Welcome to the Costa Rica Horizon blog! We’re passionate about helping families explore the beauty and magic of Costa Rica in comfort and safety. Today, we’re thrilled to have Karla Sarquis, a proud Costa Rican and nature enthusiast who cherishes discovering new adventures with her family. Karla is here to share her favorite family-friendly activities in the charming coastal town of Puerto Viejo, a destination known for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and breathtaking beaches. If you’re planning a trip to this tropical paradise, her insights are sure to inspire your itinerary!
Ready to start planning? Head to our transportation booking or get a quote page and let’s get your trip secured!
Why Puerto Viejo is a Gem That’s Worth the Visit
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located in the Limon Province, is a town on the Caribbean coast in southeast Costa Rica renowned for its surf and distinctive beaches.
Puerto Viejo is home to the Jaguar Rescue Center, which specializes in rehabilitating wild cats and other animals. Three miles south is the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, which features a diverse ecosystem comprising rainforest, wetlands, and mangroves. To the north, Cahuita National Park protects a large coral reef and offers a shipwreck dive site.
A picturesque region bathed by the Caribbean Sea’s waters is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica. It offers beautiful sandy beaches and untamed natural beauty, all infused with a unique Caribbean charm embodied by its warm and welcoming people.
A stroll down the unpaved roads reveals colorful homes and local businesses, unmarked streets, beaches, Caribbean restaurants, yoga studios, gelato, and smoothie shops. Locals usually bike or walk along the roads to reggae rhythms.
Downtown Puerto Viejo is also the best area to buy unique souvenirs, bracelets, t-shirts, and any memento to remember Costa Rica.
This trip was special to me as my dad was born and raised in Limon and it had been over 25 years since I had visited. On our way to Puerto Viejo, my kids and I stopped at downtown Limon to check out the park and the beach where I used to play. If you decide to make this stop, be aware of theft as it is an area that has had problems with that even though the community is working really hard to prevent it.
As we continued our trip we had one more stop and it was to the Sloth Sanctuary as my daughter loves Sloths.
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
Photography by Alejandro Om
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is the original rescue center for injured, stray, and abandoned sloths. This place was authorized as a rescue center officially in 1997. The mission of the Sloth Sanctuary is “The rescue, rehabilitation, research and, when possible, the release of sloths and educating people about conserving the rainforest, the sloths’ natural habitat.”
Although sloths are enclosed and you are not able to touch them, we had a great experience learning about these animals, their habitats and way of living. It was also a great experience to see them up close!
Tours begin on the hour and you can find more information on how to visit, prices, and more on their website. https://www.slothsanctuary.com
Our last stop was Puerto Viejo. For this trip, we chose Cabinas Selvin and Blanca to stay and we are so glad we did.
Cabinas Selvin y Blanca
This place is truly a gem located in Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo. Owned by locals and it carries a Caribbean flavor in everything it offers.
It is not your typical hotel. There are several cabins and rooms and everything is very rustic, with hammocks outside of your room, and its own kitchen, all surrounded by nature and just a walk away from Punta Uva beach. And just a quick car, taxi, or Tuk Tuk ride to downtown Puerto Viejo.
One of the things we enjoyed the most was staying here surrounded by nature!
Not only does this place offer accommodations, but they have their very own restaurant, Selvin’s, where you can get the most delicious Caribbean food. My two top favorites are “rice and beans,” which is cooked with coconut milk and a mix of seasonings that is heaven in your mouth, and the amazing “patacones,” which are deep-fried plantain slices. If you like seafood, this place won’t disappoint. The restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday.
You can find information on both the cabins and the restaurant on their Instagram page @selvinpuntauva.
Punta Uva beach
Situated at a comfortable distance from Puerto Viejo’s lively party scene, this location affords tranquility while remaining close to supermarkets, clinics, banks, and nearby towns’ nightlife.
This stunning white sand beach, surrounded by palm trees and crystal clear waters, is complemented by a charming coastal town worthy of exploration. The name is Punta Uva translates to “grape point”, referencing the sea grape trees lining the beach.
Staying in Punta Uva is definitely a unique experience as it is a secluded location untouched by large resorts and corporations, preserving the natural character of the land.
Punta Uva is the perfect beach to start if you plan on beach hopping to other beaches like Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, or Puerto Viejo.
Even though our trip to Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva was short, there are more places to visit to enhance your trip with amazing experiences. I will list some of them for you to explore.
The Jaguar Rescue Center
Molnár Tamás Photography
The Jaguar Rescue Center is a temporary or permanent home for ill, injured, and orphaned animals. With a focus on monkeys, sloths, other mammals, birds and reptiles
The Jaguar Rescue Center Sanctuary is home to approximately 90 animals that cannot be released. This Sanctuary helps people be made aware of the problems that wild animals are experiencing in the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
Animals that have arrived at the Jaguar Rescue Center are unable to return to the wild due to health or behavioral reasons, as determined by specialist veterinary criteria, and are housed in suitable facilities to foster natural behavioral development.
The Jaguar Center offers both public and private tours.
The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is home to varied ecosystems, including jungle wetlands, lowland rainforests, mangrove swamps, reefs, flooded forests, lagoons, oceanfront, and sand beaches, which makes it an amazing place for discovery.
It protects 3,833 hectares of land and 4,436 hectares of marine territory on the Caribbean coast.
The conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems are conducted with community involvement, protecting the habitats of threatened species such as manatees and sea turtles.
The majority of visitors prefer the Manzanillo sector, famous for its gorgeous view of the Manzanillo Point, beautiful white-sand beaches, and rewarding hiking routes.
Hours of operation: Both the Manzanillo and Gandoca sectors are open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There’s no entry fee, visitors have the option to make a voluntary donation that will support the park’s administration.
And if you are a fan of surfing, Puerto Viejo is also one of the destinations picked by tourists for this activity!
Let’s Book Your Stop to Pueto Viejo
Puerto Viejo offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Costa Rican culture, making it an unforgettable destination for families. With Karla’s expert recommendations, your visit can be filled with cherished memories and meaningful experiences. Remember, Costa Rica Horizon is here to ensure your journey is seamless and stress-free, providing safe and private transportation every step of the way. Let’s help you turn your Puerto Viejo dreams into a reality—because the best adventures start with a smooth ride.
Secure your trip on our transportation bookings page or request a quote for transportation in Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!