Major city · 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.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CRC
- Best months
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct (check)
- avoid Jul–Aug (heavier rain, road conditions — check)
- Airport
- SJO
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Costa Rica ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Costa Rica's immigration authority (Migración) or a Costa Rican consulate; proof of onward travel is commonly required.
- Costa Rica ↗Rental cars require mandatory local liability insurance, often not included in online quotes: check the full price before booking.
- Costa Rica ↗Do not feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis; it is illegal and harmful.
- Costa Rica ↗Buy national park tickets (Manuel Antonio, Poás, Irazú and others) online from SINAC before you go; several parks do not sell at the gate and cap daily numbers.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.Costa Rica-wide
- SIM or eSIMKölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.Costa Rica-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.Costa Rica-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.Costa Rica-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Costa Rica-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; watch for aggressive drivers on Highway 9 and limited night transport; keep valuables secure.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.Costa Rica-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / ambulance · 911 fire
- Sundays & holidayscheckManuel Antonio closes on Tuesdays (check); Semana Santa Thursday–Friday shuts most businesses.Costa Rica-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSJO Juan Santamaría International Airport (Drive north via Highway 9; about 2 h from San José (airport transfer time — check).
- Getting aroundBus from San José (Selva Verde runs a shuttle); hire a driver for the rough Highway 9; taxis in town are limited.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₡800–₡1,200
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (per km)₡2,000
- Budget bedTent‑style room, a night, per personCRC 6,000
- Mid-range bedTent‑style room, a night, per personCRC 9,000
- High-end bedTent‑style room, a night, per personCRC 13,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CRC 12,000 · Mid CRC 21,000 · High CRC 35,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- 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.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Bus from San José (Selva Verde runs a shuttle); hire a driver for the rough Highway 9; taxis in town are limited.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
La Selva Biological Station
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h total
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.
Guided 3‑hour rainforest tour costs US$35 (check — 2016 price).
Rio Sarapiquí boat tour
goDoor to door: ≈ 30 min total
Book with local outfitters in town; pick‑up at lodge.
Typical 2‑hour trip; bring camera.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h total
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.
Rainforest trails and wildlife spotting.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
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.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₡12,000–18,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ₡18,000–30,000 excl. bed
- High
- ₡30,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Eco‑lodge room2 × 2 nights × CRC 12,000 | CRC 48,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CRC 21,000 | CRC 84,000 |
| La Selva guided tour2 × CRC 21,000 · check | CRC 42,000 |
| Rio Sarapiquí boat trip2 × CRC 15,000 · check | CRC 30,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CRC 20,400 |
| Trip total≈ CRC 56,100 per person per day, bed included | CRC 224,400 |
2026 estimate in CRC; flights and international transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| 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 tourcheck — 2016 price | US$35 (≈ ₡21,000) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road to Puerto Viejo is uneven and often muddy; aggressive drivers are common.
- Limited night transport; plan return before dark.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Ambulance
- 911
- Fire
- 911
Pocket card
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Puerto Viejo de SarapiquíPuerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in San José; other embassies in San José.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- San José → Puerto Viejo (bus): about ₡2,500, 2 h (check)
- Taxi to La Selva (round‑trip): ≈ ₡20,000 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpɛ)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbaɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct (check) · avoid Jul–Aug (heavier rain, road conditions — check) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
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