What to see and do in Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean

What to visit in Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean · Cahuita and Manzanillo

• Cahuita National Park
• Gandoca-Manzanillo · Manzanillo sector
• Jaguar Rescue Center · visit to the sanctuary

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean · Cahuita and Manzanillo

nature

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita's coastal trails allow you to combine forest and Caribbean beaches. The park has two main entrances, with different admission conditions.

Activities for your visit

• Walk the open coastal paths.
• Observe the forest and the coastline.

Tips for this place

• Choose the ticket before organizing your transfer.
• Do not walk on coral or feed animals.

Check entrance to Cahuita ↗

For Playa Blanca, next to the town, SINAC indicates voluntary cash contribution. Puerto Vargas has an entrance fee. Snorkeling and marine excursions are contracted separately under park regulations.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · Cahuita National Park and its accesses

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.7375, -82.8416.

SINAC · Cahuita National Park and its accesses

nature

Gandoca-Manzanillo · Manzanillo sector

The South Caribbean refuge protects forest, wetland and coastal environments. From Manzanillo you can see the trails for public use that are enabled.

Activities for your visit

• Walk through the authorized sector.
• Contemplate the coast from the permitted points.

Tips for this place

• Check trail status before hiking.
• Do not bathe in areas marked as dangerous.

Check access to the shelter ↗

SINAC indicates that there is no entry fee to the shelter. Visit only the trails and authorized sectors; Guide or transportation services are contracted separately.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · Gandoca-Manzanillo Shelter

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.6311, -82.6525.

SINAC · Gandoca-Manzanillo Shelter

nature

Jaguar Rescue Center · visit to the sanctuary

The rescue center near Puerto Viejo offers guided tours of the sanctuary to meet resident animals and learn about rehabilitation and conservation.

Activities for your visit

• Participate in the guided tour.
• Learn about wildlife rescue work.

Tips for this place

• No touching or feeding of animals is allowed.
• The tour is done with a guide, not on your own.

Consult visit ↗

The operator allows in-person ticket purchases without an advance reservation, subject to availability. Confirm opening before visiting and arrive before your chosen time slot. The tour is guided; transportation is arranged separately.

Reference sources and location

• Jaguar Rescue Center · public tour and conditions

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.6414495, -82.7231608.

Jaguar Rescue Center · public tour and conditions

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-day itinerary in Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean · Cahuita and Manzanillo

1. Day 1

   Cahuita

   Choose Playa Blanca or Puerto Vargas and follow the open coastal trails.

2. Day 2

   Manzanillo

   Check the status of the shelter and visit the authorized public sectors.

3. Day 3

   Jaguar Rescue Center

   Go on the chosen guided tour and separately organize transportation from Puerto Viejo.

Tips for visiting Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean · Cahuita and Manzanillo

• Check the chosen access to Cahuita and its admission form.
• Do not feed or touch wildlife, inside or outside protected areas.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Puerto Viejo and South Caribbean · Cahuita and Manzanillo

Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.

The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast

Gallo pinto

Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.

Reference: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism · Gallo pinto

The whole country · Soda lunch

Casado

A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions

Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth

Olla de carne

Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure

Family cuisine · Rice to share

Costa Rican arroz con pollo

Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.

Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book

Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk

Caribbean rice and beans

Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine

Costas and sodas Crispy green banana

Patacones

Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors