Pachamama Activities
Although there is much to do right from our door at Pachamama, we also
maintain a vast catalog of activities to help our guests enjoy everything the
area has to offer. The majority of our activities are booked through ATEC, which
specializes in hiring local operators and promoting sustainable eco-tourism and
other social programs, or Gecko Trail Adventures, a local travel agency which has
experience and contacts throughout Costa Rica.
Some of the highlights include:
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Punta Uva Beach - one of the Top Ten Beaches of the World
according to Outside Magazine |
Punta Uva beach – The reef-protected beach at Punta Uva offers
swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA, or just laying around enjoying the
beauty.
Rio Ernesto – Our river runs about 1k upstream and you can kayak up
and down from the beach and see all sorts of wildlife and feel like you are in a
movie or the discovery channel.
Gandoca Manzanillio Wildlife Refuge – anything from a self-guided hike
along the beach or through the rainforest past the end of the road to tours with
bilingual biological guides (starting at $25-65) to the rare mangroves at the Gandoca
Lagoon (awesome), or see the dolphins, turtle watching (March-July), Punta Mona
sustainable living farm, snorkeling/scuba, kayaking, or see some of the last
remaining primary rainforest and walk beneath the giant trees under the shady
canopy. Any activity in the refuge is highly recommended.
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Bri Bri
kids at The Bridge |
Indigenous community reserves – you can trek in to these reserves to
meet the Bri-Bri, Cabecar, KeköLdi , Yorkin people, learn about their culture,
sample some food and drink and of course buy things to help sustain the
communities. You can also experience the Kekoldi waterfalls and the Green Iguana
Conservation project. You can take a boat ride up the river to Yorkin and
experience that community, swin in the waterfall at the Panamanian border and
have a typical meal. We also have a relationship with El Puente/The Bridge,
which is an organization that helps get the Bribri community prepared for school
and assists with a soup kitchen and micro-loans to start or sustain small
businesses. They are always looking for assistance:
click here to read
more about The Bridge and see how you can help or check out
this
list of volunteer activities in the area.
Surfing/Boogeyboarding – Experts can hit Salsa Brava, world acclaimed,
or anyone can surf the break off Cocles and there are lessons for any skill
level. Boogeyboarding is also available and kids like to do it even right here
off Punta Uva beach.
Horseback riding – through the jungle and on the beach, not expensive
and the horses are tame but fun. There’s also horseback riding at Cahuita
National Park.
Get More Information |
Make a Horseback Riding Reservation
Bicycle tours – Take a tour with a knowledgeable local guide through
the jungles near Puerto Viejo to the indigenous communities, or at the beach in
Cahuita. You are guaranteed to get a workout, learn something, and have a few
refreshments and laughs along the way.
Canopy/Zip Line Tours - Yes, we even have canopy/zipline adventures
here. Just outside of town there is an eight platform canopy adventure. You can
ride from platform to platform and guides will share information about the flora
and fauna of the area and other interesting tidbits.
Get More Information |
Make a Canopy Reservation
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Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River |
White-water river rafting - The Pacuare river gorge is world famous
for its beauty, wildlife, and it has many sets of rapids too! Any guests find
this to be a great way to start or end their vacation because you can use the
adventure as a transfer between San Jose and the Puerto Viejo. If you'd like more information on the rafting trip
options or to have us book one for you, click to:
Get More Information |
Make a Rafting Reservation
Indigenous Community Tours to Uatsi or Yorkin. We can arrange a trip by boat up the Sixaola River to the village of Yorkin or
in car to Uatsi. On both trips you'll have the opportunity to learn much more about the indigenous Bri Bri community. You can
read about a
recent trip we did on our blog.
The Botanical gardens along Playa Negra right outside of Puerto Viejo
have a wide variety of edible, medicinal and ornamental plants and offer self
and guided tours by local experts. One of the best parts of the trip are the
exotic samples and a chance to buy some of the local goods. We use the homegwon
organic black peper every day.
Cahuita National Park consists of miles of white sand beach, a coral
reef, and jungle trails. The town of Cahuita is very laid back and has some good
food and the park has a trail where you can see all sorts of monkeys and other
wildlife (the best reefs in the area are right off the point after a pretty good
hike). You can go it alone, or there are guides. The beach itself is a long
sandy stretch and enjoyable for all.
Get More Information |
Make a Reservation for Cahuita snorkelling or guided hikes
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Baby sloths at the Aviarios del Caribe sloth rescue
sanctuary |
Sloth rescue sanctuary – Aviarios del Caribe is located on a river
delta and the owners have created a sloth rescue and if you are lucky you will
even see babies. Everyone enjoys their visit and you can even take a boat tour
up the river to see many species of wildlife and vegetation.
To cap off a day full of activity (or inactivity), Cathy offers her newly famous
in-room Spa service including custom blended natural rejuvenating and anti-aging facials
with foot and hand accupressure performed on a massage table in the comfort of your room
or terrace and then there’s always a visit to the Jungle Spa for massage and other treatments, recuerdos (souvenir)
shopping, or off to one of the many excellent restaurants including Selvin’s
(almost our neighbor), La Paila Casera (next door), Arecife (short walk down the
beach), Maxis at Manzanillo, or nearby Jungle Love, Ci Giatta Cova (a favorite),
and of course Puerto Viejo also has or many others. There’s no shortage of
excellent food and fun options in the area. Because of the funky atmosphere and
excellent surfing, there’s some decent nightlife in the “town” of Puerto Viejo a
few miles away with live and recorded Caribbean/Rock/Reggae and more. We
maintain a current schedule of the happenings so you can plan a night out on the
town.
Or of course you can always take part in a Caribbean favorite, a siesta swing
in your hammock on your porch.
Full list of tours and activities in the area
Below is the full list of tours and activities in the area that can be arranged before you come with our tour partner, Gecko Trail Adventures. They can
even help plan your whole Costa Rica trip so
email them to get more information.
Jump to:
Whitewater Rafting | Jungle, Nature & Wildlife |
Indigenous Communities |
Day Trips Nearby |
Local Activities
Multi-day day tours from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero, Arenal, Bocas del Toro, etc
Multi-day itinearies including your stay in Puerto Viejo and other highlights of Costa Rica
Whitewater Rafting / River Trips
Many of the rafting trips include transportation
between San Jose or Arenal and Puerto Viejo so it's like getting
your transport to/from Puerto Viejo for free! Your luggage is secure
throughout the trip so you're free to enjoy your day on the river.
Pacuare River: One-Day (Class III-IV)
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trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and invigorating excitement. The Pacuare River is world
famous for its pristine beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Waterfalls cascade into
the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin Tropical
Rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. Includes transport to/from Puerto
Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you want. |
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Two Day
Rafting Trips (Class III-IV+)
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We have two overnight rafting trips. Our overnight Pacuare Adventure is a Paddle and Hike expedition.
Not only will you raft a variety of exciting rapids, but you will
also hike to pristine waterfalls, fun swimming holes and primary
jungles. Overnight is at a lodge on the Pacuare River, the next you
continue down the river.
Or choose to combine our Pacuare Trip
(see above) and Reventazon River - Pascua section trip (see below)
with an overnight stay at a lodge near our rafting center.
Both include transport to/from
Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal. |
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Pacuare Lodge Honeymoon Getaway
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Are you looking for an intimate, secluded getaway location for your Honeymoon or Destination Wedding?
Picture you and your partner in the midst of a Costa Rica rainforest, the mighty Pacuare River rushing
right outside your doorstep. Enjoy magnificent
views atop a 30 foot waterfall; glide through a lush
treetop canopy or simply snuggle up for the night with
your special someone in our luxury River-View suite or
Honeymoon suite and let the chorus of native wildlife
serenade you to sleep.
This three-day two-night trip includes round-trip transport from your San Jose Hotel (pickup and/or dropoff at other
locations available too, just ask us for details), all meals, 2 night stay in fabulous river-view or honeymoon suite,
therapeutic massage for two, pacuare canopy (zipline) adventure, private guide rainforest hike, whitewater
rafting out of the lodge. |
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Reventazón River: Pascua Section (Class IV)
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After paddling the Pascua section of
the Reventazón River, adventurers agree that these are the best
rapids they have conquered. Pascua is a classic
big water run, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat,
literally! Amongst the fifteen solid class IV rapids you will run
are: Dirty Mind, The Abyss, Indigestion and Horrendito. Includes
transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you
want. |
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Reventazón River: Florida Section (Class III)
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A great big water run, with moderate
difficulty. The lush surroundings, abundant bird life and good
amount of fun rapids makes this a great introduction to river
running. This run is clearly divided in two halves. The first hour
is very exciting, with big waves and long rapids. The second half is
more relaxed as the river enters the true lower Caribbean, the
surroundings take on a jungle character and the wildlife is more
plentiful. Includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San
Jose or Arenal if you want. |
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Jungle, Nature and Wildlife
The Puerto Viejo area has some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country and are even of
international importance. The area includes several protected areas
including Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge.
Caribbean Canopy and Zipline Tour
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| Experience the richness
and diversity of the jungle close-up from this adventure that lets
you experience nature close-up. This canopy adventure has 9 aerial platforms and 14 on land with a total of 2560
meters of cable. Glide through the jungle on a zipline
for a bird's eye view of the jungle. |
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Animal Rescue Center,
Chocolate House and Waterfall
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This trip combines three of our most popular activities:
a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center, a visit to an indigenous family that
shows you how they make chocolate right from the Cacao trees in their yard and a visit
to a local waterfall and swimming hole.
The Jaguar Animal Center rehabilitates mistreated, injured and/or
confiscated animals, which are then reintroduced to
their natural habitat in protected areas. Visitors have direct contact with monkeys, wild cats, sloths, raccoons, anteaters, marsupials, reptiles, amphibians, etc. |
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Half Day |
Cost:
$90.00 for 1 person
$60.00 p/p for 2 people
$45.00 p/p for 3 or more persons |
More Info |
Book It |
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Canyoning
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The adventure
of a lifetime: 2 rappels in a 125 foot (40m) waterfall located in a tropical jungle, pristine primary
forest. You'll also have a chance to relax in a jacuzzi and jump in river pools.
Includes Pick up and drop off at your hotel, all
equipment, professional guides certified by A.C.A.,
lunch, insurance. |
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Cahuita Boat, Snorkel and Hiking Trip
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Cahuita National Park features the
largest coral reefs in Southern Central America as well as great
hiking trails with lots of wildlife. This trip combines a boat ride,
snorkeling and hiking. First is a ride in a boat to Punta Cahuita.
Once at the point, you can put on snorkel gear to explore first hand
the “under water tropical forest”. You will then land for a guided
rainforest hike, with comprehensive information on this particular
area. Monkeys, sloth, several reptiles, frogs and beautiful insects
are common sights. Round trip transportation to Cahuita
with pickup/dropoff at your hotel in Puerto Viejo is included. |
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Manzanillo Rainforest Hike
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At the southeast corner of
Costa Rica lies the unspoiled Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, stretching to the
border of Panama. Home to monkeys, sloths, a great variety of birds and much more; the area is rich
with wildlife. It is also spectacularly scenic with cliffs and hidden beaches along the water.
You can choose to meet your local naturist guide in Manzanillo town or we can pick you
up at your hotel. Your guide will take you on a hike where you will learn
much about the rainforest and its inhabitants and see its hidden wonders which take a trained eye to
spot. |
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Half Day
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Cost: $44 p/p
without transport
$55 p/p with hotel pickup |
More Info |
Book It |
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River and Sea Kayaking with Rainforest Hike
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We will
drive to the most beautiful location in the area,
Punta Uva. This trip consists of three sections. After a safety briefing we will first embark in a magical sea
kayaking journey paralleling a coast full of cliffs, caves, and the most amazing rainforest. Then we will paddle
our way up river though gorgeous rainforest where you can expect to spot monkeys, sloth, colorful birds, river turtles,
bats and iguanas.
Your professional guide will deliver a lot of interesting insights on this wonderful eco system.
Back at the beach we will take a nice break to relax, swim and enjoy some nicely presented fresh fruit and snacks
before hiking to the great over view at Punta Uva. |
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Full Day Jungle Adventure
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| Looking for
the maximum in adventure? This full day
adventure combines our canopy and zipline tour with a ATV ride, tarzan swing and much more in an action packed day you'll not soon forget! |
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Aiko-logi Reserve
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| The Aiko-logi Reserve is a 135ha (335 acre) farm and reserve
in the Talamanca mountains a short distance from Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. Spend a day or an overnight
in the jungle. Guided hikes to see the amazing diversity of birds, animals and amphibians. Tours include
pickup in Puerto Viejo or Cahuita and can include a specialized focus in birds, amphibians & reptiles or
medicinal plants if you like. |
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La Ceiba Reserve
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The La Ceiba Reserve is a privately managed 42 Ha (104 acre) tropical rainforest reserve within the
Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose of the reserve is conservation to prevent
these forests from disappearing with all the biological wealth they contain. By touring this reserve
you will not only see and learn about Costa Rica's natural wealth of animal and plant life but you will
support the work of the reserve. Choose a guided hike and then stay with them for dinner or lunch if you
like. Tour options also include a combo tour of La Ceiba with the Jaguar Rescue Centre. |
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Dolphin watching and snorkeling
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beautiful ride along the coast past Manzanillo deep into the Gandoca National park. Near the
Panamanian border, atlantic and bottlenose dolphins come in to feed in the brackish waters near the Sixaola
river. After seeing the dolphins, we cruise back to Mona island for snorkelling and/or diving! Then we
continue back up the coast to Punta Uva for our second dive and second snorkelling site. |
Tour with snorkeling
Tour with scuba diving |
Cost $65 p/p
Cost $110 p/p |
More Info |
Book It |
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River Canoe Trips
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| Exploring one of our local rivers in a canoe is a great
way to see nature up close. We offer two different tours and river options, Punta Uva River and
La Estrella River. A Punta Uva, it is possible to see sloths, birds, monkeys, iguanas and turtles surrounded
by a this beautiful vegetation. The tour to Rio Estrella
can be done in an inflatable raft or in canoes, both are
a fun and safe way to explore this river. The trip is
great for the whole family as it is wide and ideal to
enjoy the tranquility of the river.
During the trip you can see large but friendly crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, sloths and a wide variety of
birds. |
Punta Uva:
2-3 hours
La Estrella: 5 hours |
Cost: $40 p/p
Cost: $65 p/p |
More Info |
Book It |
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Bird Watching
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| Thanks to
our rich biodiversity, I will find and delight in pointing out and sharing my knowledge on the
various bird species of the area, this is definitely a
superb bird watching tour! Some of the species you could
see in this area are the Red-capped Manikin, crested
owl, the olive throated parakeet; pale vented pigeon,
masked tityra, Collared Aracari, slaty ant shrike,
keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Magnificent
Frigate-bird, common black hawk, passerini’s tanager,
and the black-cowled oriole, among others. |
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Nighttime Turtle Watching
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| Take the opportunity to travel through time and go back to the
beginning of evolution, represented by the nesting of these live fossils. The leatherback turtle is the biggest
turtle in the world; it can be as large as 2 meters long and 650 kg of weight. We will
have an unforgettable night walk along the Gandoca Beach; I will show you a different
perspective of this spectacular experience. You will observe these mothers in the
important work of laying eggs and at the same time you will learn important things about
the natural history of these special animals in danger of extinction. Help us with the
protection of sea turtles! Pickup and dropoff at your hotel is now included in our
price. |
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Evening
(Seasonal: Mar-July) |
$90 p/p for 2 people
$75 p/p for 3 people
$65 p/p for 4 or more |
More Info |
Book It |
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Learning about Indigenous Communities
Costa Rica's South Caribbean (along with Panama) is home to the Bri Bri people. Many of these
communities had no exposure to the modern world until recently. These tours not only
give you a glimpse into a unique life but they support these
communities in their effort at economic diversification. The
Caribbean is also home to a unique Afro-Caribe culture. Many
of our tours take place within the protected areas of the Kèköldi
Indigenous Reserve or the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Uatsi Waterfall and Indigenous Reservation
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This combo tour includes transportation to/from your hotel as
well as visits to the waterfall, to the Sixoala River (the border
between Costa Rica and Panama), an indigenous reservation and an
indigenous chocolate "factory" where the whole process from the
growing of the Cacao plant to the making of this unique organic
handmade chocolate is explained. |
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Indigenous
Cultural Centre and Medicine Man Tour
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| This tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about the culture
of the indigenous peoples of Talamanca and meet with Don Cándido, a famed local healer who will
teach you about local healing plants and methods. We will visit Centro Cultural Indigena
and meet Don Cándido, the last in a long line of indigenous medicine men.
At the centre there are more than 1500 plants used to cure different illnesses. There is a
walking trail where you can see many of these medicinal plants and enjoy close contact with
jungle birds and small animals. Also while you are here you can take a treatment with Don Cándido
for any illness using nature's own botanical healing system. You can
also learn about traditional foods, massage, history and science. |
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Day Trips from Caribbean Coast
One Day Tour to Bocas del Toro, Panama
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will be picked up early in the morning (around 6am) at your hotel to head directly to the border of Costa Rica and Panama. After
crossing the border over the famous bridge of River Sixaola your driver will bring you to the Port of Almirante. From there you
head towards the Dolphin Bay, enjoying a light breakfast on the boat. At Dolphin Bay you have time to observe dolphins in their
natural environment before you're heading towards Cayo Coral. At Cayo Coral you can discover the underwater world whilst
snorkeling. For lunch you will stop at the Red Frog Beach before you departure for the Port of Almirante. The tour ends at
around 5pm with being dropped off at your hotel. |
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Local Activities
There are many local activities we can help you
arrange. Many of these do book up so if you want to experience
horseback riding along the beach or learning to surf in one of the
best spots in the world, then have us book these activities for you.
Scuba Diving
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Our scuba trips have full access to Costa Rica’s only
pristine coral reef ecosystem. 50 miles from the nearest city and largely
unexplored, our barrier reef stretches from the town of Puerto Viejo
to the Panamanian border and offers you more than 25 fixed dive
locations ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep, fringing reefs
and vertical walls dropping to over 140 feet!
We offer both a variety of trips for certified divers as well as discover scuba and scuba lessons for
those wanting to experience the underwater world for the first time. |
2 Tank Dive for:
● Certified Divers $90 per
person
● Non-Certified Divers (includes 2 hour course before your dive) $155
per person |
More Info |
Book It |
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Pure Jungle Spa: Massage, Facials & Treatments
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| The Pure Jungle Spa has been featured in many travel articles about Puerto Viejo including articles in USA Today
and Conde Nast Traveler. It can feature as a highlight of your vacation too! Services offered include
the Rainforest Immersion Massage, the Jungle Chocolate Facial, the Moka Rico 100% Pure Body Treatment,
and the Exotic Foot Ritual. Click the link for many more options and information. |
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Beach Massage
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| Massage del Mar. What better way to relax than a massage on the beach with the breezes of the Caribbean
Sea adding to the experience? Choose a private massage or side by side couples massage with two therapists. |
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ATV Jungle Tour
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| This tour takes you through the jungle
and mountain trails of Talamanca where you will observe
wildlife and arrive at a waterfall of singular beauty.
Here we will take a break and enjoy a snack of fresh
tropical fruit. Next, we will visit an
indigenous community where you will learn about
medicinal plants and how the Indian people use them. |
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Horseback Riding
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You pick up your guide and horse at Playa Negra (Puerto Viejo) and we take you
on a guided ride of the local beaches. There are only a few horses available at each location so advance booking is recommended.
The full day trip takes you all the way from Playa Negra to Playa Cocles, includes lunch and you can also add an optional visit
to the Wild Animal Rescue Centre while you are there. |
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Surf Lessons
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Learn to surf in Paradise!
Puerto Viejo is a great place to learn to surf as there are a big
variety of beaches with different conditions suitable for any level of surfer.
In a 2 hour lesson you'll be standing on your board -- guaranteed! Group, semi-private and
private lesson options are available. |
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Fishing Expeditions
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Our experienced captain will take you and your friends on a unforgettable day on the Caribbean
Sea with the chance to land some amazing catches!
We have half day trips for fish such
as Tarpon, King Mackerel or Red Snapper and full-day deep sea trips for Tuna, Maui Maui and
other big game fish. |
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Multi-Day Packages
Check out our Packages page where you can find popular multi-day itineraries like our Volcano, Jungle and Beach
Package or our Costa Rica Wet and Wild Package -- these packages
include your Puerto Viejo hotel, transportation to/from Puerto Viejo
and tours and activities.
Our packages page also has some short multi-day packages that you can add-on
to your Puerto Viejo trip to destinations such as Volcano Arenal, Bocas del
Toro, Tortuguero or Monteverde. Check out all our destination packages.
Additional comments from our visitors about area activities
Leave your own comment
Doug Dosdall from Vancouver, BC June 15, 2007