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Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast has everything you want in a visit to Costa Rica. And the best way to view it all is over your beach cruiser handlebars on a ride from Puerto Viejo to Playa Manzanillo.

Puerto Viejo to Playa Manzanillo Bike Ride
Bike Tour to Playa Manzanillo
Start off in the relaxed town of Puerto Viejo. You can find bike rentals here from about $6 per day. There are plenty of restaurants with views to the beach, featuring the famous Salsa Brava surf break. You’ll also be treated to the sounds or reggae music floating in the air and can easily believe that you have been transported to Jamaica.

Salsa Brava (Angry Sauce) Surf Break in Puerto Viejo
There is one only one road to take, which you will share with other bikers, pedestrians, motorcycles, cars and the occasional dog that may adopt you along the way. The 13K (8 mile) ride is pretty smooth (meaning mostly flat, but watch the pot holes).
On the Road to Playa Manzanillo
After leaving downtown Puerto Viejo, You will pass by jungle and several small hotels/hostels until you reach Cocles Beach. This beach is known for surfing and popular with locals but be aware of rip currents.

Cocles Beach Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
If the beach and reggae music have put you in the mood for jerk chicken, look no further than this guy.

Jerk Chicken Vendor
And you can get a delicious fruit and fresh squeezed sugar cane drink from the vendor across the street.

Fresh Juice Vendor Cocles Beach
Continue heading down the road, keeping your eye out for – whatever comes your way.

Huge Iguana On The Top Of A Tree Along The Road
Don’t miss the Puerto Viejo Jaguar Rescue Center
You will soon come upon the Jaguar Rescue Center on the right. You can tour the facility and support their efforts to rehabilitate and release injured animals that are brought to their facility every day. We had a great time visiting the the center.
Continue south, passing by Playa Chaquita and look for signs for Punta Uva, known as the prettiest beach in the area, where the jungle meets the sea. The waters are calmer here and there is a nice area for snorkeling along the coral reef.

Punta Uva Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo Costa Rica Wild Locals
We met several characters along the way, including lots of howler monkeys and sloths.

Puerto Viejo Howler Monkey Credit: MirasWonderland
The howler monkey seems pretty sweet and innocent until he starts making noise. Then they can be downright terrifying. You actually often hear them well before you see them.

Sloth Hanging Out In A Tree Along The Road To Manzanilla
And this guy.

Eylon of Pita Bonita
At his Middle Eastern restaurant Pita Bonita, Eylon makes fresh pita bread every day that it sells to local grocery stores. Stop in for the hummus with falafel and to chat it up with Eylon, who found his way from Israel here following a girl, but stayed for the hammock.

Falafel and Hummus at Pita Bonita
Arrival at Playa Manzanillo Costa Rica
Brave you way up 2 small hills and you will be rewarded with a view of Manzanillo, a small fishing village with a pretty beach and locals who offer walking tours.

Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer
Time to cruise back to Puerto Viejo, keeping your eye out for the sloth you saw along the way (he’ll probably still be there) and start planning out a nice place to relax by the beach to enjoy the sunset.

Best way to see Puerto Viejo
Now you know why everyone in Costa Rica ends most conversations with “Pura Vida,” and while you are here, you will too.
Related articles that can help plan or inspire your visit to Costa Rica:
Ric
Monday 10th of June 2019
So, where can you rent bicycles in the Puerto Viejo area??
Jen
Wednesday 12th of June 2019
You can find plenty of shops along the road that runs beside the beach that rent bikes.
Elena
Saturday 4th of April 2015
We will be in Cahuita from May to August and planning to rent bicycles. Looks like it would be the best way getting around. It looks like you were having tons of fun!
Sean
Saturday 4th of April 2015
Yes, bikes are a great way to get around, get some exercise, and you have so many more opportunities to see the wildlife than you would in a car. Hve fun!
Anne Klien ( MeAnne)
Monday 2nd of February 2015
I can go round and cycle all day if the view is as spectacular as this place. ..
tabster
Wednesday 21st of January 2015
Great post. Loved and enjoyed my stay in Puerto Viejo. Bike was my mode of transportation throughout my stay. The ride to and fro is amazing. It runs parallel to the beach which makes it great for a lot of beach hopping. Tons of sights and foodies along the way. Definitely takes me back.
The Guy
Sunday 18th of January 2015
It looks like you had a lot of fun on this adventure. Cycling around the island is the way to go! Wonderful pictures and some amazing sightings of animals. You've found a wonderful little paradise.
Sean
Sunday 18th of January 2015
Thanks! Our trick to sighting animals is to look for people by the side of the road, pointing up, and try to find what they were looking at :)