Costa Rica - Featured Destination

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Featured Destination

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is a small riverside community located in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, less than 20 miles south of the Nicaraguan border. The town lies at the base of the Cordillera Central Mountain Range and is quickly becoming a popular eco-tourism destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.

Situated at the junction of the Sarapiqui and Puerto Viejo rivers, the village of Puerto Viejo offers sensational Class III-IV whitewater rafting as well as tranquil safari floats that allow passengers glimpses of caiman, crocodiles, monkeys and sloths along the river banks.

The budding town is surrounded by virgin rainforests, banana and pineapple plantations and several key biological reserves including La Selva Biological Station and Tirimbina Rainforest Center where visitors can explore pristine forests and observe a huge variety of wildlife. Sarapiqui is a wonderful place to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty, whether by horseback on backcountry roads or on hikes through tropical rainforest. Learn more about this month's featured destination, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

Highlights of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Places to See

Tirimbina Rainforest Center

La Selva Biological Station

Centro Neotropico Sarapiquis

Heliconia Island

Visit a leading biological research station, where students and scientists study tropical ecosystems or learn about indigenous tribes... Read More

Things to Do

Rappelling
Chocolate Tours
Rainforest Hikes
Whitewater Rafting
Bat Programs
Pineapple Plantation Tours
Mountain Biking
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Canopy Tours

Challenge your fears on Class IV rapids. Discover brilliant tree frogs on a rainforest hike. Explore the history of cacao on a delicious chocolate tour or sit back and enjoy a safari float down the Sarapiqui River. Spectacular wildlife is around every corner and adventure aficionados will be pleased... Read More

Places to Stay

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui offers a variety of accommodations, including a large selection of mid-range hotels. Along the main road in town, the budget-conscious will find inexpensive cabinas and local restaurants (known as sodas) that serve up traditional meals for $2 to $3 a plate. Several family-run hotels and cozy B&B’s located on the outskirts of town will gladly arrange tours to local attractions... Read More

Travel Blogs

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui & Poas Volcano

(June 2008)

The costarica.com travel team explored the rainforests and rivers of Puerto Viejo, and visited Poas Volcano National Park. Read about our experiences with tours, hotels and local attractions.