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The town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui lies two hours northeast of San José but it's the surrounding area that is of interest to the traveller — it is wonderful for the wildlife and nature enthusiast, less-visited than Tortuguero or Monteverde.
Location
Fast becoming an important ecotourism destination, Sarapiqui lies near the base of the Cordillera Central range at the convergence of the Rio Sarapiqui and Rio Puerto Viejo, surrounded by agricultural plantations and lush forests. Right in the heart lies La Selva Biological Station which provides a superb scientific insight into the life of the rainforest.
Flora and fauna
It is home to some 400 species of birds, 450 species of trees and over 100 species of mammals and is situated in one of the last remaining areas of primary rainforest in Costa Rica.
Accommodation and activities
Lodges are simple but if you are looking for something a little off the beaten track it is well worth spending a couple of nights here.
The area is increasingly becoming a focus of adventure activity with zip-lines, canopy walkways, tubing, river-rafting and horse riding all on offer for your enjoyment.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui by contacting one of our Costa Rica specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 665
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Suggested itinerary featuring Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- El Silencio Lodge 26 miles away
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast 36 miles away
- San José & Central Valley 37 miles away
- San Ramón 41 miles away
- Turrialba 45 miles away
- Arenal Volcano 48 miles away
- Monteverde Cloud Forest 51 miles away
- Caño Negro 62 miles away
- San Gerardo de Dota 64 miles away
- Central Pacific Coast 70 miles away
- Tenorio Volcano 70 miles away
- Esterillos 73 miles away
- Manuel Antonio 75 miles away
- Dominical 84 miles away
- Northern Pacific Coast 87 miles away
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 102 miles away
- Manzanillo 109 miles away
- Playa Potrero 120 miles away
- Golfo de Papagayo 124 miles away
- Tamarindo 125 miles away
- Corcovado & Osa Peninsula 125 miles away
Photos of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
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![Black Howler Monkeys, Costa Rica]()
Black Howler Monkeys, Costa Rica -
![The area surrounding Sarapiqui, Costa Rica]()
The area surrounding Sarapiqui, Costa Rica -
![Iguana, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui]()
Iguana, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui -
![Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica]()
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica -
![Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica]()
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica -
![Black howler monkeys, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui]()
Black howler monkeys, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui -
![Cloudforest, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqu]()
Cloudforest, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqu -
![Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica]()
Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica
Our expert guides to exploring Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui at its best.
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Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it) ![Osa Peninsula]()
Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)
Why you should consider self-drive in Costa Rica (and what’s so good about it)
Mark from our Costa Rica team shares his experience exploring Costa Rica from behind the wheel, explains why this country is well-suited to driving trips, and offers tips for how to make the most out of your rental car.
Read this guide -
Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica ![Squirrel Monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica]()
Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica
Wildlife holidays in Costa Rica
From birds to basilisks, Costa Rica specialist Holly lets you in on the country’s wildlife highlights. She also explains where exactly to go to increase your chances of observing all Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Pool, La Quinta Sarapiqui Country Inn, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui]()
La Quinta Sarapiqui Country Inn
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui -
![Selva Verde]()
Selva Verde Lodge
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Ideas for experiencing Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and which use the best local guides.
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Sarapiqui River Rafting ![Rafting from Pacuare Lodge]()
Sarapiqui River Rafting
Sarapiqui River Rafting
This trip takes in some of the best grade II and III rafting on the Sarapiqui River and offers a more gentle rafting experience than some of the other river trips in Costa Rica. Wildlife such as toucans, cormorants, kingfishers and howler monkeys can be spotted along the water's edge.
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Pozo Azul Horse Riding ![Horse-riding, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui]()
Pozo Azul Horse Riding
Pozo Azul Horse Riding
Many Costa Ricans will tell you that the horse is the ultimate "all terrain vehicle" and that the best, most comfortable way to experience the rainforest is on the back of a well-trained horse!
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La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour ![La Selva Biological Station, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui]()
La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour
La Selva Biological Station Birding Tour
The diversity of species here is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees, 448 species of birds, and approximately 500 species of ants.
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Cacao Plantation Tour ![Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica]()
Cacao Plantation Tour
Cacao Plantation Tour
Visit a working cacao plantation and enjoy a guided tour, learning about the whole process of turning Costa Rican cacao beans into one of mankind's favourite foods — chocolate.
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