticket cost goes towards repairing power lines to decrease the amount of animal injuries in the wild, so please consider taking a tour during your visit!
Tianna Prichard — Google review
We made an advance online booking for the Jaguar Rescue Center, and upon arrival, we noticed that the place was quite busy. There were three other groups scheduled for the 11:30 tour, they also offer tours in languages other than English. Our guide, Natasha, was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. It was evident how deeply she cared about assisting these animals. The center itself is spacious, and they even have a rehabilitation area where they provide aid to animals. Having previously visited rescue centers in Mexico, I was pleasantly surprised that the they strictly prohibited taking pictures with or touching the animals. This strict policy further elevated my respect for their commitment to animal welfare. Overall, the experience was excellent. It provided valuable knowledge, especially for those who have just arrived in Costa Rica, offering a better understanding of the wildlife in the surrounding areas. I highly recommend it!
Valeriya Remizova — Google review
Absolutely amazing. The work they do here is so needed. The center is run by employees and a lot of volunteers! Don't be fooled though, at this time 10/01/2023. The way they got their name is awesome though. You should go here and hear how. So much educational information. Did you know that there are very few snake bite deaths in Costa Rica? They tell you why here. They take in 1 to 7 animals almost on a daily basis. Their goal is to release all that they can back to the wild.
Debra Johnson — Google review
This place is doing some amazing work to rehab the animals and provide a safe haven for other animals that can’t be released into the wild. It’s solely funded by volunteers and donations from tours and gifts. It’s off the main road but it’s a well worth the stop. Do yourself a favor and opt for a private tour. On our private tour, we had Ale, who has been a volunteer and proudly stated that he’s on the monkey team. He was patient and answered a lot of questions but also provided a lot of context of the why the animals are here. It’s stories are both humorous and heartbreaking at the same time. You learn about the character of the animals as well as admire them. Zoo’s, you look at them and walk past but here with Ale, you learn about who they are and why they are so special to the JRC but also to the area. It’s a special place and highly recommended. Not sure if it would be good for kids as there are some good rules around the interaction of animals. They didn’t ask for any further money or drop you off in the gift shop, which was really nice. Highly recommend a donation to their organization. https://www.jaguarrescue.foundation/en-us/SupportUs/MakeaDonation
Joon Jung — Google review
Guides are all welcoming and positive. You can choose English, German or Spanish tours. Unfortunately you can't walk there alone, without a guide, but it's enough time to listen to animals background history, take photos and ask additional questions. We even saw sloth and iguana on the tree as wild guests to this centre. Amazing experience and after we had a little shopping in their gift shop.
Ksenia Obertii — Google review
I really enjoyed this. It was well organized. We were split into small groups so no one was tripping over each other. Our guide "Natasha" (I think was her name) was knowledgeable and entertaining. I really enjoyed her tour. Two thumbs up!
Ginger Kim Carlsson — Google review
If you are in the area you have to do a tour of the Jaguar Rescue. They are doing really amazing work. Max was our tour guide and he was awesome - he had so many facts about the animals and their history, the history of the centre, and the plans they have for the future. He also spoke passionately about the work and all the great things they do in addition to the rescue (look up the Shock Free Zone). The private tour was totally worth it. I’m sure the group tour is awesome too, but it was awesome to ask all the questions we had. Max answered every single one and was even happy to stay a few minutes late to answer all our questions. I left feeling very inspired by the work they are doing and will definitely be making a yearly donation and, hopefully, volunteering there one day. Totally worth your time and 12/10 recommend! (Also side note: the tours are done by volunteers and we did leave a tip 😊)
Jessica Wollis — Google review
Definitely worth a visit, we took one of the group tours, I found it very moving and inspiring. Johnny our guide was brilliant and informative about the work the centre are doing and all the animals. We see the animals that can’t be released back into the wild for various reasons. The centre is doing great work including with education. The guides are all volunteers too.
Jane Newman (massage therapist) — Google review
Very nice animal rescue center. Really enjoyed the informatlve tour, led by Katie. Nice but somewhat pricey gift and snack shop, but at least all the proceeds support the center. My only suy is to try and go on an off time, if there is one, as the place was a bit too busy for my liking. A victim of its own popularity.
Andrew Schauer — Google review
An amazing experience to see so many animals. Our guide Ale was brilliant and shared the stories of all the animals in the sanctuary as well as tell us the success stories of the animals which have been cared for and released back to the wild. 10/10 recommend visiting.
Abigail Hitt — Google review
Amazing tour. Very much recommended. WARNING: strongly suggest to pre-book tickets online. The tour is amazing and very informative. Most of the people working there are volunteers, and they are doing a great job to keep the place in great condition. The whole tour has a variety of animals (but dont expect to see jaguars). The name of the rescue center was due to a mistake of the locals when an ocelot or similar animal was rescued. Such an amazing tour through all the rescued animals and information about how they live and the dangers of modern civilization as threats to many species.
Andres Capurro — Google review
Very interesting place. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke so the whole group could hear. They are doing a very great work rescuing wounded animals and rehabilitating them. Support their work anyway you can. Many of the workers are volunteers, you can be one also!
Arlen Mininger — Google review
Lizzy was our tour guide and she was fantastic. She is well versed in all the animals in the sanctuary and knows them by name. The price of admission is cheap for what we got out of it. It was a lot of fun seeing and learning about the animals in captivity and how they are being helped.
Martin Zepeda — Google review
5

Playa Chiquita

Mentioned on 
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Playa Chiquita is a secluded beach offering privacy and beautiful surroundings. The sandy shore is lined with trees and reefs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A nearby hotel provides convenient amenities. The water is calm, clear, and warm, making it ideal for aquatic activities like swimming near the coral reefs or going further out into the sea beyond the waves. Playa Chiquita boasts stunning vegetation that allows visitors to find private spots along the beach.
My absolute favorite beach. It is just stunning. The water is very calm and crystal clear so perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the beach has a lot of beautiful vegetation so you can find your own private spots. Also a nice bar where you can drink fresh pipa juice!
L Vds — Google review
This is a nice beach when the tide is out and the waves on the small side. There are tide pools that you can sit and soak in, while the small waves wash in fresh water every so often. We visited on a higher tide, big wave action day , so the pools were hard to stay in. The seas were very rough and large swell in the water. Lots of covered space under the trees. Good shade.
lanster — Google review
A beautiful beach on the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is lined with palm trees, trees and jungle, in the crowns of the trees you will come across howlers and parrots. The beach is sandy, gentle entry into the ocean, not very strong waves. Very quiet place, if you want to be alone, just walk a little along the beach and find a place without people. An unforgettable experience. Amazing place.
Stanislav Florián — Google review
Gorgeous little beach. The trees and shade are so close to the edge of water that it makes it a great place to hang out.
Kat A — Google review
The most beautiful beach in this area. Perfect for kids. The only thing we are missing is a bar...
Barbora Melkes — Google review
Beautiful calm beach away from the crowds 🏝 the beach is very clean and pretty! The water is transparent but there are rocks in some areas. There was a lot of seaweed in April (I’m not sure whether it is a seasonal thing)
Valeria T — Google review
This is an amazing find - a short walk through the rainforest and you’re on this secluded beach! Lovely, clear water and shady palm trees. No infrastructure (toilets, benches, cafes, bins), so obviously bring everything you need with you (and take all your litter with you). Lots of signs warning of rip tides so best not to swim, but there are lots of rock pools to paddle in. The tide seemed to come in quite quickly, so choose where you sit carefully!
Emily Collins-Ellis — Google review
Our hotel is close by so decided to visit this place and it takes our hearts. Nice breeze, warm clean weather and all the time waves either big or small ones. Is don’t like the waves you can go swim close to coral riffs of go further into the sea behind the waves. Overall: very nice and beautiful beach, we always had a great time out there.
A Dubok — Google review
I stayed at the Secluded beach resort bungalows(directly across from the Shawandha Lodge) that have direct beach access down a beautiful nature filled path. It was the most beautiful and exciting walk each morning I got up around 6am and I would stroll down the beautiful path and encounter tons of wildlife. Each morning I was surprised by the sights: awesome sloths 🦥 howler monkeys 🙊 spider monkeys 🙉 hummingbirds birds 🐦 butterflies 🦋 a guinea pig like creature, and a small snake 🐍. Not to mention the crystal clear blue ocean and super soft golden sand, amazing coral reefs(but be careful 4 Rip currents). Playa Chaquita had very strong Rip currents that gave me a real scare while I was snorkeling the reefs. Its so easy to let your guard down when mesmerized by the hundreds of exotic fish swimming in schools in between the coral reefs. So many tropical 🐠 I would snorkel for hours on that beach. By the way I was there Oct 12-19th 2022 and the weather was perfect. I would move there in a heartbeat 💓.
Caroline Hilldale — Google review
Playa chiquita is a small beautiful beach that provides a wonderful setting for morning walks. Sadly a pack of 5 dogs that are known by locals for their viscous attacks on other dogs, cyclists and walkers live nearby just off the beach. This morning while walking alone my wife was bitten in the back of her leg requiring a visit to the local clinic. It is beyond belief that their owners have not been held accountable. If you do go to this beach bring a large stick, watch for groups of dogs, don't let the dogs get between you and the ocean and be particularly careful if you have pets of your own or small children. We are filing a formal complaint. Others should do the same.
Bill Patton — Google review
So far the most beautiful beach we’ve been to in Costa Rica. Good for swimming relaxing and taking really neat pictures. If you walk 10-15 minutes from the parking lot you’ll pretty much have your own private beach. Good for families with little ones. There are some pools that are calm due to coral calming the waves in certain parts which make it good for 4-8 year olds who might not prefer the waves. Our family with little boys enjoyed jumping waves as they came in lots of places where it’s 3ft deep for about 40ft from the edge of the beach.
Caleb P. — Google review

Top places to eat

4.6
(1802)
4.5
(2163)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Koki Beach Restaurant Bar Lounge is a great place to sit and relax with a view of the water's edge in PV. The restaurant has a full bar and a menu that incorporates lots of local organic produce, making it perfect for those looking for an affordable and delicious meal.
Great food and drinks! The portions were huge - the chaufa could feed 4 people. Good atmosphere as well with good music. Saw a super cute resident sloth casually crawling across the ceiling.
Sariyya Panahi — Google review
Best service we've had in a year of traveling Costa Rica. The food was amazing too, best lobster I've ever had. Our server Andrés attention to detail was above and beyond expectations and every support staff was great too. Thank you for making our night exceptional, a high recommend.
Jacki Wlodarczyk — Google review
Wow! From the moment I walked in, to the moment I left it was an amazing experience. I was greeted and seated right away. The server, Andres, is very knowledgeable and provided excellent recommendations. He went above and beyond to fulfill all my requests. I tried different drinks and each one was delicious! I ordered the Salmon with sweet potatoes and I ate it all! The presentation of the food and drinks, low lighting, trees, and decor work together to create a relaxing and serene ambiance. Definitely is a must try if you are visiting Puerto Viejo! Pura Vida!
diana godinez — Google review
Ambiance was nice and loved the decor. Went here for a nice dinner on my last night at Puerto Viejo. The staff was friendly and the food was delicious. Prices are higher than other places in the area but I think they are trying to brand this as fine dinning. If you don't mind a slightly higher price point, I'd def recommend it. Try the banana in a box dessert.
Nnamdi Obiako — Google review
My family was in Puerto Viejo over Christmas. We made reservations to have our Christmas dinner at Koki Beach Restaurant. This was the most expensive dinner we had our entire 12 days in Costa Rica, but we did splurge since it was Christmas. I ordered the Christmas special which was a pork chop. I don't usually eat pork but it was very good. My husband ordered the snapper and loved it. One of my kid's ordered chicken tenders, one ordered a stir fry, and one ordered a steak, shrimp, and lobster combo. They all enjoyed their meals. The banana in a box is the best dessert and a must try. The service was friendly. I would eat here again.
S C — Google review
I've put 5 stars everywhere cause i can't put more than that, but realy this place is just perfect. Very good service by Andres, very good food and amazing drinks. It's the place you have to go in Puerto Viejo for a very good moment.
S?bastien S. — Google review
I was in Puerto Viejo for a week and this restaurant was the only place I returned to more than once — and that was not JUST for the amazing food and beautiful drinks, but also for their top-tier staff. The bartender, Steven, was a master at his craft and I loved sitting at the bar watching him construct each vibrant cocktail he sent out and he was also so kind. My waiter, Andres, was the main reason I had to come back multiple days in a row; he had impeccable attention to detail, anticipated my needs before I could even think them, and kept me entertained all night with his hilarious personality and conversation. It was the best service I’ve ever received. You simply MUST visit Koki Beach if you are in the area, and make sure you request Andres!!
Mary Kate Crisp — Google review
Churrasco was incredible, as was the Octopus. I'd say food is definitely worth the price. Drink presentation is the best in the area (along with Soca next door), flavor is good, pricey for what they are though considering the area. Chill upscale atmosphere
Tristen Wallace — Google review
Food Quality: very good quality. Delicious food and great flavours. Good fresh ingredients and burger in a ciabatta bread is very tasty. Portions: great portions. Plates are plentiful and very satisfying. Drinks: nice selection of cocktails and other drinks. Price: $$$ not cheap, but very good food and quantity served. Service: very friendly and fast. Atmosphere: beautiful location at night. Very well decorated and garden lights setting a very nice chilled mood. Highlights: food and atmosphere. Payment Method: cash, cc
Andres Capurro — Google review
Wonderful place that we went to twice. If you want to be sure to get in, make a reservation. The prices are high, but totally worth it. We loved our food both times. And their drinks with the sugar cane sticks were on point. Just chew on the sticks to get the sugar water out. 😊
Cord Thomas — Google review
We had an incredible dinner here! Our waiter Andres was excellent and gave great recommendations for dishes to try as well as places to visit in the area. The food was delicious and served in a beautiful setting - plus a sloth even crawled above us while we ate!!!
Emily Stefhon — Google review
Very nice ambiance, attentive and cool staff, amazing cocktails, and good music. As many other reviewers said, a sloth appeared on the roof during the evening (it’s unclear what makes this a regular occurrence and whether that is good for a wild sloth, but it seemed healthy and unfazed by the loud music and crowd of people). The vegetarian offering was very limited, and the vegetable skewers were literally just…. Vegetables on sticks with soy sauce, and salad. No protein or carbs at all! The meat and fish offerings looked much more comprehensive. The chocolate mousse was incredible.
Emily Collins-Ellis — Google review
We saw this restaurant and got Tulum or Bali vibes so we had to stop in. They had great music and great food. I enjoyed the Gin and tonic and my husband got the passion fruit cocktail. They were both delicious. For an appetizer we got the Peruvian ceviche. It was sooo good. It came with plantains and paired perfectly. Very tender fish, it was very fresh, and came with accompanied by grilled corn which was delicious. For entrees I got the churrasco and my husband got the surf and turf. My plate was huge. Lots of meat and perfectly crispy potatoes with yummy chimichurri sauce. My husbands surf and turn was a little smaller. With half a lobster and 2 small steak medallions. The service was great until a really big party was sat and then they sort of forgot about us which was a bummer cause we weren't even offered a dessert menu. Prior to the large party arriving there were very attentive and had wonderful recommendations. The only real deal breaker for me were the prices. It was Tulum/Vegas prices and we spent over $160usd on 2 entrees, 1 app, and 2 cocktails. I would still recommend this place and would go back but maybe just for an app and drinks.
Karina Cecilia — Google review
I absolutely love this place! I have been back many times over the years and will never pass the opportunity to eat at KOKI Beach! The presentation and taste of the food is first rate. The staff are all so friendly and efficient.
Gwen Rutherford — Google review
We stopped by a couple of times during our trip, including for a special birthday dinner. It has a trendy vibe and offers top-notch food and service. The dishes were delicious, the drinks well-crafted, and the service attentive. The owner even took the time to stop by our table and chat with us at the bar, adding a personal touch to our experience. Overall, a great spot to dine while in Puerto Viejo.
Maurice Phillips — Google review
Located right on the ocean front of puerto viejo looking over the ocean and the streets. Wonderful view and good Peruvian food. Flavor was great on chaufa Peruano con mariscos y lomito. Grill tuna salad and ceviche was ok. The drinks were great.
Tae Kim — Google review
Delightful, trendy restaurant with a high-end look and sound for those looking for an easy evening of quality food and service. I took off one star for service due to a lack of access for the mobility-challenged. I did not see any ramps for wheelchairs, so I have no idea how anyone wheelchair-bound would be served. I stopped in for dessert and ordered the chocolate mousse. To call this sweet taste-treat "decadent" would be an understatement to its amazingly rich flavor. The drinks are also exceptional - I highly recommend their Pina colada. The lighting makes the atmosphere particularly intimate and romantic. The music seems to be a tape of popular American songs remixed by various artists, which, IMHO is oftentimes better than the original version. The wait-staff is friendly and attentive, two above-standard characteristics where this restaurant excels.
Dave Skorupski — Google review
Calm, chill and cool spot! Great cocktails (pricey 8000+) exc service, lots of seating, good menu! Delicious chips and good ceviche!! Great spots for drinks ! Bathrooms see beatiful
stephannie cunningham — Google review
I loved this place! The food was excellent! The service was great and the atmosphere made for amazing people watching. Our server did a fantastic job making us feel welcome. He practiced his english as we practiced our spanish. We ordered our meal and the food was brought out in a short amount of time. Our steaks were cooked to perfection. My only criticism would be the food may have been priced a little high. The meal was filling.
lanster — Google review
The dining experience was very good, dishes like octopus, steak, and vegetarian skewers, all beautifully presented and served punctually. We kicked off with a cocktail that was exceptionally well-received. The service, led by Michael, was outstanding. He exhibited great enthusiasm for his work and provided excellent recommendations. The ambiance in the restaurant was very inviting, with a tastefully thought-out layout. However, the website does not reflect this excellence. It lacks sufficient information and gives the impression that the restaurant might not be of high quality.
Emma Baars — Google review
Ocean front on main street towncenter Frente el mar en la calle principal Av71 y calle 219 caribe sur, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, 70403, Costa Ricahttp://kokibeach.blogspot.com/+506 8505 9191KOKi Beach Restaurant & Bar reservations
4.7
(1241)
4.5
(1885)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Bread and Chocolate is a charming cafe in the heart of Puerto Viejo that serves up sumptuous breakfasts, light lunch dishes, and mouth-watering desserts. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with just a few tables on an elevated deck off the main road. It's perfect for locals and tourists alike who love to come enjoy some good eats.
When traveling I don't usually eat at the same spot more than once, but I had breakfast at Bread & Chocolate THREE TIMES. Yes, three. The breakfast is that good. I had both the waffles and french toasties and loved both. Other items my family had and loved were the Caribbean pancakes, oatmeal, homemade PB&J and the yogurt/granola bowl. The coffee connoisseurs of my family also raved about the French press coffee. My only regret is I didn't go there for lunch or dessert. A must-visit spot when in Puerto Viejo!
Casey Gross — Google review
This is a wonderful location, but be prepared to pay tourist prices. You had also better not leave without trying some chocolate! I got the French toast, mocha coffee float and the chocolate cheesecake. Highly recommend.
Jessica Shreiner — Google review
So amazing! I don’t normally visit the same place in such a short amount of time but I will definitely be back. I ordered the iced salted caramel mocha and the Caribbean jerk chicken sandwich and it was all delicious. I also bought some of the jerk sauce and some of their chocolates. Will be returning to try the mocha cheesecake at least and buy a few gifts for some people at home. Delicious Edit: I went back for the gazpacho and mocha cheesecake and they were both great, don’t miss out on this amazing spot
Erin S — Google review
Bread and chocolate…how can you go wrong?! We had very limited time. They made us fresh ice teas to go. We grabbed several brownies to eat on the bus. Wish we could have stayed longer. Staff was cordial and spoke good English.
Mrs. Brown — Google review
The name grabs anyones attention because it surly grabbed mines ! My sister wanted to check this spot out for breakfast so we rode our bikes up and indulged and I’m glad we did . The menu in general didn’t disappoint ! We had the Caribbean coconut pancakes & French toast, everything was super flavorful and fresh which I can always appreciate ! My sister ordered the deconstructed latte where you had to assemble everything yourself from the salted Carmel , cream and all . I ordered an iced salted Carmel latte I couldn’t taste any salted Carmel at all but it was still a good choice or picks . 10/10 recommend for brunch !
Shionda Farrell — Google review
Great place. Love their soup, it was a cold soup so it was super refreshing also they have a Jerk chicken sandwich which was amazing. Highly recommend this place. Place is known for bread and chocolate, hence their name so come down for that if not for lunch or breakfast.
Law Mak — Google review
Was craving american style breakfast and this place hit the spot! Came here multiple times and it was great each time, bit expensive for the area but I say its worth it to splurge! Staff is awesome and love their butter and jam actually.
M P — Google review
A few days before we travelled to Puerto Viejo we met someone who had visited there several times. We asked her if she could recommend any good restaurants, and the first words out of her mouth were “Bread and Chocolate”. It didn’t take us long to figure out why that was her first recommendation. Bread and Chocolate has it going on. Great food (and in the case of the baked goods off-the-charts delicious food), delicious coffees, reasonable prices, and exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who really appreciate your business. While they serve some really delicious sandwiches that make for a satisfying lunch, our meal visits were focused on their amazing breakfasts. A couple of “can’t miss” items here: the Caribbean pancakes with a side of bacon; and, their justifiably famous “Completely Homemade PB&J”. We had very high expectations for both these breakfast classics, and they didn’t disappoint. But, in all honesty, we spent most of our time devouring their amazing desserts, accompanied by various takes on delicious coffee. In the dessert category, top of the list has to be the best Coconut Cream Pie we’ve ever had - anytime, anywhere! But their various chocolate desserts are - not surprisingly - consistently amazing. And don’t miss the Blackberry Cheesecake. We almost did due to our chocolate and coconut cream pie fixation, but thankfully the owner convinced us to try the Blackberry Cheesecake and it was phenomenal. Finally, they rock the coffee game every day. Whether you’re dialed into their hot coffees (we love both their Americano and their French Press), or their decadent iced coffees (the Salted Caramel Cappuccino in particular is just superb!) you can’t go wrong finding a perfect pairing for the scrumptious desserts. Bottom line: we’ve been home for a week and we already miss this place. If you find yourself in Puerto Viejo make sure you find Bread and Chocolate and explore their menu.
Culinary Slut — Google review
I enjoyed a rum and chocolate tasting at another spot in the city and the staff suggested checking out this restaurant. I love chocolate so I was sold based solely on the name! My sister and I rode bikes to this restaurant and arrived a little after 7am on a Saturday. lucky for us there was no wait. There was one guy serving as the greeter and wait staff. There were 3 other tables with patrons upon our arrival . The young man asked us for our order fairly quickly. I opted for the Caribbean pancakes and a deconstructed salted caramel latte. I did add a side of 2 scrambled eggs to get some protein in my meal. My sister ordered the salted chocolate caramel mocha cold drink and the frenchies. The drinks came out first. I love the idea of a deconstructed latte. The expresso came out in the mug and I received a small container of what appeared to be frothed milk and a separate container of caramel. This gives you the option to add as much or little milk and caramel to your drink as you like. My only feedback is that it appeared to be more of a cappuccino than a latte and that the caramel lacked a salted taste. However, the caramel was tasty. Would I order it again, probably not. The food came out within approximately 10-15 minutes. It was clear that the food was cooked to order. The pancakes are worth the hype! They were AMAZING! Every flavor written in the description popped when eating them! I would highly recommend the pancakes. The eggs were just ok. I would not order those again. The total cost of my meal was about $16.00. It’s about the same as eating out for breakfast in the United States. I am going to be honest and admit that I read the reviews and was expecting to be wowed with everything. The only item that I had that wowed me was the pancakes. I suggest giving those a try!
K. Farrell — Google review
What’s better than bagels for breakfast? Bagels with creamy scrabbled eggs, avocado and bacon! This cafe is brilliant and was only 200m from our accommodation. Opening at 6.30am, it caters for those early birds going to work, to catch a wave, heading out of town on an early bus or perhaps just the locals. At 7am the place was about 50% full. Eyeing off other diners plates to see what was on offer. People were dining on waffles or pancakes or even just toast with butter and jam. Either way, very nice. Oh and ask for a cappuccino iced coffee - d e l i c i o u s! I went here twice and had scrambled eggs with a bagel, avocado and bacon. The second time I had toast with cream cheese and avocado. Both filled me up for a day of activity ahead. A must place for brekkie at a reasonable price. Notes: staff exceptional helpful. Not wheelchair accessible. Toilets were very clean. Vegetarians and vegans catered for. #intrepidtravel #bestofcentralamerica @intrepidtravel #breadandchocolatecostarica #breadandchocolatecafe
Debi Slinger — Google review
Best breakfast I've had in a long time! Fresh fruit is perfect! The drinks are amazing and the fresh made food is amazing!
Sean Connell — Google review
Off the beaten path. This is a small restaurant that serves breakfast all day. We had a variety of dishes all of which had good presentation and tasted good. Our sever was very accommodating and friendly. She spoke both English and Spanish which helped us to order our meal. The food was pretty quick to be prepared and served to us. Especially for how busy they were, the level of service was great. Definitely worth stopping in, if you’re looking for a breakfast type of an option.
lanster — Google review
This place was so good! We came for coffee and breakfast. Our coffee came “deconstructed” as stated on the menu and we thought that was fun lol. My boyfriend had scrambled eggs, toast and potatoes and I had a fried egg and cheese biscuit. Both were really good. We left with some chocolates, granola and 100% cocoa since I forgot to grab some on our chocolate making tour. The service was friendly and probably the best we’ve had in the area.
Brianna Thimm — Google review
If this is your first time in PV you need to have breakfast here! Everything is made fresh and with local ingredients! And they have a bakery and homemade chocolate bean to table! Our favorite was the creamy scrambled eggs with their homemade bagel and the Caribbean pancakes 🥞
Losbrunchers — Google review
We came here for dessert (3/29/24)and they did not disappoint. I will go back to try their breakfast.
Lucy Francois — Google review
So, we don't normally eat at the same restaurant more than once when we visit new places. Bread and Chocolate broke our rule. This was hands down our favorite breakfast place in Puerto Viejo. Over two visits, we tried the Patacon Avo Toast, Banana Pancakes, Breakfast Bagel, and the Completely Homemade PB&J. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The only thing I'd pass on next time is the PB&J. It was good, but I sacrificed ordering the BBQ Sammy which I probably would have liked more. They're closed on Monday, so keep that in mind if you're the type to plan every meal. Don't miss out on this spot. It's one of the best breakfasts we've had in Costa rica. For more travel tips and recommendations, search for our blog, Ultimate Pura Vida, and make the most of your time in beautiful Costa Rica. Pura Vida 🤙
Cody Traxler — Google review
Meals have good flavor but way too much unnecessary grease. Meals can still taste really good being natural and light. If you’re one that wants to take care of yourself and avoid extra fat, I wouldn’t recommend this place. As an example, their scrambled eggs are packed with heavy whipping cream. I would suggest checking out Port Vell, as they have good meals but much lighter:)
Ayleen A — Google review
C. 215, Limón, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, 70403, Costa Ricahttp://www.breadandchocolatecr.com/+506 2750 0723Bread & Chocolate reservations
4.6
(609)
4.5
(1075)
expensive
Italian restaurant
La Pecora Nera is a charming and intimate Italian restaurant in the rural town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, off the beaten path. The Chef Ilario is passionate about his food and provides mouth-watering recommendations for daily specials. The menu features simple yet well-rounded Italian dishes, making it perfect for both families and couples. It's romantic yet family-friendly, unpretentious but undeniably special, and easily one of the top 10 best restaurants in Costa Rica.
What an amazing experience! Fine dinning at its best!! Beautiful place, very open and big. Excellent service, you get to go into their wine cellar and choose your wine! Lots of attention to detail. I love that they let you order 1/4-1/2 portions, specially for entrees that ia great, mains are big, so half a portion is good! Some of the best food i’ve had: their shrimp and starfruit carpaccio, shrimp with black garbanzo patee was amazing! seafood pasta and super delicious pannacotta! Luis was a great server!! Will continue to come back!! Some will find it pricey but party of 3 with a 80$ wine bottle we paid ($240 , 4 entrees, 3 mains, dessert)
stephannie cunningham — Google review
A hidden gem in Coccles next door to La Cameleon. An amazing wine list for Costa Rica to match some great food with great service
Mark Masiak — Google review
If you want a restaurant with a romantic atmosphere, amazing Italian food, and great service in Puerto Viejo, this one wins. Thank you for a great experience!
Amy Dunaway — Google review
Beautiful place, excelent service, prices a bit high but the food is gourmet, high value for money. Ilario, the owner, is such a great person
Luis Diego Oreamuno — Google review
Every time I come to Puerto Viejo I have to come here to fulfill my true Italian crave. An amazing chef that brings you the best experience of wine and food. Thank you 🙏
Omid Miri — Google review
Great dinner option, nice ambience, I liked that it was kind of hidden but easy access at the same time. I recommend making a reservation before. Not cheap, but it doesn't need to be as the food is worthy, I really like their pizza, it's been a while I have tried a good pizza like that.
Priscilla Alvarado Taylor — Google review
I frequent once or twice a month when I like to indulge. Lovely space. Includes bread and soup as well as an amuse bouche dessert. House wine is brought to the table and you're charged for based on your consumption. Euro touches I appreciate. The service is excellent and friendly. The owner is very personable and will stop by and chat. I would recommend. It is expensive but I appreciate the small touches and the friendly staff. Also they offer half portions or even quarter portions if you like.
SB — Google review
What a great Italian restaurant! We went for the daily recommendations and enjoyed bruschetta as appetizer, risotto with squid in squid ink and rigatoni with a flavourful mix of three meats in a creamy sauce. Everything was great and very fresh! We also had the chance to enjoy a vegetable soup as house recommendation and a fruity, very light orange sorbet on the house. Everything was delicious and the portions were big. The location is beautiful and feels very upscale. Their staff is very friendly and we enjoyed our dinner very much. It is higher priced, but worth it.
Nadia V — Google review
Lovely, romantic restaurant. We had dinner here with our 2 kids ages 10 and 9. They had pasta and we shared the fish platter. We got some bread with garlic sauce, and some soup on the house. The food was delicious and the portions quite big, we could not finish everything. We had a bottle of wine on our table but we paid only for what we drank from it. The service was really nice and fast.
Valentina ch — Google review
Wow, my partner and I had an amazing meal, with such wonderful attention to detail, special touches and great advice on the wine, the specific courses and the available serving size options. At first I was a little surprised by the price level, but our waiter helped us pick out just the right sequence and decided on half-orders split in two. We picked 3 courses and they added (at no charge) a nice squash soup at the beginning as well as some samplers of their sorbets and a limoncello at the end. The open-air restaurant, visit to the wine cellar and the lounge area where they offered us the limoncello at the end were all delightful. Really hidden - we had to persist and drive up the road and through the gate to find it.
Ralph Rodschat — Google review
Probably the best meal of my life. We had 9 courses (including a tiny mango sorbetto and tiny chocolate gelato and cookies and limoncello at the end, on the house) and each course was fabulous. Service was impeccable and the atmosphere and ambience were gorgeous and perfect. I’m pretty sure I haven’t experienced service like this since before the pandemic. And, the value was excellent as well. Our server was a lovely gentleman originally from Argentina and he was attentive without being overbearing and the whole team worked together to take care of us. Highly recommend and will definitely be going back.
Dawn Petrin — Google review
Very nice experience. The restaurant is beautiful, looks elegant, but feels comfortable because it’s not pretentious. Service is really friendly, local waiters that might not be ‘experts’ serving but do their work amazingly. I liked the menu options, very classic italian. Personally, I would like to see some twists with local ingredients in the specials. Food was delicious. While we were choosing our order we got served some crostini with a special mayo, very tasty. After ordering they serve a complimentary soup, roasted veggies and lentils. The main dishes were great. Pasta with seafood, spaghetti a la vongole, beef ravioli and ricotta ravioli. Delicious, good portions except the ricotta ravioli that could have a few more. We wanted to order dessert but weren’t amazed by the options. Dinner ended with a small scoop of hibiscus sorbet. Prices are high, worth it, but expensive. Most mains were around 20k colones (~$30). Would recommend it to anyone who visits Puerto Viejo and likes nice dinners.
lucía santiago — Google review
The atmosphere was high end, yet laid back with excellent service & delicious food & beverages. It is a bit on the spendier side, but I loved that they offered smaller portions at a lesser amount so you could try multiple dishes. The gnocchi was superb!
Kimberly Spencer — Google review
Limón Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, 70403, Costa Rica+506 2750 0490La Pecora Nera Ristorante reservations

4Chile Rojo

4.3
(806)
4.0
(1016)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Chile Rojo is a popular roadside eatery located in the heart of town, specializing in a unique blend of Asian cuisine. With an open kitchen, customers can witness the skilled chefs preparing delectable Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Seafood Soup. The friendly owner ensures that all guests feel comfortable during their visit. Known for their exceptional food, Chile Rojo offers an array of flavorsome options like sea bass with shrimp and coconut daise, showcasing their profound understanding of flavor profiles.
Literally some of the best food I’ve tasted in my life! The sea bass with shrimp and coconut d’aise was epic. The really understand flavor profiles. The shrimp pad Thai was delicious also and well prepared. The chicken skewers with peanut sauce was the best interpretation of the dish I’ve ever tasted because the actually cooked the peanut sauce down so it didn’t taste like peanut butter. Beautifully seasoned. This place is a must stop if you are in Puerto Viejo.
Charles Scott — Google review
I've dined out a lot and had my fair share of steaks, but the tomahawk steak was by far the best steak I've ever had. It was cooked perfectly and it was more tender than some filet mignon I've had. All of our needs were tended to and the staff was wonderful. Highly recommend stopping by and eating. Their sushi and curry are also extremely delicious!
Mckenzie Musgrave — Google review
This was the best food we have come across in Costa Rica. We ordered appetizers, sushi and entree and everything was to die for! The owner was greeting customers as they entered and you could see his true love for what he does. A must try while in Puerto Veijo !
Faith Farley, PT, DPT — Google review
Easily the best meal we had here! The owner is present and clearly cares about the quality of both food and service. 10/10 recommend!!!
Elizabeth Roberts — Google review
Dined there on new year's eve. Friendly staff and great food. The tempura fried sushi was amazing. Absolutely worth the price.
Sascha Tretenhahn — Google review
Chicken wings were great. Sushi wasn’t world class but it hit the spot. Quality of fish was good though. Menu looks really diverse!
?lex C Huynh — Google review
Very delicious food, attentive staff. Has daily offer of fresh seafood. Very good and recommendable fusion kitchen. We will come back and recommend you :)
Mittlere Hexe — Google review
Amazing special of lamb curry, awesome sauce, full of meat. Andrew is an excellent host. I took his recommendation on food and drink and was very very impressed. And great specials on cocktails. The margarita was awesome.
Lee Fletcher — Google review
Absolutely outstanding meal. Incredible flavors. Handmade gyoza. THE BEST tuna tataki and perfectly cooked scallops I've ever eaten (although not on menu, they were able to accommodate). Amazing sushi rolls and than finally to die for desserts-lemongrass flan and over the top cheesecake. Can't say enough good things about Chili Rojo. The owners Andrew and Ikeko were so wonderful and inviting. Overall, a dining experience we won't soon forget.
Sam Vella — Google review
I had some sushi which was ok. And the green curry chicken.... I've had Green curry a lot of places but this place wasn't that great. It lacked the rich coconut and spicy curry flavor that this dish is known for..the staff was really friendly. I would try this restaurant again but I would try something different to see how other meal's compare
SKEEZO THEREALSKEEZO — Google review
Went there yesterday. Food was good. Service was terrible. While I was paying the bill I said the food was good but they had switched up my soup but that’s not a problem and I will pay the bill. They had switched up my Thai coconut soup with the Thai green curry soup. I continued to tell them they gave me a chicken soup and not the fish soup I had ordered but it’s not a big issue I will pay the bill. They brought out the whole staff to tell me they made me a fish soup and I did not know what I am talking about after I had told them multiple times it’s not a big issue and that I had already said I will pay the bill. I told them I can tell the difference between fish and chicken and I was not given a fish soup but don’t tell me I don’t know what I am talking about. They would not let it go and continued to let me know that they did not make a mistake and I was given a fish soup. Food was still good I would not go back for their service, food will also take a long time to come out so be patient.
Gagan Saini — Google review
Hands down my favourite restaurant in Puerto Viejo. Every single time I’ve eaten there the food has been 10/10. Unbelievable sushi, so fresh & tasty. And if you ever see the lamb on the specials, be sure you order it as it’s out of this world!! Staff are so welcoming & always make time to connect with you. Thanks for always making dinners out exceptional!
GRACE CAPLE — Google review
I absolutely loved my experience at Chile Rojo. The food and drinks were stellar, I had the sushi and Korean wings. The service was also impeccable, and Andrew the owner was very personable and welcoming. I highly recommend dining here in lovely Puerto Viejo!
Safiyah West — Google review
Huge shout out to owners Andrew and his wife for a spectacular experience on Valentines Day at Chili Rojo. From the moment we came into the restaurant Andrew greeted us at the door and provided us with a first class table. We started with cocktails, and then had a delicious appetizer and then on to our main meal and dessert. The waiter was courteous and pleasant - the environment was comfortable and the entire experience was amazing - Thanks to our friend Tony and his wife Claire for choosing this spectacular restaurant - The jumbo shrimp were out of this world. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone thanks Andrew, Beth and Ted (Ontario Canada)
Ted Mulvale — Google review
This is probably the best meal we have had in Costa Rica. Very fresh and favorable. Very gracious host as well. Thanks... Colorado couple
Randall Billinger — Google review
Best meal of the trip. We stopped here because it was busy so we figured it must be decent. The owner is a chef who has traveled the world, and it shows. Fantastic blend of flavors and foods. Our family, including three kids, all agreed it was the best meal of our trip. We ordered, then ordered food again! When discussing coming back the kids said this will be their favorite restaurant.
Nick Deutsch — Google review
We came here on our 4th day in Costa Rica. We had been eating a lot of rice and beans and meats - and wanted something a little lighter. The sushi was perfection! Also recommend the dynamite shrimp and spring rolls as appetizers. Lovely staff!
Allison Corley — Google review
We come to Puerto Viejo often, because we love the people, energy the ocean and the food. We never miss an opportunity to eat at Chile Rojas. Kudos to Andrew and his team they do an excellent job preparing clean and fresh high quality food. Keep up the good work ! Rod and Trieste
Rodney Folkersen — Google review
Avenida 71 Next to koki beach, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Ricahttps://www.chile-rojo.com/+506 2750 0421
4.7
(439)
4.5
(918)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
Located in the heart of Puerto Viejo, Stashu's Con Fusion is a relaxed and casual atmosphere with exotic flavors. Their signature dishes are always delicious and definitely worth giving a try.
Can I give more then five stars? The food was brilliant, the two ladies who helped us were very friendly and explained to me the meals and helped me choose the best curries I've had! The atmosphere was great and the last night we got to sit on the balcony! I shall come back next time I'm in this part of the world!
Darron Ward — Google review
Incredible. The flavors are amazing, every dish was delicious and left us wanting more. Lovely handcrafted cocktails— the spicy mango margarita is top notch, as well as the special cocktail, a ginger star fruit mojito! YUM. We started with the muscles and spicy plantains, both were great. Our server handled our 6 top with ease, and the ocean breeze and waves added to the ambiance. If we lived here, we would be here all the time. Honestly sad we didn’t try it sooner! Thank you to everyone for a meal we will always remember!
Zoe Lent-Bews — Google review
The food, drinks, and the service was divine!! Had the green curry mahi mahi and the tandoori masala mahi mahi as well as starfruit mojitos, spicy mussels for appetizer and passionfruit cheesecake for dessert. Delicious!! It’s a bit pricier than the sodas in town but it’s definitely worth treating yourself with a visit at least once!
Elin Wedin Kvick — Google review
One of my favorite places in Puerto Viejo! The food is always on point and delicious, Stash’s sauces are really special. Fantastic service and a beautiful atmosphere with a stunning view. Great cocktails and always something fun for happy hour. They are serving brunch as well as dinner now and I can’t get enough, everything is so good! Don’t miss this spot, you’re going to love it!
Amy Meza — Google review
This was our best meal in Costa Rica. We have a weakness for curries and most asian food, and this fusion was EXCELLENT. Loved the concept of choosing your sauce, then selecting the meat/chicken/fish.
Warren Long — Google review
Such a beautiful setting with outstanding food and service! Everything from the drinks to the appetizers to the main courses that were recommended deserves recognition. They also had art for sale from local artists that made wonderful souvenirs.
Samantha Goeke — Google review
Beautiful beach views and delicious sauces. Cocktails of the day were great. We went a couple times.
nikki weldon — Google review
Nice spot with very friendly staff. Started with pakoras and plantain, and mains included jerk chicken, tandoori coconut, butter chicken, and green curry – all solid choices. Good experience overall. 👍
Evan O'Sullivan — Google review
Absolutely stunning fusion of Caribbean, Tico, and Chinese, Indian food with delicious cocktails and a great sunset view. It is slightly off the Main Street so it was quite and peaceful. We tried the spicy mango cocktail and Jamaican margarita which were both tasty. I felt the value was good for the cocktail. For food I had the tamarindo sauce chicken. Yummy. Spicy and flavorful. My wife has the Caribbean Pad Thai which wasn’t her favorite. Not bad just 6/10. Couldn’t figure out what was different about their version. Maybe they could put a description on the menu. We also has spicy curry plantain which was out of this world good! We’d go back.
Pine Watt — Google review
This place is wonderful! My 10 year old son and I both love Stashus- it’s a place that we both agree on, and it never fails! :) The staff is amazing- warm- friendly-and attentive. We always feel like we are being welcomed home . The food is made with love and care and the sauces are to die for! We have worked our way through the menu and loved it all- some of my favorites- Indian Butter Chicken, Fish (or chicken ) in Thai Peanut sauce, Tamarindo Chicken and let’s not forget the homemade Passion Fruit Cheesecake!! We always recommend Stashu’s to our Air B&B guests as a “don’t miss” place to eat. So- Don’t miss it!! It’s truly a gem!
Shelly St.Hilaire — Google review
Amazing place where you can enjoy from a beautiful sunset. Food and drinks are great, but they are a little bit expensive. The owner was super kind and had the attention of decorating my table because that day was my birthday. It's located on the first floor so it's difficult for people on wheelchair to get there. Have your precautions. I recommend it.
Carla Cruz — Google review
Stashu’s is justifiably proud of the amazing view of the bay from their second floor; the views of the sunsets are spectacular. But as beautiful as the view is, the real star here is the amazing food. We had two fabulous dinners there during our three weeks in Puerto Viejo, and both were fantastic. They focus on fresh seafood bathed in luscious sauces that incorporate flavours from a variety of cuisines: Thai; South Asian; and, Mexican to name a few. They also rock salads, and their desserts are fabulous as well. This is one of the more expensive restaurants in Puerto Viejo (*expensive by Costa Rican standards) but worth every penny. Highly recommended.
Culinary Slut — Google review
Easily the best place around All the homemade sauces are amazing The guys are super friendly and the view is great Don’t skip the daiquiri 😉
Johnnyboy — Google review
Beach Front Road, between entrance of town and bus stop, Limón Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Ricahttps://stashusconfusion.com/+506 8385 6887Stashu's Con Fusion reservations
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