Guidebook for Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Food Scene
Thomas’ favorite restaurant and the best Italian restaurant in Costa Rica. Chef inspired dishes with daily specials and the ambience is perfect for a romantic dinner. Take a left on the main road and La Pecora Nera will be a few hundred meters on the right hand side.
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La Pecora Nera Ristorante
Thomas’ favorite restaurant and the best Italian restaurant in Costa Rica. Chef inspired dishes with daily specials and the ambience is perfect for a romantic dinner. Take a left on the main road and La Pecora Nera will be a few hundred meters on the right hand side.
Only a few minutes walking from the house, this little café serves up daily vegan specials. You can shop the stylish shop located next door while you wait for your tasty healthy food and drinks.
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Casa Mandala
256Only a few minutes walking from the house, this little café serves up daily vegan specials. You can shop the stylish shop located next door while you wait for your tasty healthy food and drinks.
Asian fusion served up in Stash’s funky art gallery / restaurant. Try the Loco Ginger (fresh pineapple, ginger, and dark rum) and don’t miss out on the Thai citrus peanut sauce or the fish tacos. Closed Wednesdays.
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Stashu's Con Fusion
Asian fusion served up in Stash’s funky art gallery / restaurant. Try the Loco Ginger (fresh pineapple, ginger, and dark rum) and don’t miss out on the Thai citrus peanut sauce or the fish tacos. Closed Wednesdays.
It has no name and no sign but it is the only place to eat fish in Puerto Viejo. The owner Lazlo is a Romanian born larger-than-life character and fisherman who only serves fresh seafood caught from the Caribbean (most other restaurants serve fish trucked in from the Pacific). The menu is simple: grilled catch of the day served with hand-cut French fries and veggies. If a red Dodge dump truck is parked out front hitched to a fishing boat, Lazlo is open for business. If not, try another night. Don’t forget to wash that tuna or kingfish down with Robbie’s famous coctails.
Lazlo's Catch Of The Day
It has no name and no sign but it is the only place to eat fish in Puerto Viejo. The owner Lazlo is a Romanian born larger-than-life character and fisherman who only serves fresh seafood caught from the Caribbean (most other restaurants serve fish trucked in from the Pacific). The menu is simple: grilled catch of the day served with hand-cut French fries and veggies. If a red Dodge dump truck is parked out front hitched to a fishing boat, Lazlo is open for business. If not, try another night. Don’t forget to wash that tuna or kingfish down with Robbie’s famous coctails.
In my opinion, the best authentic Italian wood fired pizza. In an area teeming with amazing Italian-owned pizza shops, that’s saying something. Call 2756-8274 to arrange pick-up (delivery is possible, but not simple given the lack of addresses).
El Nido Lodge - Hotel Puerto Viejo
In my opinion, the best authentic Italian wood fired pizza. In an area teeming with amazing Italian-owned pizza shops, that’s saying something. Call 2756-8274 to arrange pick-up (delivery is possible, but not simple given the lack of addresses).
Run by a wonderful Argentinian couple, this intimate restaurant is worth the drive for a romantic dinner. The simple menu offers tuna, steak (of course, it is Argentinian), a vegetarian option and excellent South American wine pairings. Creatively served with the chef’s selection of sides. Don’t miss out on their homemade chimichurri, the yummy Argentinian sauce, to go along with your steak or bread. With only 5 tables reservations are recommended 2759-9007.
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El Refugio Grill
Run by a wonderful Argentinian couple, this intimate restaurant is worth the drive for a romantic dinner. The simple menu offers tuna, steak (of course, it is Argentinian), a vegetarian option and excellent South American wine pairings. Creatively served with the chef’s selection of sides. Don’t miss out on their homemade chimichurri, the yummy Argentinian sauce, to go along with your steak or bread. With only 5 tables reservations are recommended 2759-9007.
The name means Pure Gluttony and the varied menu offers delicious local fare served “slow food” style.
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Pura Gula Restaurante
Calle Playa ChiquitaThe name means Pure Gluttony and the varied menu offers delicious local fare served “slow food” style.
The friendly and lively Italian owners of Como en Mi Casa serve up the best espresso and cappuccino in town. The breakfast menu offers homemade breads and jams, pancakes, and a selection of pastries. For lunch I recommend the special plate of the day, which includes a gluten-free chickpea flour burrito stuffed with veggies and hummus or guacamole, a side of homemade crackers, several types of goat cheese, homemade jam, nuts, salad, and your choice of fruit smoothie. Mmmm…
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Como en mi Casa - Art Cafe
Calle 215The friendly and lively Italian owners of Como en Mi Casa serve up the best espresso and cappuccino in town. The breakfast menu offers homemade breads and jams, pancakes, and a selection of pastries. For lunch I recommend the special plate of the day, which includes a gluten-free chickpea flour burrito stuffed with veggies and hummus or guacamole, a side of homemade crackers, several types of goat cheese, homemade jam, nuts, salad, and your choice of fruit smoothie. Mmmm…
This “spice deli” is located right on the beach next to the dive shop overlooking a coral reef. The proprietor, Flora, is an Ayurvedic therapist and many of the yummy recipes come from this ancient Indian holistic health tradition. Try a variety of homemade salads served in a homemade whole wheat pita. My favorite is the hungry pirate stuffed with hummus, sweet potato, cabbage and carrots and served with a tangy side of house-made hot sauce. Open every day 9 am – 6 pm.
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PUERTO PIRATA TIKI BAR
Calle 215This “spice deli” is located right on the beach next to the dive shop overlooking a coral reef. The proprietor, Flora, is an Ayurvedic therapist and many of the yummy recipes come from this ancient Indian holistic health tradition. Try a variety of homemade salads served in a homemade whole wheat pita. My favorite is the hungry pirate stuffed with hummus, sweet potato, cabbage and carrots and served with a tangy side of house-made hot sauce. Open every day 9 am – 6 pm.
The best Italian food in Puerto Viejo (NB: does not include Cocles, where there’s another killer Italian restaurant close to the house.) Everything here is high quality and made fresh in house. It’s also a hip place to be seen. Closed Tuesdays.
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Cafe Viejo
The best Italian food in Puerto Viejo (NB: does not include Cocles, where there’s another killer Italian restaurant close to the house.) Everything here is high quality and made fresh in house. It’s also a hip place to be seen. Closed Tuesdays.
Everything but the ketchup is homemade! All day breakfast and lunch includes bagels, biscuits, delicious eggs, home fried potatoes, fruits, granola, sandwiches, gazpacho, truffles, cakes, muffins, cookies, French press coffee, fresh fruit smoothies and juices. What more could you want? Open Wednesday through Sunday 6:30 am – 6 pm. Closes early on Sunday (at 3 pm) and closed Mondays.
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Bread & Chocolate
Calle 215Everything but the ketchup is homemade! All day breakfast and lunch includes bagels, biscuits, delicious eggs, home fried potatoes, fruits, granola, sandwiches, gazpacho, truffles, cakes, muffins, cookies, French press coffee, fresh fruit smoothies and juices. What more could you want? Open Wednesday through Sunday 6:30 am – 6 pm. Closes early on Sunday (at 3 pm) and closed Mondays.
Delicious Middle Easter cuisine using the owner's Israeli grandmother's recipes. Call ahead to make sure they are open as hours vary. 2756-8173.
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Pita Bonita
Delicious Middle Easter cuisine using the owner's Israeli grandmother's recipes. Call ahead to make sure they are open as hours vary. 2756-8173.
Entertainment & Activities
Horseback Riding: one of the best ways to discover the coast and the natural beauty of the jungle. All our rides combine the beach and jungle. Guided by an English speaking professional rider who will teach you not only how to ride your horse but also explain about Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo, and the surrounding nature. All levels welcome. Our horses are very well trained and suitable for beginners. We use quality imported equipment, the best you can find here. Book through Caribe Horse 8705-4250 or www.caribehorse.com.
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Caribe Horse Riding Club
Horseback Riding: one of the best ways to discover the coast and the natural beauty of the jungle. All our rides combine the beach and jungle. Guided by an English speaking professional rider who will teach you not only how to ride your horse but also explain about Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo, and the surrounding nature. All levels welcome. Our horses are very well trained and suitable for beginners. We use quality imported equipment, the best you can find here. Book through Caribe Horse 8705-4250 or www.caribehorse.com.
Raft the Pacuare River with onward transportation to San Jose Included: This world-famous river hosted the world championship of rafting in November 2011. Located in the mountains less than 2 hours from Puerto Viejo. Daily trips include: transport to and from Puerto Viejo (or onward transport to San Jose free of charge), quality buffet breakfast, 4 hours on the river, and lunch. It's an unforgettable experience riding class III and IV rapids through the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest and steep canyons. The cost is $99 per person.
Exploradores Outdoors
Raft the Pacuare River with onward transportation to San Jose Included: This world-famous river hosted the world championship of rafting in November 2011. Located in the mountains less than 2 hours from Puerto Viejo. Daily trips include: transport to and from Puerto Viejo (or onward transport to San Jose free of charge), quality buffet breakfast, 4 hours on the river, and lunch. It's an unforgettable experience riding class III and IV rapids through the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest and steep canyons. The cost is $99 per person.
Discover and learn about tropical wildlife (see Tripadvisor for reviews). The center is located in Cocles a little to the south of the house and is open every day except Sunday. They have 2 guided tours per day at 9:30 am and 11:30 am (the center is closed outside of these hours). The visit takes about 1.5 hours and costs US$20 per person. www.jaguarrescue.com
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Jaguar Rescue Center
Discover and learn about tropical wildlife (see Tripadvisor for reviews). The center is located in Cocles a little to the south of the house and is open every day except Sunday. They have 2 guided tours per day at 9:30 am and 11:30 am (the center is closed outside of these hours). The visit takes about 1.5 hours and costs US$20 per person. www.jaguarrescue.com
This region has a rich history for growing quality cacao. Let Caribeans take you on a “Chocolate Forest Experience” to discover chocolate like you’ve never known before. Learn why the Greek name for cacao is theobroma or “food of the gods.” And how chocolate in its pure form is actually healthy.
During the tour, you will sample raw cacao fruit and learn how its seeds are processed into organic chocolate from “tree to bar.” The tour includes a guided walk through the cacao farm, a gourmet tasting (think wine tasting but with chocolate!), and a gorgeous ocean view ending in a Willy Wonka-like chocolate factory. Caribeans’ dream is to create the Napa Valley of chocolate right here in the
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Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate
This region has a rich history for growing quality cacao. Let Caribeans take you on a “Chocolate Forest Experience” to discover chocolate like you’ve never known before. Learn why the Greek name for cacao is theobroma or “food of the gods.” And how chocolate in its pure form is actually healthy.
During the tour, you will sample raw cacao fruit and learn how its seeds are processed into organic chocolate from “tree to bar.” The tour includes a guided walk through the cacao farm, a gourmet tasting (think wine tasting but with chocolate!), and a gorgeous ocean view ending in a Willy Wonka-like chocolate factory. Caribeans’ dream is to create the Napa Valley of chocolate right here in the
Parks & Nature
Cahuita National Park: this beautiful hike meanders along the protected Caribbean coastline with ample opportunities to spot wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds. Located 10 kms from Puerto Viejo, the entrance of the national park is directly in the Cahuita town center. The hike takes approximate 3 hours ending on the opposite side of the park where you can join the main road and hop on a bus or take a taxi back to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita. Donation based entrance fee.
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Park Narodowy Cahuita
215 Av. 71Cahuita National Park: this beautiful hike meanders along the protected Caribbean coastline with ample opportunities to spot wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and many species of birds. Located 10 kms from Puerto Viejo, the entrance of the national park is directly in the Cahuita town center. The hike takes approximate 3 hours ending on the opposite side of the park where you can join the main road and hop on a bus or take a taxi back to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita. Donation based entrance fee.
The end of the road...about a 1 hour bike ride or a 20 minutes drive from Puerto Viejo. A very laid back village, Manzanillo keeps it local. You will find a few restaurants, snorkeling gear for rent, an ice cream shop and beautiful hikes.
For one of our favorite hikes, continue south past the town of Manzanillo and follow the path along the beach. After crossing a small river/lagoon you will find yourself inside the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge. This is a great spot for hiking through the jungle and exploring beautiful deserted beaches....amazing on a sunny day. Note: the hike can be muddy after heavy rains. Sometimes it’s best to just walk barefoot!
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Gandoca Manzanillo Narodowy Rezerwat Przyrody
36The end of the road...about a 1 hour bike ride or a 20 minutes drive from Puerto Viejo. A very laid back village, Manzanillo keeps it local. You will find a few restaurants, snorkeling gear for rent, an ice cream shop and beautiful hikes.
For one of our favorite hikes, continue south past the town of Manzanillo and follow the path along the beach. After crossing a small river/lagoon you will find yourself inside the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge. This is a great spot for hiking through the jungle and exploring beautiful deserted beaches....amazing on a sunny day. Note: the hike can be muddy after heavy rains. Sometimes it’s best to just walk barefoot!
this rock outcropping offers beautiful views onto Arrecife (reef) beach to the south and Cocles and Black Beach to the north. Ask about walking to the (somewhat secret) hole in the rock / natural bridge.
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Punta Uva
36this rock outcropping offers beautiful views onto Arrecife (reef) beach to the south and Cocles and Black Beach to the north. Ask about walking to the (somewhat secret) hole in the rock / natural bridge.
This quaint little “suburb” of Puerto Viejo offers beautiful small beaches and coral reefs as well as delicious restaurants and cafés. The beach access is just across the main road and it’s marked by a little wooden gate with a roof and a post prohibiting motorized vehicles and horses. Because it’s pedestrian-only it’s a great option on crowded weekends or holidays.
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Playa Chiquita
Calle AzaniaThis quaint little “suburb” of Puerto Viejo offers beautiful small beaches and coral reefs as well as delicious restaurants and cafés. The beach access is just across the main road and it’s marked by a little wooden gate with a roof and a post prohibiting motorized vehicles and horses. Because it’s pedestrian-only it’s a great option on crowded weekends or holidays.
Shopping
Where the healthy people meet! Saturday mornings from 7 – 11 am the farmer’s market is a hub of activity where farmers sell their produce, chocolate, cheeses , fresh eggs, dehydrated snacks, natural organic soaps, exotic tropical fruits, baked goods, jams, and much more. Note: the products on the right hand side are organic and those on the left ARE NOT. According to multiple sources, Costa Rica is the world’s number one user of pesticides per capita, so I highly recommend shopping on the right hand side.
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Puerto Viejo Farmers' Market
Calle 215Where the healthy people meet! Saturday mornings from 7 – 11 am the farmer’s market is a hub of activity where farmers sell their produce, chocolate, cheeses , fresh eggs, dehydrated snacks, natural organic soaps, exotic tropical fruits, baked goods, jams, and much more. Note: the products on the right hand side are organic and those on the left ARE NOT. According to multiple sources, Costa Rica is the world’s number one user of pesticides per capita, so I highly recommend shopping on the right hand side.
The best place in Puerto Viejo to buy souvenirs and gifts. Located in the center of Puerto Viejo, 50m from Mega Super.
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Luluberlu Art Gallery
The best place in Puerto Viejo to buy souvenirs and gifts. Located in the center of Puerto Viejo, 50m from Mega Super.
Drinks & Nightlife
Taco Tuesday and the towns craziest party makes its way every Tuesday to Tasty Waves in Cocles next to Caribeans. This surfer bar serves up live music from 6 – 9 pm then the DJ gets going and the party gets raging around 11. They also serve tacos, burritos, and bar food.
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Tasty Waves Cantina
Taco Tuesday and the towns craziest party makes its way every Tuesday to Tasty Waves in Cocles next to Caribeans. This surfer bar serves up live music from 6 – 9 pm then the DJ gets going and the party gets raging around 11. They also serve tacos, burritos, and bar food.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday means reggae night and this beachfront bar. With your toes in the sand, a cold beer in hand, the stars overhead, and a bonfire reflecting off the Caribbean it feels like you’ve been transported back in time to the Puerto Viejo of days gone by. The party gets started later (around 10-11 pm).
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Salsa Brava Bar
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday means reggae night and this beachfront bar. With your toes in the sand, a cold beer in hand, the stars overhead, and a bonfire reflecting off the Caribbean it feels like you’ve been transported back in time to the Puerto Viejo of days gone by. The party gets started later (around 10-11 pm).
Live music and 2x1 cocktails every night from 5 – 7 pm highlight this spacious bar with a great waterfront location. It’s the best place in town to watch the sunset and offers a pool table, ping pong table, foosball and bar food. Sunday nights starting at 8 pm Lazy Mon hosts an open mic night.
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The Lazy Mon
Live music and 2x1 cocktails every night from 5 – 7 pm highlight this spacious bar with a great waterfront location. It’s the best place in town to watch the sunset and offers a pool table, ping pong table, foosball and bar food. Sunday nights starting at 8 pm Lazy Mon hosts an open mic night.
The swankiest place in town, Koki is reminiscent of the South Beach Miami days gone by (ie. when South Beach was funky and cool). The furniture and décor is colorful, stylish, and mostly recycled. Great spot for sunset cocktails and people watching.
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Koki Beach Restaurant Bar Lounge
The swankiest place in town, Koki is reminiscent of the South Beach Miami days gone by (ie. when South Beach was funky and cool). The furniture and décor is colorful, stylish, and mostly recycled. Great spot for sunset cocktails and people watching.
Essentials
An amazing grocery very close to the house that sells a variety of products. They sell fresh baked croissants and chocolate croissants every morning.
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El Duende Gourmet
An amazing grocery very close to the house that sells a variety of products. They sell fresh baked croissants and chocolate croissants every morning.