San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca tickets

About the ride from San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

After museum hopping and shopping at the fascinating markets in San Jose, you'll surely need to trade that hustle for a hammock. And there couldn't be a better first stop than Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Its laidback seaside vibes are everything you need to chill. 

There are two ways to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo: by car and minivan. The journey takes anywhere from four to six hours, depending on the traffic out of San Jose and how many stops you make. You'll need to travel 220 km (136 miles) overland southeast from the capital to the Caribbean coast, almost to the Panama border.

Five experiences in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca you can't miss

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca oozes Caribbean charm. It's the kind of place where lounging under swaying palms all day is just as reasonable as packing your itinerary with activities. If you're inclined to swap your sunbed for a little adventure, here are a few highlights worth adding to your list:

1. Cruise around town on two wheels. Puerto Viejo's laid-back streets and low speed limits make it perfect for exploring by bicycle or e-bike. Riding past colorful shops, open-air cafes, and beachy bars lets you take in the town's vibe at your own pace. As evening rolls in, pedal toward the beachfront food stalls — grabbing a bite with a sunset view is a great way to wrap up the day.

2. Explore Cahuita National Park's wildlife. Cahuita National Park, one of Costa Rica's gems, has rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs — all with no set entrance fee (though donations are welcome). For the best chance to spot wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, and vibrant tropical birds, it's worth hiring a local guide. Their trained eyes can point out creatures you'll easily miss.

3. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. Despite the name, spotting jaguars here is unlikely. However, the center is home to an impressive array of animals, many rescued from injury or orphaned. While direct interaction isn't allowed, you can observe sloths, monkeys, birds, and more in a rehabilitative setting. 

Bonus points: Your entry fee helps fund their care and eventual release.

4. Spend time on the sand or in the surf. Puerto Viejo's beaches are nothing short of postcard-perfect. Punta Uva is ideal for a lazy beach day, with powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and shady palms. If surfing's more your speed, Playa Cocles serves up consistent swells, especially from December to March.

5. Learn local traditions on a chocolate or Indigenous tour. Dive deeper into the region's roots with a visit to one of the nearby Bribri Indigenous communities. Many offer tours where you'll learn about their way of life, from medicinal plants to cacao cultivation. You'll even get a chance to see (and taste!) how cacao is transformed into rich, velvety chocolate using traditional methods. 

It's a meaningful way to connect with local culture while indulging your sweet tooth.

How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo

The 220 km (136-mile) overland drive between these two destinations takes anywhere from four to six hours. 

There are two methods of transport to choose from:

1. Private car

2. Minivan (shared and private)

Option one: Private car

Duration: 4-4.5 hours

Starting price: $290 for the car

If you are traveling in a small group (up to four people), a private car is the most convenient option. The price may initially seem high (even for Costa Rica), but you can split it by the number in your group. So, if there are four of you, the price is around $72.50 per person. 

You'll be picked up from the airport (SJO) or your accommodation in San Jose (at a time of your choosing) and dropped off at your next home in Puerto Viejo. Some companies allow pets, so if you are traveling with Spike, make sure you clarify that when booking.

Like any modern SUV, you'll have air-conditioning and a pretty large luggage allowance — the exact amount varies by operator. 

Since it's a private ride, you'll be able to stop along the way whenever your bladder or Instagram calls. 

It's door-to-door service, so you won't have to worry about a thing. 

Option two: Shared and private minivan

Duration: 4-6 hours

Starting price: $59 for a seat, $257 for the entire minivan

If you're a solo traveler, you can buy a seat in a shared minivan. 

Some companies have fixed departure locations where everyone must meet. But other companies will pick you up from your hotel. Keep in mind that if you go for the hotel pick-up,  they have to pick everyone else up from their hotels, too. That process could add an hour or more to your ride. 

If you're on a tight time schedule, choose a central location for pick-up instead of the convenience of your hotel. 

Traveling with a group (between 6 and 18 people)? You can hire a private minivan. You'll have the same amenities as a private car:

1. Door-to-door service (from the SJO airport or your hotel)

2. Departure time of your choosing

3. Stops whenever you choose

4. Large luggage allowance that varies by company

Each minivan company has its own set of amenities, but they are all modern vehicles with A/C and reclining seats. Some allow pets, surfboards, and extra luggage for a small fee.  

When is the best time of year to visit Puerto Viejo?

The weather is the most important factor in deciding when to visit Puerto Viejo. It's still a bit off the beaten path, so crowds are not a factor. 

You can always count on warm temperatures in Puerto Viejo. Daytime highs range from 80-84°F (27-29°C) to nighttime lows in the 70's°F (20's°C).

If you're not surfing, the best months to visit are between February and April and August and October. You'll have long sunny days with a lower (though not impossible) chance of rain. 

Avoid May, June, November, and December unless you don't mind downpours and humidity.

How many days should you stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?

You've come all the way to the east coast of Costa Rica. Don't rush off. Take two to three days to explore Puerto Viejo and its incredible wildlife and nature. 

Where should you travel after Puerto Viejo?

For more nature, head north to Tortuguero, the "Amazon of Costa Rica." The national park is famous for its network of canals, rivers, and lush jungle, only accessible by boat or small plane. 

Go from July through October to see nesting green sea turtles. It's one of the world's top spots to watch endangered turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Since Puerto Viejo is basically knocking on Panama's door, travel to the islands of Bocas del Toro. Slip into the Panamanian mindset while unwinding in an eco-lodge perched on stilts.