Puerto Viejo Costa Rica: Family Travel Guide to Beaches, Culture & Wildlife
From Pacific Coast Camping to Caribbean Vibes: Our Wild Family Adventure in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
After an epic 10-day family camping trip on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast—complete with sunshine, palm-fringed beaches, and the best snorkelling—we couldn’t resist more adventure. So, sandy backpacks and lighter wallets in tow, we took a 6-hour bus to Puerto Viejo, the laid-back Caribbean town known for its wildlife, Afro-Caribbean culture, and kid-friendly beach vibes.
Spoiler Alert: The Sea Had Other Plans 🌊
Arriving in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, we were… well, a little underwhelmed. The Caribbean beach was crowded, and the sea? Wild, murky, and definitely not the snorkelling paradise we’d imagined for a family adventure with kids.
Instead of floating over coral reefs and spotting colourful fish, we found ourselves leaping through crashing waves and dodging seaweed spaghetti. To be fair, the black sand had its own rugged beauty, and splashing in the surf with Tilly still made for a memorable family travel moment—just not the one we expected.
Wildlife Wonders in Puerto Viejo: A Baby Sloth Encounter 🦥💚
Here’s where Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, totally redeemed itself for family travelers. On a quiet coastal walk—escaping the busy Caribbean beaches—we spotted pure magic: a wild sloth with a baby sloth clinging to its belly!
Watching them sway in the trees was peaceful, surreal, and easily one of the top Costa Rica wildlife moments of our family trip with a teen. It reminded us why exploring beyond the crowds often leads to the most unforgettable adventures.
Sloth spotted in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica rainforest
We also came across brilliantly coloured poison dart frogs and bright red crabs scurrying through the undergrowth. The frequent rain in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region heightened the jungle vibes, giving our family travel adventure an authentic rainforest experience full of wildlife spotting and memorable moments for kids.
Rustic Caribbean Cabin Stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica 🛖
Our family travel accommodation in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica was… rustic, to say the least. We stayed in a colourful Caribbean-style wooden cabin surrounded by tropical rainforest, with jungle sounds as our soundtrack.
Privacy? Minimal. Windows had no locks, and geckos were constant companions. After camping along the Pacific Coast, this felt like Caribbean camping for families, full of quirky charm, tropical adventures, and memorable moments with a kid in tow.
The Caribbean Hut!
Puerto Viejo Food Adventures: Pastries & Local Flavours 🥐🍍
One of our favourite family travel experiences in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? Discovering local pastry stalls (empanadas) on every corner. With restaurant prices higher than the Pacific Coast, we embraced kid-friendly street food, enjoying pastries filled with pineapple, beef, chicken, plantain, and banana. Absolute lifesavers for hungry adventurers—Joe and I may have developed a minor obsession, but no regrets!
Puerto Viejo During Santa Semana: Family Travel Challenges 🎉
We arrived in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, right in the middle of Santa Semana (Easter Week)—and the small Caribbean beaches were packed, roads jammed, and music non-stop. For families traveling with kids, this was a bit overwhelming.
While Puerto Viejo is perfect for Caribbean adventures and easy access to Panama, our family beach escape during peak season was more chaotic than relaxing.
This was before it got busy!
Costa Rica Family Travel: Puerto Viejo vs Pacific Coast
Would we go back to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica with kids? Honestly, not on a family-friendly budget trip. While Puerto Viejo has its Caribbean charm, the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica stole our hearts with calmer beaches, peaceful vibes, and a more family-friendly atmosphere.
For families traveling with kids, we recommend exploring the west coast for the ultimate Costa Rica family adventure.
Top Costa Rica Travel Tips for Families with Kids 👇
🌊 Stick to the Pacific Coast – calmer beaches, fewer crowds, perfect for family adventures.
💰 Budget wisely – Puerto Viejo Costa Rica can be pricier; try local stalls and pastries.
⚠️ Avoid peak times – skip Santa Semana unless you love crowds.
🛖 Embrace rustic stays – many accommodations are open-air and kid-friendly.
🐸 Spot wildlife everywhere – sloths, frogs, monkeys, and tropical jungle animals await.
🗺️ Plan your route – Puerto Viejo is ideal for onward travel to Panama.
Final Thoughts: Costa Rica family travel is full of contrasts—pristine beaches, wild rainforest adventures, and vibrant culture. Pura vida! 🇨🇷💚
Want to know more about Costa Rica and top tips for families? 👉 Click here
Puerto Viejo Costa Rica family travel adventure with kids!
