Puerto Viejo Hidden Gems and Waterfall
Description
It is best to take this experience on your first days here since you will learn a lot about the area, things to do here and places to visit, so you can decide what you want to do for the remainder of your vacation here. I enjoy sharing my knowledge about animals, this area and it's unique culture. We will first visit The Cliff, a special place with breathtaking views of the ocean. On the hike to there and back we may see sloths and monkeys. At the Cliff you can take some amazing photos, it’s the perfect instagram opportunity. Then we'll drive around the town so you will get to know where is what. We will then visit Iguana Project, protected area where iguanas are raised to be released into the forest. This project is in a Bri Bri farm, so you will also learn about medicinal plants and Bri Bri culture. After that we will go to the waterfalls, a magical place in the woods, where we will relax and swim in the waterfall pool, share drinks and chat about Puerto Viejo and Pura Vida!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first destination is The Cliff. This is the place where magnificent pictures could be taken. We will do a little hike on a beach-jungle trail to this beautiful viewpoint. The walk is not difficult or long, there are just two easy steps up and the top is breathtaking with stunning views of ocean and the area. This is a perfect instagram photo opportunity!
Pick up time around 10 am, transportation to Cocles. I will pick you up at your Hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Viejo area in a comfortable air conditioned car, and we’ll start our experience
We will drive trough and shortly stop at some locations in Puerto Viejo town when I will share with you my recommendations about restaurants, places to go, things to do, and also practical things like ATMs, banks, rentals etc. You will learn which beaches are good for surfing, which for swimming and which for snorkelling, where are the places where you can spot animals, where is the best Caribbean restaurant and where to go if you are craving sushi, and where to dance the night away. You will also learn about local culture, lifestyle and history of Puerto Viejo.
Transportation to Kekoldi Indigenous reserve
Transportation to Bri Bri waterfalls with a brief stop at the supermarket where I’ll buy drinks to share at the waterfalls.
Then we will go to the Iguana Project, breeding and releasing green iguana sanctuary, located in the Kekoldi indigenous Bri Bri area, where you can see free iguanas close-by. You will also learn about Bri Bri’s culture and medicinal plants used by BriBris and meet Juana, BriBri lady who started this project.
Then we will go to the Bri Bri Waterfall, the magical place in the woods, where we will relax, swim in the waterfall pool, have beers (or some other drink) and talk about Puerto Viejo and Costa Rica. There is aproximatelly 80 steps down to the waterfall, mostly small. Bring water, sunscreen, mosquito spray, shoes/sandals rather than flip flops, water shoes and towel if you have them
Transportation to Puerto Viejo area, drop off at your Hotel or Airbnb
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I’ll pick you up between 9:30am - 10am at your hotel or Airbnb in the Puerto Viejo area, meaning around 6 km (about 4 miles) radius around Puerto Viejo center.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(49)
Maja's tour is great because she's been a local for a long time, and also has an outsider's perspective as someone who moved here from another country. Super helpful if you aren't fluent in Spanish and are looking to get acquainted with the area during the first part of your trip. I'm so glad we did this tour on our second day in town!
Maya was amazing! Knew the history and knew all the write places! She took us on a walk at first and could tell us so many cool things in just that walk!
Absolutley amazing day ,Maya looks after you so well,and is so knowledgable about the history ,the animals,and the plants ,we had an amazing time,100% recommened.
Maya's tour of Puerto Viejo is great - especially on your first day in town. She provides a through overview of different places in town and helpful tips on maximizing your experience. We started out driving around town and learning about both the history of the area as well as current day tips like which restaurants and grocery stores she recommends and why. The walk to The Cliff is over easy terrain and Maya provides interesting information about the local flora and fauna. Although it was raining the day of our tour, the view from The Cliff was still pretty. Maya even worked with us to reschedule part of the tour due to poor weather. The Kekoldi BriBri Iguana Project is very interesting. The BriBri woman who lives on and runs the property has many interesting stories about their culture and how they interact with the plants and animals around them. We made a quick stop at the grocery store and Maya got us drinks of our choice before heading to the waterfall. There is an area to change into a bathing suit when you arrive. The hike to the waterfall was well maintained and had steps along the path. It was steep but not too strenuous. Swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall was chilly but refreshing! The man running the entrance was a character who sang, played the piano, and offered us "Coco Loco" (a tasty coconut drink with rum) or "Coco Boring" (without rum). Maya brough us back to the meeting spot around 2:30 in the afternoon. It was a really fun day!
Such a great guide, she was on time to pick us up, she was very informative about the history of puerto viejo and she has a great eye for spotting animals. I loved every part about it
Maya was a great host and tour guide! She was very knowledgeable about Puerto Viejo and I learned a lot of new things. Expect a lot of hiking, nature seeking, and chill vibes. Nothing extravagant! The Bri Bri Waterfall was soothing.
Maya is a great tour guide! She was prompt in her pick up times and keeping us on schedule without rushing. We learned so much about the history of Costa Rica and Puerto Viejo. It was a great experience to see PV in the eyes of someone who lives here- so many animals and cool facts to learn. Highly recommend to take this tour right when you arrive! The waterfalls were magnificent and not busy at all! Thank you Maya <3
Maja was a wonderful guide; friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible with our group! Despite the rain she made it a great experience for us
Our tour guide Irena was beyond amazing Great tour, learned tons have a lot of fun Highly recommend it
Maya was amazing tour guide. We immediately felt comfortable with her. We're so happy we did this tour the first day , her knowledge of the history of Puerto Viejo, plants, animals and area helped us get familiar and settled in the days to follow. Spending time with the indigenous Bri Bri family was something we will never forget. We were invited inside their home for tea and a very special unique fruit sample. The waterfall was gorgeous and refreshing. Highly recommend this tour.
