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Visit Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

Visit Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

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The town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui lies two hours northeast of San José but it's the surrounding area that is of interest to the traveler — it is wonderful for the wildlife and nature enthusiast, less-visited than Tortuguero or Monteverde.

Location

Fast becoming an important ecotourism destination, Sarapiqui lies near the base of the Cordillera Central range at the convergence of the Rio Sarapiqui and Rio Puerto Viejo, surrounded by agricultural plantations and lush forests. Right in the heart lies La Selva Biological Station which provides a superb scientific insight into the life of the rainforest.

Flora and fauna

It is home to some 400 species of birds, 450 species of trees and over 100 species of mammals and is situated in one of the last remaining areas of primary rainforest in Costa Rica.

Accommodation and activities

Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (Formerly Centro Neotropico)Lodges are simple but if you are looking for something a little off the beaten track it is well worth spending a couple of nights here.

The area is increasingly becoming a focus of adventure activity with zip-lines, canopy walkways, tubing, river-rafting and horse riding all on offer for your enjoyment.

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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

    Photos of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

    • Black Howler Monkeys, Costa Rica
      Black Howler Monkeys, Costa Rica
    • The area surrounding Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
      The area surrounding Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
    • Iguana, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
      Iguana, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
    • Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
      Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
    • Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
      Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
    • Black howler monkeys, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
      Black howler monkeys, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
    • Cloudforest, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqu
      Cloudforest, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqu
    • Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica
      Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica

    Our expert guides to exploring Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui at its best.

    • Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)
      Osa Peninsula

      Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)

      Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)

      Mark from our Costa Rica team shares his experience exploring Costa Rica from behind the wheel, explains why this country is well-suited to driving trips, and offers tips for how to make the most out of your rental car.

      6 min read

      Read this guide
    • Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica
      Squirrel Monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

      Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica

      Wildlife vacations in Costa Rica

      From birds to basilisks, Costa Rica specialist Holly lets you in on the country’s wildlife highlights. She also explains where exactly to go to increase your chances of observing all Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.

      8 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and which use the best local guides.

    • Sarapiqui River Rafting
      Rafting from Pacuare Lodge

      Sarapiqui River Rafting

      Sarapiqui River Rafting

      This trip takes in some of the best grade II and III rafting on the Sarapiqui River and offers a more gentle rafting experience than some of the other river trips in Costa Rica. Wildlife such as toucans, cormorants, kingfishers and howler monkeys can be spotted along the water's edge.

      View details
    • Pozo Azul Horse Riding
      Horse-riding, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

      Pozo Azul Horse Riding

      Pozo Azul Horse Riding

      Many Costa Ricans will tell you that the horse is the ultimate "all terrain vehicle" and that the best, most comfortable way to experience the rainforest is on the back of a well-trained horse!

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    • La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour
      La Selva Biological Station, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

      La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour

      La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour

      The diversity of species here is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees, 448 species of birds, and approximately 500 species of ants.

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    • Cacao Plantation Tour
      Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

      Cacao Plantation Tour

      Cacao Plantation Tour

      Visit a working cacao plantation and enjoy a guided tour, learning about the whole process of turning Costa Rican cacao beans into one of mankind's favorite foods — chocolate.

      View details