Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Oliver
Pura Vida! (You’ll hear this all the time in Costa Rica—it’s their way of saying everything from “hello” to “life is good!”) I can’t wait to tell you all about one of my favorite places in the world—Costa Rica.
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is super underrated, and that’s my reason to tell y’all more about it. While most tourists flock to the Pacific side, many don’t realize just how stunning this part of the country is. Puerto Viejo and the surrounding coastline are absolutely breathtaking—with gorgeous white and black sand beaches, lush jungles, incredible wildlife, and so many fun things to do.
By planning a trip to Puerto Viejo, you’re already making a fantastic choice for a more laid-back and less touristy Costa Rica adventure!
Now, you’re probably wondering—where to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the insider info on the best hotels and the top areas to stay. I lived in Puerto Viejo as a digital nomad for a few months, so I’m super excited to share my personal recommendations.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Best Hotels in Puerto Viejo
($$$) Umami Hotel Puerto Viejo
This super stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Puerto Viejo is one of my absolute favorites. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, spacious private rooms, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It’s definitely one of the best-designed hotels in town.
($$) Black Bamboo B&B
A more traditional design, but still of a very high standard, is offered by the Black Bamboo B&B. Their outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by tropical gardens, creating a little oasis in Puerto Viejo town. The hotel features spacious private rooms, modern amenities, and excellent service. Definitely one of the best Puerto Viejo hotels out there.
($) Hotel Banana Azul
Hotel Banana Azul offers great value for money. This stunning boutique hotel is adults-only and features lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool, making it a very romantic hotel. The garden and pool area were so beautiful that I could have spent the entire day at Hotel Banana Azul without leaving.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Best Areas
Puerto Viejo is a small town, but some of the areas and hotels are spread out. Knowing where to stay in Puerto Viejo is key, and renting a scooter or bicycle is a great way to explore!
If it’s your first time visiting or you want to be close to the action, staying in Puerto Viejo town center is a perfect choice.
Families looking for a quieter stay might enjoy Playa Cocles, which is just a short trip down the road from town. It’s peaceful and relaxing, ideal for quality time.
Couples will love Playa Negra, which offers plenty of boutique hotels and cozy apartments for a romantic getaway.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo for the First Time: Puerto Viejo Town Center
If it’s your first time in Puerto Viejo, I highly recommend staying in or around the Town Center! It’s the heart of all the action—restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and plenty of hotels are all packed into just a few streets. If you’re someone who loves being in the middle of it all, this is the spot for you!
Puerto Viejo isn’t a super busy town, so even though I stayed right in the center, it never felt too loud or overwhelming. In fact, I loved how everything was so close. Mornings were a dream—I could just stroll to one of the adorable cafes for breakfast. After a fun night out, I could walk home in minutes without worrying about wandering through the jungle in the dark (a huge plus, trust me!). The convenience factor here is unbeatable!
💡Costa Rica is packed with sloths and exotic birds. I’ve spotted them at Café Rico and even just outside my hotel. If you’re not as lucky, you can always book a Punta Uva Wildlife Tour, where you’re guaranteed to see some sloths!
Things to Do in Puerto Viejo Town Center:
- Start your day at one of my favorite breakfast spots in Puerto Viejo, Café Rico. They serve fantastic coffee, and tasty breakfast sandwiches, and have a huge selection of books you can read while you enjoy your meal—or even buy at a bargain price. They also rent out beach cruiser bicycles, perfect for exploring the nearby beaches.
- If you’re in the mood for some classic comfort food, check out Soulsurfer. They make the best burgers and fries in town, making it an ideal dinner spot.
- For something a little more upscale, head to KOKi Beach Club. Located right by the beach, it’s a great spot for a fancy meal. Be sure to try the grilled octopus—it’s absolutely delicious.
- For nightlife, options in this small beach town are limited, but Johnny’s Place is the go-to spot. It’s a lively beach bar where people dance and drink by the Salsa Brava Beach. When it closes around 11 pm, the crowd moves to El Patio, which is essentially someone’s backyard, but this is where the real party kicks off.
Best Hotels to Stay in Puerto Viejo Town Center
Conga Boutique Hotel
Just opened and already one of the best little boutique hotels in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the Conga Boutique Hotel. It’s stylishly decorated and has a cozy atmosphere, which I love. The hotel also offers a delicious breakfast every morning, features an outdoor swimming pool, and is just a few steps away from the beach and the town center.
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort
One of the best luxury hotels in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for families is the Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort. With its large pool area, this hotel is the closest Puerto Viejo has to an all-inclusive resort. The outdoor swimming pool is perfect for kids to enjoy all day, and there’s even a kids’ club. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, and the hotel is conveniently located near local shops and restaurants.
Hotel Indalo Adults Only
A great and affordable boutique hotel in Puerto Viejo is Hotel Indalo Adults Only. Hotel Boutique Indalo is perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a quiet and relaxing stay. The rooms are cozy and beautifully decorated with a tropical theme, and the hotel includes a delicious breakfast at the room rate. It also features a large outdoor pool, which is always a huge plus.
Roots Family Hostel
When the Puerto Viejo hotels are too pricey, it’s always an option to opt for a hostel, and one of my go-to is Roots Family Hostel. The atmosphere here is so friendly and relaxed that it’s super easy to be social and meet new people. The location is also close to the city center, making it easy to walk to the beach and nearby restaurants.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo for Families: Playa Cocles (Cocles Beach)
If you’re traveling with family and looking for a quieter, more laid-back spot just outside the hustle and bustle of Puerto Viejo town, Playa Cocles is perfect! This beach is a dream for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving—or just kicking back and soaking up that glorious Costa Rican sunshine.
I absolutely love this area! It’s tucked a bit away from the main town, and it feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle, but you’re also right on at the Caribbean Sea. Honestly, that’s what makes Costa Rica so magical—it’s the best of both worlds! At Cocles Beach, you can totally relax, enjoy the lush nature all around you, and soak up the peace and quiet. On top of that, you’re still super close to some of the most stunning beaches and exciting activities in the area such as Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the Jaguar Rescue Center.
Things to Do in Playa Cocles:
- Take a little adventure down to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Manzanillo Beach. It’s such a fun outing for the whole family, and if you’re up for a bit of activity, you can totally bike there—it’s a great way to soak in the scenery along the way.
- Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in Cocles Beach. This place is the real deal—an actual rescue center where the team goes above and beyond to care for the animals.
- Make sure to visit Punta Uva—my absolute favorite beach! It’s never too crowded, and it almost feels like your own little private beach area.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, go scuba diving at Punta Uva Dive Center.
Best Hotels to Stay in Playa Cocles
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
One of the most popular hotels in Costa Rica is Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel. This hotel is beautifully designed with spacious rooms that come with a private balcony, free Wi Fi, air conditioning, and free private parking. The property also offers an outdoor swimming pool and is located close to the beach and the Jaguar Rescue Center.
Lanna Ban Hotel
If you’re looking for something with a jungle vibe, you should check out the Lanna Ban Hotel. This beautiful hotel is surrounded by tropical forests and offers private wooden huts that are super charming. If you want to experience the authentic Costa Rica feel while still enjoying modern amenities and a touch of luxury, this is the perfect spot for you.
Alloro Jungle Villa
One of the best hotels in Puerto Viejo for larger groups and families is Alloro Jungle Villa. Here, you can rent various styles of villas, accommodating up to 5 people. When I go on a family vacation, I sometimes enjoy cooking at home and having snacks and drinks readily available in the fridge. Choosing a villa with a full kitchen and living room definitely has its perks, especially when traveling with kids.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo for Couples: Playa Negra
If you’re looking for a quieter vibe, Playa Negra might just be the perfect spot! While Cocles Beach is to the south of Puerto Viejo, Playa Negra sits on the north side and has a totally different, more laid-back feel. It’s quieter than the bustling town center and, bonus, it’s often more budget-friendly too!
This area is all about peace and serenity. Here, you’ll find cute little apartment buildings and some of the best hotels for couples in Puerto Viejo. There might not be as much going on right outside your door here, but that’s a huge plus for me—especially because you’re still within walking distance of the town center, so you can still enjoy the restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Things to Do in Playa Negra:
- Take a day trip to Cahuita National Park! It’s the ideal day trip with beautiful, pristine beaches and plenty of wildlife to spot—keep an eye out for sloths.
- Join a yoga retreat in town for some relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Enjoy horseback riding through the stunning trails of Cahuita National Park.
Best Hotels to Stay in Playa Negra
Yoshi’s on the Beach
Perfect for groups of couples or friends, Yoshi’s on the Beach is a modern, private villa that offers breathtaking ocean views. Located right on the beach, this stunning property features a spacious outdoor sun terrace, free private parking, and an incredible outdoor shower. Ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy a luxurious getaway.
Al Caribe Sure
A little more affordable and perfect for long-term stays, Al Caribe Sure offers private apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and balcony. Just a short walk from the beach, this is an ideal spot for those looking to be surrounded by the stunning nature of Playa Negra.
Get Ready for Your Trip to Costa Rica
Book Your Accommodation
For the best deals and discounts, I recommend using Booking.com to book your hotel, villa, or hostel. It’s super reliable and budget-friendly!
Book Your Flight & Car
Looking for cheap flights or rental cars? Skyscanner.com is the way to go. I’ve been using it for years and have saved so much money along the way.
Book Tours & Activities
Planning tours and activities is a breeze with GetYourGuide.com. They offer amazing deals and only work with trusted tour operators, so you can book with confidence.
Get Travel Insurance
SafetyWing has been my go-to travel insurance for the past two years, and I couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend them for peace of mind on your trip.
Get Your Travel Credit Card
When it comes to travel credit or debit cards, Wise is a fantastic option. They offer great perks for withdrawing or sending money overseas, making travel finances hassle-free.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo – Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good hotels in Puerto Viejo?
Definitely! While Puerto Viejo doesn’t have large all-inclusive resorts, it offers incredible boutique hotels and villas. Some of my favorites are Hotel Banana Azul and Black Bamboo B&B.
Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting?
Definitely! Puerto Viejo is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica, especially since it’s less touristy than the west coast. It’s a popular spot for backpackers and travelers, but it hasn’t been overwhelmed by large crowds yet. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, less crowded destination for your next vacation, I highly recommend it!
Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Viejo?
No, there aren’t any all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Viejo, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The town is celebrated for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, with most accommodations being cozy boutique hotels or guesthouses.
Can I find budget accommodations in Puerto Viejo?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly options in Puerto Viejo, including hostels, guesthouses, and small hotels. Be sure to do your research and read reviews before booking. My personal favorite is Roots Family in Puerto Viejo!
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo – Final Words
Ultimately, it’s up to you, but I personally recommend staying close to the center if you’re planning to visit cafes, and restaurants, and enjoy the nightlife. If that’s not a priority, staying in one of the villas outside town can be a great option. You can cook your own meals, relax in the jungle, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Whatever you decide, my article on where to stay in Puerto Viejo will help you find the perfect accommodation to make your trip unforgettable. Happy travels!
