Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is located in the Province of Heredia, in the county of Sarapiqui, and is not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean Coast! It is on the road to Limon, take highway 9 and hope for the best, as the road is not for the weak or faint hearted. There are also frequent buses from San Jose if you prefer not to drive.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui used to be the working port of Sarapiqui, however today it is becoming more of a popular tourist attraction. People like to spend some time in Puerto Viejo as it is rich in wildlife, with lots of bird watching opportunities, and adventurous boat trips on the river Sarapiqui. Along the river you can admire the birds flying in a wonderful tunnel of trees while crocodiles follow your boat quietly and persistently. White water rafting and trips to the nearby La Selva Biological Station, which is a research center near the little town, operated by universities of Costa Rica and of the United States, are also available. La Selva is one of the very few places on earth where you can explore a primary rain forest. It tops the list of excellent eco-tourism destinations.

Hiking horseback riding, cycling, kayaking... you will find it all there, and there are many affordable places to stay and eat as well as various lodges, luxury resorts and rafting companies to define your stay. There lots of banana plantation around too, as you are now on the Caribbean although still not near the sea, which means that you are in banana land! A scenic way to get to Puerto Viejo is through the Heredia province, heading north from Heredia itself, to Santa Clara, then on to Tigre. Another way is through San Miguel past Poas, which takes you straight to La Selva Biological Station, which is actually part of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Watch out for the snakes!