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Voykit pocket guide · Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Spend 1–2 nights in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí for rainforest tours and river trips; base here for a day‑trip to La Selva.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is a small inland town in Heredia province, about 2 h north of San José on Highway 9. It offers access to primary rainforest (La Selva Biological Station), bird‑watching sites, and Rio Sarapiquí boat tours. Tours at La Selva require advance arrangement. The town’s limited services mean a short stay works well as a base for day‑trips.
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Best months
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct (check)
- Avoid
- Jul–Aug (heavier rain, road conditions — check)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- CRC
- Money
- Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₡12,000–18,000 excl. bed · Mid ₡18,000–30,000 excl. bed · High ₡30,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Kölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.
- Emergency
- Police / Ambulance 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · US-style plugs.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.; Guides: US$5–10 per person per tour.; Shuttle drivers: US$2–5.
- Water
- Tap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.
- Toilets
- Western toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | ₡800–₡1,200 |
| Meal (local restaurant) | ₡3,000–₡5,000 |
| Taxi (per km) | ₡2,000 |
| Bus San José → Puerto Viejo | ₡2,500 |
| La Selva guided tour | US$35 (≈ ₡21,000) |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- SJO · Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Drive north via Highway 9; about 2 h from San José (airport transfer time — check). Shuttle available from Selva Verde Lodge.
Typical fares
- San José → Puerto Viejo (bus)
- about ₡2,500, 2 h (check)
- Taxi to La Selva (round‑trip)
- ≈ ₡20,000 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Bus from San José (Selva Verde runs a shuttle); hire a driver for the rough Highway 9; taxis in town are limited.
See and do
Known for
- La Selva Biological Station
- Rio Sarapiquí boat tours
- Birdwatching in primary rainforest
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| La Selva Biological Station | Hire a taxi or arrange a shuttle; about 15 km (9.3 mi) east, 30 min drive.Hire a taxi or arrange a shuttle; about 9.3 mi (15 km) east, 30 min drive. | ≈ 1 h total |
| Rio Sarapiquí boat tour | Book with local outfitters in town; pick‑up at lodge. | ≈ 30 min total |
| Braulio Carrillo National Park | Drive north on Highway 9, then local roads; about 30 km (19 mi), 45 min.Drive north on Highway 9, then local roads; about 19 mi (30 km), 45 min. | ≈ 1 h total |
Sleep
- Selva Verde Lodge
- Eco‑lodge near Chilamate; boots provided for muddy trails; basic rooms.
- Almendros y Corales
- Tent‑style rooms with mosquito netting, fans and hammocks; rustic rainforest setting.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedisˈkulpɛ |
| Thank you | Graciasˈɡɾasjas |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?ˈkwanto ˈkwesta |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño?ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbaɲo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: 'Buenas' and a handshake; cheek kiss among friends; avoid: Skipping the greeting
- Conflict: Stay polite and indirect; avoid: Raised voices
- Time: Be on time for tours; avoid: Expecting social events to start on time
- Nature: Stay on trails, keep quiet; avoid: Feeding animals
Scams and watch-outs
- Road to Puerto Viejo is uneven and often muddy; aggressive drivers are common.
- Limited night transport; plan return before dark.
Generally safe for tourists; watch for aggressive drivers on Highway 9 and limited night transport; keep valuables secure.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- La Selva Biological Station
- Rio Sarapiquí boat tours
- Birdwatching in primary rainforest
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456
- Wikivoyage: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, revision 4622284 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4622284
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
A esta dirección, por favor
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police / Ambulance911
US consulate in San José; other embassies in San José.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/puerto-viejo-de-sarapiqui). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.