Things to do

Around Puerto Viejo

There are plenty of things to do on the Caribbean coast, apart from lying in your hammock, watching birds and butterflies or enjoying the beaches. You can easily fill an entire week or more with activities and day trips, and we will gladly help you plan and book, at no extra cost.

Cahuita National Park

This gorgeous national park has it all: white sand beaches, a turquoise sea with a diverse marine life and loads of rainforest wildlife such as monkeys, raccoons, sloths, iguanas, snakes and basilisks. You can visit on your own or ask us for a guide (about US$15 pp), to make sure you get to see everything.
 

Visit neighbouring towns

There are a couple of little towns and villages worth visiting in the region. Get a taste of the authentic Caribe Sur and take a walk around Cahuita, Manzanillo or Bribri. And if you’re ready to level it up a notch, why not try Puerto Limón?

   

Canopy Tour

Take a swing through the canopy and see nature up close with the thrill of a fairground ride!
This canopy tour is just a short drive from Geckoes Lodge and will take you through 18 platforms, with a total of 2.400 meters  of pure fun and adventure. You can even add the ‘Tarzan swing’ or the ‘Superman cable’ to the menu.
Rates start at US$57 pp + tax.

Rafting Rio Pacuare

The Pacuare river is world famous for its beauty and provides one of the best wilderness adventures in Costa Rica. This 1 day tour offers a wonderful blend of excitement and jungle exposure. You pass through the river gorge, flanked by steep green walls, with continuous rapids from beginning to end.
Difficulty class III – IV, 38 rapids, approximately 3 hours of river time.
US$99 pp + tax.

Indigenous tour

During your visit to Bribrí, you will learn about the traditions, culture, believes and history of the indigenous people. You will also get to know about their knowledge of medicinal plants, learn about cacao and get a chance to make your own chocolate.
US$59 pp + tax.

   

Kayaking tour

Embark in a kayaking journey up the Punta Uva river and enjoy this gorgeous stretch of rainforest. Expect to spot tropical birds, sloths, river turtels, howler monkeys, iguanas and bats. After the river tour, you can enjoy a sea kayaking session and a hike to the higher view point of the most beautiful beach in the area.
US$59 + tax

Jaguar Center Cocles.

The JCR is an animal rescue and rehabilitation center where you can learn about and meet howler monkeys, sloths, raccoons, anteaters and other rainforest guests.
Public tour is US$24 pp (in English and Spanish – sometimes also French and German), private tour is US$75 pp (minimum 2).

   

Dolphin watching

Take a boat from Puerto Viejo to Punta Mona, a common feeding site for the dolphins. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you can go as far as the mouth of the Sixaola River. This is the perfect trip for seeing the shallow coral beds and the diverse Caribbean coastline, against the backdrop of a dense jungle and the steamy mountain range bordering Costa Rica and Panama.
3-4 hour tour, US$100 pp, min 3, US$25 for 5th and 6th p.

   

Finca Las Isla’s Botanical Garden

This is a must-see for anyone with an interest in tropical flowers, trees and frogs! Take a fascinating guided tour and photograph the prolific flora and red poison dart frogs at this beautiful property.

Wolaba Parade

If you visit us in the second half of August, you’re in for a treat! The entire month is dedicated to the celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture with different activities. and the last week there is a gorgeous, cheerful parade through the center of Puerto Viejo.

 

Surfing Lessons:

Learn how to surf or improve your technique at Cocles beach, home of the famous Beach Break.

Scuba diving:

Take a trip to the outer reefs and become part of the underwater world or learn how to dive in warm, clear waters and get your PADI certification.