Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica: Best Areas & Hotels
Searching for where to stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? You’re in the right place. We spent three weeks living and exploring the area being digital nomads and photographing local boutique hotels and resorts for our hospitality photography studio.
Before we’d ever heard of Puerto Viejo, we were thinking of the criteria for our next location to visit — somewhere not too far from home, a lively food scene, a strong lineup of boutique hotels and resorts to work with, and most of all, somewhere we could be on the beach, in the sand and crystal-clear water every day.
That landed us to the caribbean side of costa rica, in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
When it comes to finding the best place to stay in Puerto Viejo, take it from us: you want to be close to the ocean. Not just for the obvious reason, but because that’s where all the action is. There’s also only one main paved road through town, so if you plan to get around by bike (like we did!), staying near the water will save you from hilly, gravel roads. We explored as much of Puerto Viejo as we possibly could, and we’re excited to lay out our top 18 recommendations for the best places to stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Where to Actually Stay In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica: Neighborhood Guide
“Puerto Viejo” is often used as a catch-all name, but it actually refers to a 13-kilometer stretch of Caribbean coastline made up of distinct beach communities.
Because each area offers a vastly different vibe, choosing the actual location of where to stay in Puerto Viejo matters just as much as choosing the right hotel.
Running from north to south, here is how the neighborhoods down:
1. Puerto Viejo Town
2. Cocles Town
3. Punta Uva & Manzanillo
Our Favorite: Cocles
We spent our 3-weeks in Cocles, and it quickly became our favorite spot in Puerto Viejo (even over the main town).
Our days settled into an easy rhythm: morning beach time at Beach Break, grocery runs, and great dining options all within a 5-minute walk. It delivers all the convenience of a full-service beach town without the late-night noise of central Puerto Viejo, making it the ideal place to stay for most travelers.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo: Main Town Center
The commercial and social center of the region.
Packed with restaurants, lively beach bars, tour operators, shops, and so many things to do. It is the main hub for backpackers, nightlife, and locals. The entire town sits right on the coast, meaning there are plenty of spots to hit the beach—our personal favorite was Chino Beach.
Best Hotels:
Puerto Viejo Town Center
(For Couples)
Best Villas:
Puerto Viejo Town Center
(For Families)
Where to Stay in Cocles, Costa Rica
A vibrant, well-balanced beach town with a serious surf culture.
Cocles features a wide golden-sand shore, a fantastic mix of boutique hotels, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and markets. If you want to dine right on the beach, this is the place to be.
Good to Know: The northern end (“Beach Break”) is famous for its consistent surf, while the calmer southern end is ideal for sunbathing. It is also one of the few beaches along this stretch with active lifeguard patrols.
Best Hotels in Cocles (For Couples)
El Nido Jungle Lodge
Hotel Aguas Claras (Cayuga Collection)
Best Villas in Cocles (For Families)
Villa Colibri – Secluded Villa – Short Stroll to Beach, Shops & Restaurants
Casa Ackee – 4 min. Walk to the Beach
Beachfront Villa, Abundant Wildlife, Best Location
Where to Stay in Punta Uva & Manzanillo, Costa Rica
As you move further south, commercial development drops off significantly in favor of lush rainforest.
- Playa Chiquita: Known for secluded, jungle-backed coves accessed by hidden dirt paths, along with natural tide pools framed by coral reef.
- Punta Uva: Offers calm, turquoise waters sheltered by a point, making it the best spot on the coast for swimming, kayaking, and relaxed family outings.
- Manzanillo: The end of the paved coastal road. Manzanillo is a quiet Afro-Caribbean fishing village bordering the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. With minimal development, it offers lush rainforest hiking trails and some of the best offshore reef snorkeling in the region.
Best Hotels & Resorts in Punta Uva & Manzanillo (For Couples)
Exōtico Beach Hotel – 5-star experience with an adults-only policy
awā Beachfront Hotel – One of a Kind! Beachfront
Best Villas in in Punta Uva & Manzanillo (For Families)
Ginger and Cacao, Luxury Villas and Cottage with Pool and Ocean Views
El Oasis-Beachfront paradise
Where to Stay In Puerto Viejo: FAQ’s
General FAQs
Everything you need to know about staying in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
What is the best area to stay in and around Puerto Viejo?
It depends on your travel style!
Downtown Puerto Viejo: Ideal if you want walkability, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and a social backpacker vibe.
Playa Cocles: Perfect for surfers and those who want a blend of ocean waves and convenience (just a short bike ride from town)
Punta Uva & Manzanillo: Best for couples, families, and travelers seeking quiet beaches, lush jungle surroundings, and eco-lodges.
Are there large resort chains or high-rise hotels in Puerto Viejo?
No. Puerto Viejo maintains a rustic, eco-conscious charm with strict building restrictions. You won’t find mega-resorts or chain hotels here. Instead, accommodations range from boutique hotels and jungle bungalows to open-air treetop cabins, hostels, and private vacation rentals.
Do hotels in Puerto Viejo have Air Conditioning (A/C)?
Not always! While luxury boutique hotels and mid-range accommodations usually offer A/C, many budget lodges, hostels, and eco-bungalows rely on ceiling fans and natural airflow (ocean breeze and jungle shade). Be sure to check room descriptions carefully before booking if A/C is a dealbreaker for you.
Is Wi-Fi reliable enough for digital nomads visiting Costa Rica?
Generally, yes, but speed and reliability vary. We never ran into problems, luckily. Most mid-range to high-end hotels and modern vacation rentals offer decent Wi-Fi. However, power outages or signal drops during heavy tropical downpours can happen. If you work remotely, confirm high-speed internet availability with your host in advance.
Do I need a rental car to get to my hotel and explore?
A car isn’t strictly necessary. Most travelers rent cruiser bikes (we payed $40 for 10 days) to travel between the town center, neighboring beaches, and jungle lodges along the main coastal road. However, if your lodge is set deep back into the jungle or up a dirt road, an SUV or 4×4 rental car is recommended.
How long should I stay in Puerto Viejo?
A minimum of 3 to 4 nights is recommended. We stayed for 3 weeks. Since getting to Puerto Viejo from San José takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours by shuttle or car, staying at least a few days gives you enough time to settle into the relaxed Caribbean pace, explore the national parks, and hop between beaches.
Is staying in Puerto Viejo safe?
Yes, Puerto Viejo is generally safe for tourists, including solo travelers. The most common issue is petty theft. We did have our camera stolen on Playa Chiquita. Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach while swimming, always lock up your rental bike, and lock your room’s windows and doors when leaving your lodging.
How are the mosquitoes at the lodges?
Being nestled between the beach and the rainforest, mosquitoes and sand flies are present. Most open-air accommodations provide mosquito netting over the beds, but it is always wise to bring bug spray and lightweight long pants for the evenings.
