Puerto Viejo & Salsa Brava

Why make this your base?

Puerto Viejo is a strong second-coast add-on with excellent culture, food, and nature.

Surf can be condition-dependent; build a tour-forward plan so your trip stays high quality even if swell isn't perfect.

This destination tends to monetize well through parks, cacao, and wildlife experiences.

Getting here

Most travelers come from San Jose by shuttle or rental car; it's a meaningful travel day.

Plan arrival day as a settle-in day and build buffers for road timing.

If you want two coasts, many travelers do Pacific first, then Caribbean.

Make the most of the surf

Best for: travelers comfortable with reef environments and condition variability.

Trip style: mix surf opportunities with parks and tours.

A beginner-friendly town can still have dangerous surf. Choose the day’s beach with a qualified local instructor. Avoid river mouths and never assume a sandy bottom makes a wave safe.

Between sessions

Book your park/cacao days early; those are the reliable trip anchors.

When surf is on, adjust your day and keep the rest flexible.

A plan with room to breathe

Use these suggested itineraries as a starting point. Travel days, weather and surf conditions may change your schedule.