How To Get To Puerto Viejo

How To Get To Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Though the road from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, to the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is only 135 miles (217 kilometers), the journey itself can feel like traveling between different worlds. And despite improvements to the road linking the two destinations, Ruta 32, the main highway connecting the city to the coast, can be a long and bumpy ride, depending on weather and traffic conditions. For that very reason, deciding on how to get to Puerto Viejo can seem like a daunting task without the right information. 

That's why I've put together this helpful guide to help you figure out how to get to Puerto Viejo, whether you're coming from San Jose, Bocas del Toro, Panama, or another part of Costa Rica. Don't let the stress of planning how to get here stop you from getting here. 

Getting To Puerto Viejo By Car

Driving in Central America is not for the faint of heart, and Costa Rica is no exception. Recent construction over the past five years has helped improve sections of the national route 32 that links the Central Vally and San Jose to the Caribbean coast but the road is still a challenge for nervous drivers. Renting a car is an option and more and more travelers seem to prefer this mode of transportation, especially if visiting other parts of Costa Rica. This option can get pricey though depending on how many days you plan to keep the rental car, and may not be entirely needed, depending on where you stay in the Puerto Viejo area. Unless you are further out in a community like Punta Uva, Arrecife, or Playa Grande, bicycles, taxis, and tuk-tuks are an easy and affordable way to get around and save you the headache of driving while on vacation. 

If you book a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb close to or in town, you won't need a car at all. You can rent a car to get from the airport to Puerto Viejo and simply return the rental at the Alamo or Adobe office in town. These are the only two car rental companies in Puerto Viejo, so if you rent from another company, plan on keeping the car the entire time. 

Getting To Puerto Viejo By Shuttle

There are now many shuttle companies offering services to and from Puerto Viejo, linking the town to many other popular Costa Rican destinations as well as the much-visited Bocas Del Toro Islands in Panama. Shuttles are a great option for those travelers who prefer air conditioning, direct pick ups and drop offs to hotels or hostels, and feel more comfortable with a company tailored towards international tourism. Speaking Spanish isn't necessary and the stress level of paying attention to where the bus stops is a non-issue. Check out these trusted companies: Caribe Shuttle, Interbus, or My Pink Bus, and ditch the hassle of trying to figure out car rentals, bus schedules, and road conditions. Shuttles usually run early in the morning or in the afternoon, so plan ahead and find a time that works with your flight (departure or arrival) or onward travel plans. 

Getting To Puerto Viejo By Private Car

What happens if your flight is arriving or departing at an inconvenient time? Consider hiring a private driver to pick you up or drop you off directly from the airport to your door. If you're worried this option could break the bank, don't be. With cars or vans holding anywhere from four to fourteen people, you and your group can split the cost of private transport and might even end up saving money. When you consider the cost of renting a car, paying for a shuttle with your friends, or booking a private transport you may be surprised at how affordable this option can be. When you book your hotel, hostel, or vacation rental the staff will be able to recommend trusted private drivers and help arrange your transit. Getting to or from Puerto Viejo by private car is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel. 

Getting To Puerto Viejo By Public Bus

Looking for the most affordable and authentic way to reach Puerto Viejo? Take the Mepe Bus! The bus runs from San Jose to Puerto Viejo multiple times throughout the day, stopping in Limon for 15 minutes for bathroom breaks and snacks before continuing on to do drop-offs in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and finally Manzanillo. Certainly not the fast way to reach the Caribbean coast, but whoever said traveling in Central America was all about speed?

The ticket runs about $10 to $12 USD, one way, depending on the exchange rate, and takes anywhere from five to eight hours (on a bad day) depending on weather and traffic. If you want the real Costa Rican experience, take the bus. Please note that you must buy your ticket at the bus terminal, you cannot buy tickets in advance online at this time. The bus can sell out so get there early, have local colones to purchase the ticket, and get ready for a real pura vida experience. 

Getting To Puerto Viejo By White-Water Rafting

Yep, that's right! White-water raft to Puerto Viejo with Exploradores Outdoors. This is a great option if you're worried about losing out on a day of enjoyment to travel as you can combine the two for an unforgettable experience rafting the Rio Pacuare. This option includes pick up and drop off at your hotel, breakfast and lunch are included, and you get to spend a couple of hours rafting downriver rather than just sitting in a car or bus. Exploradores also has other transportation options throughout Costa Rica and excursions to enjoy in Puerto Viejo, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and guided hikes. Be sure to check with them about the season and rain and river conditions before getting too set on this option as it is only available during certain times of the year. 

Getting to and from Puerto Viejo doesn't have to be stressful and depending on the mode of transportation, it can even be fun and part of the adventure. Once the transportation is sorted, be sure and book the perfect accommodations. For travelers wanting to be in town and close to all of the action consider the following vacation rental houses and apartments: Casa Rumba, Casa Merengue, Casa Bachata, and Casa Cumbia.