Beach Bungalow
off the Caribbean Sea
After spending time in a Tree House Hotel near La Fortuna in Northern Costa Rica, I headed south to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for some time near the Caribbean Sea.
If you’re wanting to travel around Costa Rica, I recommend pre-booking a shuttle or private driver. Renting a car is possible but depending on what part of the country you want to visit, roads can be poorly paved, poorly marked, and difficult to navigate.
I caught my pre-booked shuttle from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a beach town in southeast Costa Rica, on the Caribbean coast. The comfortable air-conditioned shuttle departed La Fortuna at 6:15am and arrived at Coco Loco Lodge six hours later.
I’ve included the shuttle and the best ways to get around Costa Rica in this post.
When looking for accommodations, my heart was set on having a hammock so I was over the moon when I found this Bungalow with a porch and hammock.
If you’re wanting to visit Puerto Viejo, the location of this hotel is great. Walking distance to bike shops (renting a bike and exploring the area and nearby beaches is a lot of fun) grocery stores, boutique shops, and lots of delicious restaurants.
The hotel includes:
• Swimming pool
• BBQ area
• Private Parking
• Free wifi
• Airconditioning (select rooms)
• Free Breakfast
*Update: The Coco Loco Lodge has sadly closed but there’s one very similar in the same neighborhood called Bungalows Calalú
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
a laid back Caribbean beach town
Set along the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back beach town with a distinctly Caribbean feel. With residents of both Afro-Caribbean and indigenous descent, Puerto Viejo offers a unique culture that can only be found in this part of Costa Rica. Here you will find Reggaeton beats, colorful shops, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back attitude.
This area isn’t as developed as some of the more touristy areas so if you’re looking for big-name resorts along the coast, you may want to look at a city like Tamarindo.
I was drawn to the island vibe, beach parties, and authenticity of the area. If you’re interested in meeting locals, swimming in the warm water of the Caribbean Sea, snorkeling above the coral reef, visiting white and black sand beaches, and watching jaw-dropping sunsets, then Puerto Viejo is for you.
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more costa rica posts
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Booking activities in Costa Rica: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Where the rainforest meets the sea. There's no better way to explore the beaches of Costa Rica than by horseback.
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Staying in a treehouse hotel in the rainforest of Costa Rica
My unique experience staying in a treehouse hotel with 7 private treehouses surrounded by a 70-acre wildlife refuge with waterfall and dipping pools.
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Booking activities in Costa Rica: La Fortuna
Ziplining above the rainforest, visiting La Fortuna waterfall, hiking around the most active Volcano in Central America, and more!
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Transportation – How to get around Costa Rica
If you're traveling to Costa Rica and want to get around and explore, these are the best options for transportation.
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