While we definitely could have spent longer near Punta Uva (slightly south of Puerto Viejo), 4 days was a great amount of time for both activities and relaxation in Costa Rica.
Our itinerary was flexible, due to high surf and chance of rain: I think this is key for visiting. While you can make tentative plans, make sure you can switch around your activities if needed. Fortunately, most things don’t require much advance booking (maybe the night before).
Note on snorkeling: We really wanted to go off of Cahuita, as it’s one of the more recommended snorkeling spots. Unfortunately, tours were completely cancelled and had been cancelled for some time due to the rough surf. Be prepared for unwelcoming sea conditions in this area; we knew it was a risk when we booked. And if you are surfer, you obviously have the opposite concern!
Here we go!
Arrive: Kind hosts drive us to eat at El Refugio (because it’s downpouring) and I discover the best octopus ever. Immediately dream of going back.
Day 1. If you are traveling from the United State via San Jose, it’s hard to get to Punta Uva much before 6pm (unless Nature Air opens up more flights from San Jose into Limon). So we had a relaxing morning on Day 1. Headed to Punta Uva Beach and spent the entire morning into the afternoon playing in the waves. Stopped at tiny tienda for some beer (even Costa Rican beer is close to $10 for a six-pack). Hiked/slid in the mud around Punta Uva (the actual point, behind the beach) and saw a sloth hanging on a tree high above the cliffs! Ate Caribbean food at Selvin’s, just down the road.
Just Hanging Here.
Day 2. Head to Jaguar Rescue Center for 9:30 tour, which lasts about two hours. After the tour ends, it was almost lunchtime, so stopped at La Casita Azul for some real Spanish paella made by a wonderful chef de Espana. Rolled home slowly on the single-speeder, put on a suit, and headed to the beach for the rest of the afternoon. Returned to El Refugio and obviously ordered the exact same thing: pulpo (octopus)!
This Paella was Legit. And Gone in 10 Minutes Flat.
Day 3. Tried to go to Manzanillo to take a hike and see wildlife. Biked to Manzanillo….in the rain. Guide says to postpone. Biked home…in the rain. Tried to dry in the jungle (impossible) and read for 3 hours until rain stopped. Headed to beach! Snorkeling actually strangely decent today–DH saw lots of fish, include sergeant majors, stoplight fish, and urchins. Head back to Selvin’s for some Caribbean lobster. Try the Caribbean style…absolutely delicious.
Not Belize, but Not Bad!
Day 4. Go back to Manzanillo, for a hike we thought was going to be 2 hours. End up spending 5 hours in the jungle with Florentino. Forever fear accidentally grabbing on to an eyelash pit viper nearly invisible on a tree. Grabbed a beer at Maxi’s before the bike ride home. Too rough for good snorkeling around Punta Uva, but worth a hop in the waves. Relaxed at the beach with Bassam (the dog), and did more reading. Pit-stopped at Chocolart’s cafe, for a fruit smoothie and brownie (good!). Headed to Jungle Love, for a delicious last dinner! Ate the Tokyo Tuna and a shrimp pizza. And some weird, coffee, cream, alcoholic milkshake that was amazing.
I Drink the Dark. DH Drinks the Gold. Obviously?
Depart: Leave Korrigan Lodge on the shuttle at 6am…which turned out to be the transfer from hell due to a mudslide on the main road. Thanked DH who demanded I put on a motion sickness patch the night before.
And, of course, return to winter.
We loved our time in Costa Rica and would definitely return.
Have you been to Punta Uva/Puerto Viejo/Manzanillo? What did you think?
Looks beautiful! I just snorkeled for the first time in St. John and now I’m addicted. I definitely want to snorkel in Costa Rica one day!
Oh, St. John has some amazing snorkeling!! Now you’ll have to go snorkeling in Thailand, too!