Caribe Sur
Leaves you speechless,
then turns you into a storyteller
Small towns dot the coast, each with it’s own vibe. The wide dark sands of Playa Negra, the lazy vibe and eccentric eateries of Puerto Viejo, the surfer scene of Playa Cocles, the bohemian culture of Playa Chiquita, exotic beaches of Punta Uva, the end of the road in Manzanillo and the long trek into Gandoca… the Caribe Sur where it all starts at the sea.
You’ll find miles of beaches, but not acres of beach lounges; you just grab your sarong, a water bottle, a book and spend the day sunning, bobbing in the waves or napping in the shade of the native almond or sea grape. Read a little about each area; what to look forward to, where to find it, and why you’d want to. This is a place of simple and timeless experiences.
Puerto Viejo
An eccentric little beach town that attracts travelers from all over the world, Puerto Viejo is a rural town, about 5 hours southeast of San Jose. It boasts the proud cultures and traditions of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean population, as well as an extraordinarily diverse international community that you won’t find anywhere else in Costa Rica. Not only is it culturally rich, the ecosystems and lush rainforests here offer an abundance of opportunities to see wildlife.
Punta Uva
Punta Uva (Grape Point) is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world. The offshore reef provides for calm Caribbean waters lined by beautiful sandy beaches and super lush tropical forest. This is a great place to spot howler monkeys, sloths, macaws, and iguanas.
A short hiking trail out to the mirador provides an almost 360 degree view of the ocean and coastline. Several vendors in Punta Uva rent kayaks and paddle boards, a great activity when the seas are calm. Around the corner from the mirador, Arrecife Restaurant offers casual dining, further on the road ends at the river before you reach Playa Grande. This area is a must see!
Cocles
Playa Cocles, located just south of Puerto Viejo but north of Chiquita, is a vibrant beach destination known for its consistent surf, lush jungle surroundings and relaxed, boho-chic vibe. It is popular for surfing, beach volleyball, and as a scenic, bikeable spot, featuring a mix of local Afro-Caribbean and indigenous culture. Usually less busy than Puerto Viejo and with the biggest beach around, Cocles can be a fun place for beach parties, small bonfires and meeting new people.
Cahuita
Cahuita is a cool 20 minutes north of Puerto Viejo. Traditionally a fishing village, the home to Calypso music and Afro-Caribbean culture. Cahuita National Park is one of the most popular destinations amongst visitors who visit Caribe Sur.
The park is accessible to all and with a little patience you are assured to see wildlife roaming around. The beige-sand beaches are usually calm, with many secluded little nooks and crannies to relax and spend a lazy afternoon.
Downtown Cahuita, has its own unique spirit and vibe, with boutique shops and a variety of restaurants and eateries. Be sure to try typical Caribbean food like rice and beans, Jamaican patty and the flavorful coconut and ginger options.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo is literally the end of the road, an old quiet fishing village, and gateway to the Gondoca Manzanillo Widlife Refuge. This is a mixed refuge with public and private land, including 10 km of beaches, 740 acres of low land rainforest, wetlands, and the only intact mangrove swamp on the Caribbean coast, as well as 5 km of delicate reef systems off the coast.
Take a hike to Wedding Rock and enjoy the views of sea with the waves crashing below. The wildlife refuge is home to a diverse population of animals, some of which are in danger of extinction. It is also nesting ground hawksbills and leatherback sea turtles, manatee, and dolphins.
Planning Your Trip
The Pura Vida Lifestyle
