6 Days in Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast & Rainforest
Puerto Viejo's Caribbean vibe, manageable rainforest hikes, and wildlife spotting bring multi-generational families together. Grandparents enjoy laid-back rhythm and Caribbean cuisine; kids are thrilled by monkeys, sloths, and easy beach swims. Travel is affordable, and activities suit varying fitness levels.
What to expect
- Spot howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans on short forest walks from village
- Swim in calm, dark waters at Playa Negra and Punta Uva; snorkel patch coral reef
- Hike the flat, easy Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge trail with a local naturalist guide
- Taste fresh Caribbean cuisine—rice and beans, patacones, fresh fish—at beachside sodas
- Meet local kids at Punta Uva beach; no tourist crowds, just community
Day by day
Fly into San José early; domestic flight to Puerto Limón (1 hour) by noon.
Short transfer (1.5 hours) to Puerto Viejo; check into beachside bungalow or lodge.
Walk through Puerto Viejo village at sunset; dinner at Bread & Chocolate café.
Guided 2-hour walk in Cahuita National Park with a local naturalist; spotting sloths and birds.
Return to village; rest at lodge; kids play in shallow beach pools.
Dinner at a local soda (family-run restaurant); arroz con pollo or pescado frito.
Easy, flat 3-mile trail through Gandoca-Manzanillo; river crossing (wade, no swimming needed); wildlife abundant.
Lunch at Manzanillo village beach hut; fresh fish and plantains; swim in the Caribbean.
Return to Puerto Viejo; gentle dinner and early night.
Visit Punta Uva for calm snorkeling and beach play; reef is shallow and colorful.
Picnic lunch on beach; nap time in shade for grandparents while kids explore rock pools.
Return to village; casual dinner at Pizzaría Piccolo or similar.
Slow morning walk through village; stop at a wildlife rescue center (Aviarios del Caribe) to see sloths up close.
Free time; some swim, some rest, some browse artisan shops.
Sunset from Playa Negra; final beach dinner.
Early breakfast; transfer to Puerto Limón airport (1.5 hours) by 10 am.
Domestic flight to San José; connect to international flight.
Depart.
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