Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica Extension

After landing in the charming Costa Rican capital of San Jose, travel to the beachside town of Puerto Viejo, about a 4 hour drive away. Situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, near the border of Panama, Puerto Viejo is much less crowded than tourist towns on the Pacific side, with a diverse array of visitors and locals. You won’t find fast food chains or high rise hotels here, but you will see colorful homes, exquisite uncrowded beaches and exotic wildlife. Take a deep breath of warm ocean air and spend your first day getting settled into Paradise.

Discover the Jaguar Animal Rescue Centre located near Playa Cocles. This centre serves as a refuge and rehabilitation center for many local animals including members of the cat family, monkeys, snakes and more.

Learn the process in which indigenous chocolate is made by the people who know it best. Watch a demonstration of the process, from the growing of the Cacao plant to the making of chocolate. After, hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Hike through the Cahuita National Park beginning in the community of Cahuita, along white beaches and up to Cahuita Point. Relax and swim in the calm water of the Caribbean Sea.

After your morning breakfast and checkout, say goodbye to the sleepy seaside village and head to San Jose, where you’ll catch your flight home. Promise yourself you’ll come back soon!