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Discover The Best Tours in Puerto Viejo: Chocolate, Culture & Caribbean Adventure
Tucked along the southeastern coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a vibrant Caribbean town known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, lush jungles, golden-sand beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. While many travelers come here to unwind by the sea, Puerto Viejo is also a hub for immersive and unforgettable day tours.
From traditional cacao experiences to jungle wildlife tours and day trips to nearby islands, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the natural and cultural richness of this region. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best tours in Puerto Viejo, with a spotlight on the popular chocolate tour Puerto Viejo and an exciting trip from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Discover the Roots of Cacao: Chocolate Tour Puerto Viejo
If there’s one tour you shouldn’t miss in Puerto Viejo, it’s the chocolate tour. The region is home to the Indigenous Bribri community, who have been cultivating cacao for generations—not just as food, but as a sacred element of their culture.
What to Expect on a Chocolate Tour in Puerto Viejo?
The chocolate tour Puerto Viejo is an interactive and educational experience that takes you deep into the heart of cacao production, from seed to sweet treat.
Most tours include:
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A visit to a Bribri Indigenous village or family farm
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A walk through cacao plantations and tropical gardens
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A hands-on demonstration of the traditional chocolate-making process
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Tasting freshly made raw cacao and handmade chocolate
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Cultural insights into the Bribri way of life and spiritual connection to cacao
Some tours combine the chocolate experience with waterfalls, nature hikes, or a chance to make your own chocolate bar.
They’re family-friendly, eco-conscious, and deeply rooted in the local community.
Duration: Half-day (around 3–4 hours)
Tip: Bring bug spray, cash for artisan chocolate, and an open heart!
Other Amazing Tours in Puerto Viejo
Beyond chocolate, Puerto Viejo offers a wide variety of tours for nature lovers, culture seekers, and beach adventurers.
Wildlife and Jungle Tours
Puerto Viejo borders Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, both teeming with wildlife like sloths, monkeys, toucans, and exotic frogs.
Popular options:
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Guided hikes in Cahuita National Park (with optional snorkeling)
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Night jungle tours to see nocturnal creatures
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Jaguar Rescue Center visit – a local wildlife rehabilitation center
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Sloth and monkey watching tours
Snorkeling and Surfing
The Caribbean coast offers unique reef systems and gentle breaks for water lovers. Depending on the season, you can enjoy:
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Snorkeling tours in Cahuita (coral reefs, turtles, tropical fish)
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Surf lessons or board rentals at Playa Cocles
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Kayak tours through the mangroves of Punta Uva.
Cultural Experiences
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Visit local Afro-Caribbean communities to learn about their music, food, and traditions.
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Cooking classes featuring rice & beans, patacones, and coconut dishes
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Browse handmade crafts at the Puerto Viejo Artisanal Market
These cultural tours promote meaningful exchanges and support local artisans and families.
Day Trip or Overnight Adventure: Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro
Why Visit Bocas del Toro from Puerto Viejo?
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Stunning islands like Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, and Red Frog Beach
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Incredible snorkeling and diving in coral-rich waters
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Fun nightlife and chill backpacker scene
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Boat tours to Starfish Beach, Sloth Island, and Dolphin Bay
How to Get from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro?
The easiest way is to book a shuttle + boat combo tour that includes:
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Pickup from your Puerto Viejo hotel
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Transportation to the Sixaola border crossing
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Border assistance and paperwork
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Boat ride from Almirante to Isla Colón (Bocas Town)
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Total travel time: ~3.5 hours 📅
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Duration: Day trip or overnight (we recommend staying at least one night)
We work with trusted providers for this border crossing to make your journey smooth and worry-free.
Tip: If you have time, spend a couple of nights on the islands to soak up the full Bocas experience. Ask us for recommendations—we’ve got you covered!
Booking Tours with Pura Vida Traveling
At Pura Vida Traveling, we believe in authentic, sustainable travel that connects you with the real Costa Rica.
We carefully select local tour partners that:
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Respect nature and wildlife
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Support Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities
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Provide safe, high-quality experiences
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Offer fair wages and community reinvestment
Whether you’re booking a chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo, a jungle night walk, or a day trip to Bocas del Toro, we’ll help you plan it all with love, transparency, and pura vida.
What to Bring on Your Tours?
Packing smart ensures you’re ready for any Caribbean adventure:
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Lightweight clothing & rain jacket (it’s the jungle!)
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Swimsuit & towel
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Eco-friendly bug spray and sunscreen
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Refillable water bottle
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Camera or phone
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Passport for Bocas del Toro trips
Final Thoughts: Slow Down & Soak Up the Magic
Puerto Viejo is more than just a beach town—it’s a place where cultures mix, cacao grows wild, and wildlife is just a few steps away. From the rich tradition of chocolate making to the cross-border adventure of Bocas del Toro, this corner of Costa Rica invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and connect with what matters.
Ready to plan your tour? Reach out to us at Pura Vida Traveling, and we’ll help you craft the perfect experience in Puerto Viejo—whether it's for a day or a lifetime.