The cacao tree has been an important plant in Costa Rica for countless generations. ![]() It lasts half a day, it includes hotel pick up, a local guide and snacks too. Make sure to check out this guided tour of Cahuita National Park as it also goes to Bri Bri waterfalls. You’ll be able to spend time swimming in the natural pools formed by the cascades, surrounded by the lush Costa Rican rainforest - all to the soundtrack of birds, monkeys, and the waterfall itself. One option takes you from Puerto Viejo into the rainforest as you follow a guided nature trail. There are various tour options available to anybody who wants to see these incredible waterfalls. Seeing them is best done with a guide, but if you’ve got your own transport it’s possible to do it yourself. These gushing natural cascades can be found deep in the jungle, and are reached only on foot via nature trails. Hidden in the rainforest that backs the beautiful coastal town of Puerto Viejo are a number of stunning natural sights, not least the Bri Bri Waterfalls. Photo by Cris Young Go to Bri Bri Waterfalls In short, rondon could very easily become one of your favorite meals during your travels in Costa Rica. Closer to the center of Puerto Viejo, it serves up a family recipe of the Caribbean specialty that has been passed down for generations you’ll be glad you found this place! Located close to Punta Uva, it’s a real gem - people travel from afar just to eat their delicious rondon (costing between USD $7 to $10, depending on the size).Īnother spot is Soda El Ranchito – that’s where I tried it, and it was really delicious. One of the best places to try rondon in Puerto Viejo is Selvin. Though it’s classic home cooking, it can still be found at a few eateries in the area. In fact, the word “rondon” itself comes from Jamaican Patois, meaning “run down,” which is a reference to the runny consistency of the coconut sauce. It’s a local staple that has roots in the Afro-Caribbean population of the region, particularly with people who moved here from Jamaica to work on the railways in the early 20th century. Essentially, this is a dish of necessity, with no set recipe, only the use of coconut milk and then whatever root vegetables and seafood is available that day. Rondon is a typical Caribbean-influenced stew, concocted with coconut milk and featuring seafood and vegetables. The most iconic dish here has got to be rondon. As per the website, reservations are not necessary but you may still want to check the website and book your visit in advance – you can do that here.Īlternatively, you can book this tour that goes to the Jaguar Rescue Center as well as Punta Uva Beach and which includes a jungle hike too.ĭiscovering the destination through its culinary offerings is easily one of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo. The tours here (in English and Spanish) cost $24 USD + VAT and run most days between 9:30 am and 11:30 am. The center has no government funding, relying solely on donations from visitors and the money received from tours, which goes directly back into the center. Visitors can go on an hour-and-a-half tour of the animal sanctuary, and learn about the work that the staff here do, as well as the plight of the wildlife in the region, and why they are at risk. The Jaguar Rescue Center was brought to international attention after the Zac Effron documentary Down to Earth (he visited the center in episode 3). They provide veterinary care, round-the-clock services, and release efforts for these rescued animals. Located on the outskirts of Puerto Viejo, the non-profit organization is a rehabilitation center for monkeys, sloths, and other mammals, as well as reptiles and birds. There’s also the Jaguar Rescue Center – visiting is definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Puerto Viejo. The Ara Manzanillo is not the only wildlife conservation effort that’s working hard to protect native species in the area. Photo by Adriana Margarita Larios Arellano Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center The bonus is that the roads to get around are bike-friendly and newly paved. Using a bike to get around makes it easy to get from one beach to the next, which is a plus if you’re all about sun, sea, and sand. You can spend as much time as you want cycling around - a couple of hours, or even over a few days - exploring the lesser-known sights and best beaches in Puerto Viejo. Not only is it also the main way to get around (lots of locals use bikes, too), but it’s also a super relaxing way to soak up the life of this beachside Caribbean destination. One of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo to enjoy it in all its glory is to hop on a bike and pedal your way around the town. ![]()
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