Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
commodate streams of tourists. Of course, remember to be respectful - these are
people's private homes and work spaces, not tourist attractions.
Getting Around
A bicycle is a fine way to get around town, and pedaling out to beaches east of Puerto
Viejo is one of the highlights of this corner of Costa Rica. You'll find rentals all over town
for about US$5 per day.
Puerto Viejo to Punta Uva
A 13km road winds east from Puerto Viejo, through rows of coconut palms, alongside
coastal lodges and through lush lowland rainforest before coming to a dead end at the
sleepy town of Manzanillo. The road was paved for the first time in 2003, dramatically
shortening the amount of time it took to travel this route. The roadway is narrow, however,
so if you're driving, take your time and be alert for cyclists and one-lane bridges.
If you want to stay close to Puerto Viejo while having access to a nice beach, Playa
Cocles has a good mix of isolation and amenities, offering a wide variety of places to stay
and eat. After that, the pickings get thin until you get closer to Punta Uva, where you'll
find a cluster of lodges and restaurants - as well as one of the prettiest beaches in the re-
gion.
Buses heading from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo will drop you at any of these places
along the way.
Sights
Jaguar Centro de Rescate
WILDLIFE REFUGE
(
2750-0710;
www.jaguarrescue.com
; adult/child under 10yr US$15/free;
tours 9:30am &
11:30am Mon-Sat; )
Named in honor of its original resident, this well-run wildlife-rescue center in Playa
Chiquita now focuses mostly on other animals, including raptors, sloths and monkeys.