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These are the latest comments and questions from our visitors about the Puerto Viejo area and the topics covered on the site
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hi Kathryn. All the schedules, prices and booking links for the shuttles are on the shuttle page at https://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/en/shuttle-to-puerto-viejo/
You'll see though that the shuttles leave either early in the morning or late at night. So you can either see some sights in San Jose, book a private shuttle (also on the page) or taxi to the bus station and take the public bus.
February 19, 2025
Kathryn
Hi there,arriving in San Jose at airport at 845an April 23. We need to get myself and 2 others to Puerto Viejo. Please advise on cost for shuttle in Costa Rican money and American if possible.
Thank you so much!
February 19, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I've not been able to get an answer to that. Just to be clear though: the San Jose to Puerto Viejo bus will definitely not stop at Limon airport but the local bus that travels from Limon to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo probably will stop but best you ask at the Limon bus station if there's a stop for the airport. If you do get an answer please comment back here so others are aware!
February 05, 2025
diana
Will the mepe bus that goes to Puerto Viejo stop on the road in front of the LImon airport, or is it better to take an uber to the Mepe station and go from there?
February 05, 2025
gail
Thank you so much for the excellent information. I found it very helpful planning my trip.
January 18, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Tiene que cambiar buses (y terminales también) en San José por los buses públicos. Los shuttles tampoco hacen esa ruta sin cambio en San José.
January 09, 2025
Nicolas
Hola! Queria saber si hay algun transporte barato desde Manuel Antonio hasta Puerto viejo? O si o si tengo que hacer trasbordo en san jose?
Saludos!
January 09, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
You shouldn't have a problem at any of the ATMs I don't think. They are occasionally out of order/out of cash so don't wait for the last minute. There's even a Scotiabank ATM at the Mega Super though in my experience Scotiabanks in Latin America don't seem to offer any particular extra service to Canadians with Scotiabank accounts.
January 09, 2025
Lorraine
We are coming from Canada on Jan 13/2025. Do the ATMs in Puerto Viego Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica accept Scotiabank Debit cards with (Interac, Visa Debit Plus and Interlink)
January 09, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
You definitely cannot if buying fares on the bus (e.g. the local buses). It's possible the MEPE offices accept dollars at some arbitrary exchange rate but I wouldn't count on it.
January 08, 2025
Serah Beckley
Hello can you use US dollars at the mepe?
January 08, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
El horario es el mismo 7 días
January 06, 2025
Juan guardiola
A qué hora es el bus de SJ a Puerto Viejo los DOMINGOS
January 06, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
With no traffic it could possibly be done in 20-25 minutes but with typical traffic 35-45 minutes is normal
January 01, 2025
Sydney
Hello! How far is the bus terminal from the airport? On google maps it says a 20 minute drive. Is that accurate or do I have the address wrong?
January 01, 2025
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Glad you found the site useful Marion! The buses rarely sell out and if they do they usually put on a second one but there is a small possibility if they sell out one bus and only have a couple of people extra they would only offer standing room tickets. You probably would be safe arriving by 11:00 am. You could also go the evening you arrive and buy the ticket for the next day at the ticket office. Finally you can try calling or whatsapping them the day before and asking to reserve a ticket though you'll have to try in Spanish likely. The phone and whatsapp numbers for them are on the bus to Puerto Viejo page.
December 10, 2024
Marion Walls
Hi, the info on your website is so useful, thank you! I'm arriving in San Jose the night of Jan 10 and want to take the noon bus to Puerto Viejo on Saturday 11 Jan. How early do I need to be at Terminal Atlantica Norte to ensure I can buy a ticket to get a seat on the 12 noon bus, please?
December 10, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
There are no passenger rail lines in Costa Rica unfortunately. Unless you count the commuter trains operating in the San Jose area. I'd suggest the white water rafting perhaps if you want to do something different. You can get picked up in Arenal and end the day in San Jose or Puerto Viejo.
July 29, 2024
Timm
Trying to plan a trip for 5-7 days to CR that includes the Arenal Area for a couple nights preferably and 3-4 nights at a resort OR somewhere with decent golf nearby and some sort of train ride during the trip. Arenal doesn't appear to be an issue but the rail travel does. Can anyone point me in the right direction? It would be incredible if I could arrange rail travel between the two areas but again, not finding much information online. Kind Regards and any help/suggestions are gratefully appreciated!
July 29, 2024
Doug
I personally feel like the South Caribbean coast is best explored on a bicycle and on foot with buses and taxis or tuktuks to supplement. If you do want your own transport for a particular day or outing then cars, bikes, golf carts and scooters are all available to rent locally. It will partially depend on where you elect to stay. There are tons of restaurants and shopping in town as well as in Cocles and a nice selection of services in Playa Chiquita. Cahuita is self contained but you'll need a bus or taxi or car to get to Puerto Viejo and the further southeast communities. Manzanillo and Punta Uva or accommodations up Margarita Rd are more difficult without a vehicle. Hope that helps!
July 27, 2024
Angela J. Nottingham
Hi. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean Coast in September. We would most likely be flying into SJO. Is a car necessary in PV to get around? If so should we rent a car in SJ and drive the 5 hrs there or get a private transfer? Can we rent a car in PV?
July 27, 2024
Khloe
Is sargassum normally an issue in April? We were there last year in October and there was none but we want to come back in April.
July 22, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Yes, absolutely. Can buy your ticket on the bus. Just have colones cash, driver can make change.
July 18, 2024
Joaquín
Hello, hope you are ok, great info. Right now im staying in playa negra near puerto viejo, can i take the bus that goes from puerto viejo to cahuita at the playa negra bus stop?
July 18, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
No bathroom but there is a stop in Limon where you can use the restroom.
July 12, 2024
Ron Savage
Hi. I am traveling to PV in six weeks and I'm considering traveling by bus from San Jose but I'm concerned about whether there is a restroom on the bus. Does the bus have facilities onboard or make stops?
July 12, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hi Pete, MEPE unfortunately does not update their website often. I've double checked with them on the schedule between Limón and Manzanillo and the schedule is the same Monday to Saturday and a bit different Sunday as is published above and see this schedule they sent. But I've made some small corrections to the intermediate stop times so good you asked!
March 25, 2024
Pete
Hello! I notice your bus schedule for Limon to Manzanillo states a separate schedule for Sunday only. On the MEPE website it says that schedule is for Saturday AND Sunday.
https://www.mepecr.com/HorarioL_M.html
Can you clear this up?
Thanks,
Pete
March 22, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
All the buses come to the main bus stop in town located here
March 12, 2024
Emilie
Bonjour, connaissez vous l'emplacement exact de l'arrêt de Puerto Viejo en direction de Manzanillo ?
March 11, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Well for a 6am flight you could either leave the afternoon before on the afternoon shuttle from Caribe Shuttle or MyPinkBus and have them bring you to an airport hotel. Or you can maximize your time on the coast and book a private transport leaving at something like midnight and go straight to the airport. With large luggage either of those options is probably easier than the public bus.
March 05, 2024
Kitty
Hi there we leave PV on March 20th to arrive in Alejuela before a 6.00 flight on the 21st SJO
We have two large suitcases and want to travel with at least hassle as possible
What would you suggest ?
March 05, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hi Scott, glad you found the info useful! Yes, I haven't heard of any changes on the Manzanillo to PV schedule, it changes very infrequently. MEPE is not always the best with letting the community know though so if you do happen to see a new schedule update posted on their window, do let us know!
January 29, 2024
Scott
Thank you for all the information. Do you know if the Puerto Viejo - Manzanillo bus schedule is still the same as of 2024? Thanks!
January 29, 2024
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Thanks for letting us know Ingrid. The $4 each way municipal tax is now noted in the information above.
September 10, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Buses run 365 days a year. There are some days with reduced service such as Christmas Day but I think Jan 1 will be normal. The bus company Mepe will post any updates in December.
August 18, 2023
Cata
Hello, do the buses run normally for the end of the year?
I will be there on 31 and 01. I want to move between Cahuita - Puerto Viejo, is it possible to find buses?
Also, does anyone know if the parks in Cahuita and Manzanillo are open to the public on those days?
Thanks in advance,
August 18, 2023
Cata
Hello, did you go for that appointment?
If so, did you see public transportation work?
August 18, 2023
Sharan
I believe that one of the things that makes a difference in Costa Rica, is our education. We have no army to invest in it and is a disrespectful and shameful business that people like you came here to play with that
EDUCATION IS FREE and to make your business out of the need of the town, is simply disgusting
Instead, if you really want help, you may help to support public schools
August 09, 2023
Ingrid
Thank you very much for this Nice page for crossing the border. Since 1th of August 2023 you have to pay taxes in Panama. Both ways. Maybe you can add this to the information.
August 08, 2023
Shonna
Are there days that the restaurants are closed? What is the rainy season hours? I read that a lot of places are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesday or closed completely...
July 03, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
That's going to be tough to get there in one day. You're going to have to go via San José or Arenal. One suggestion which might make it fun is to book a rafting trip with pickup in Puerto Viejo and dropoff in Arenal spend the night in Arenal then the next day take a shuttle from Arenal to Hermosa. If you don't want to do the rafting you could get to Arenal with a shuttle too.
Alternatively take a bus or shuttle or Sansa flight to San Jose then a bus to Liberia (plus taxi 27 km to Hermosa) or shuttle San Jose to Hermosa.
If you want to go with rafting or shuttles, feel free to email us at info@puertoviejosatellite.com and we'll have one of our travel experts book whatever works best for you.
June 12, 2023
Enrique
My girlfriend and I will be in Puerto Viejo for 9 days. Then we are meeting some friends in Playa Hermosa on the Pacific. What type of transportation would recommend for us to get to the Pacific?
June 11, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Yes, several places in town rent kids bikes. Check the bike rental options on the services page.
May 19, 2023
Jill Rubin
Hi,
Is there any place in town that rent bikes for a families (my kids have 24" bikes)? We are thinking of coming for a week and it would be nice to get around by bike some of the time. Thanks! Jill
May 19, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Local bus schedule is above, doesn't room too often but it is easy. The Jaguar reserve is only a couple hundred meters off the main road that the bus runs on. Taxi or tuktuk very easy.
April 06, 2023
Christine Salama
Is it easy to find a bus or taxi from Purto Viejo to the jaguar reserve?
April 06, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hay un vuelo de Air Panama de Albrook a Bocas del Toro, no a Puerto Viejo, ni a Limón. Puerto Viejo no tiene aeropuerto.
March 21, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
No, I wouldn't say so. Most locals speak Spanish first. But English is very widely spoken.
March 21, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I can't speak to how the Caribbean ziplining compares to others, I've heard good things but it isn't the biggest in the country or anything. It is quite close to Puerto Viejo though which is nice since some of the others, e.g. from San Jose, require a long transport first.
Booking a couple days in Tortuguero is an excellent idea. The Tortuguero package that we recommend can be booked with different start and end points so you could have them pick you up in San José and drop you in Puerto Viejo at the end. As you've discovered the rafting trip works that way too so it's a great idea to book it on the day you leave Puerto Viejo and then you'll end up in San Jose.
I personally don't think a rental car is needed for Puerto Viejo. The whole area from Puerto Viejo south to Manzanillo along the beach is quite flat and quite bikeable and bike rental are everywhere and cheap. There are also lots of taxis, local buses (albeit not too frequent) and other options too such as golf carts, tuktuks. The local transport page has more info.
March 21, 2023
Eileen Kennedy
Firstly, thank you for your information and links. They have been so helpful.
I was wondering if you would recommend ziplining in this Puerto Viejo area? We want to fit it in somewhere on our travels to Costa Rica but I am not sure where.
We are coming from San Jose (we are going to have a couple of day trips out of that location - not sure exactly what at this time). We are taking an 8 day tour including some central/Pacific stops. After our tour we want to spent 2 days in Tortugero followed by 3-4 days in Puerto Viejo. We are also considering going for day trip to Panama. We would like to take the rafting trip back to San Jose too.
How I could book these to include transportation. Also; would you recommend a rental car in Puerto Viejo? We want the most adventurous ziplining - what would you suggest? It can be in another area.
March 19, 2023
Jean-Robert
Is English still the main language spoken?
March 19, 2023
Alicia
Hola! sé que había un vuelo que salía del aerupoerto de Albrook en Panamá hacia Puerto viejo en avioneta, pero no lo encuentro. Sabes si sigue en funcionamiento o si conoces de esta ruta?
January 23, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
This isn't really the zone for that...that would be something you'd find near Monteverde, Arenal or the Central Valley from San Jose.
December 16, 2022
James
I am looking for a working coffee plantation tour any information is appreciated
December 13, 2022
tom veasy
Any one know if there is any where to fish off the beach. I need to know if I should bring a fly or spin rod. Thanks, Tom
November 16, 2022
Marian Rivkind
Hi Michael, thanks for your share. I’m wondering how your move has been? Is your Airbnb up and running? My mother and I are planning a trip there and wouldn’t it be neat if we booked your place? Pura Vida! Hope to hear from you soon:) Marian
March 22, 2022
Drew
Since last night playa negra is knee deep in sargassum ... anyone know of a beach between here and Manzanillo where we can swim today? Thanks!
March 06, 2022
Shari
Hello Michael, I just read your comment about settling in Puerto Viejo. Wondering how it is feeling 2 years in. We are also educator/artists looking for land to buy for arts community and started considering costa rica and this area. Curious about your experience there. You can also respond directly to sharidavis3@gmail
January 11, 2022
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Si, los shuttles están operando. Todo la información arriba está actualizado. Los vuelos, espero que están operando por enero pero tenemos que esperar y ver.
December 01, 2021
Federico Rodriguez
Hola ya se encuentran operando los shuttles desde Puerto Viejo a Bocas del Toro? y para la vuelta hay posibilidad de vuelos a San José? Estaríamos viajando en Enero 2022.
December 01, 2021
Nidia
Buenas, muchas gracias por la información, muy completo. Una consulta: si soy extranjera (argentina) y quiero renovar mi estadía en Costa Rica, ¿cuánto tiempo debo quedarme en Bocas para renovar la estadía en Costa Rica o puedo devolverme el mismo día a Costa Rica y con eso ya se renueva el tiempo de estadía? Gracias
November 16, 2021
Marina
Does anybody know, if the local buses also run on new year (January 1st) between Puerto Viejo and Cahuita?
November 07, 2021
Harry
@Andrea Brombacher
Wir wünschen dir alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Ganz lieben Gruß von den Binzener!
Harry & Elvira
October 25, 2021
Harry
@Andrea Brombacher
Wir wünschen dir alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Ganz lieben Gruß von den Binzener!
Harry & Elvira
October 25, 2021
Kyley
Does anyone know of any schools in the Puerto Viejo area that are in session closer to September through May? My family is considering a move there but would need to be in the States June through August for work.
October 13, 2021
Saber Barikani
Hi are there any smoke shops?
August 19, 2021
Ana Sandrea
Gracias por tu artículo, vivo aquí una parte del año y confirmo todo lo que dices.
July 02, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Ya escribimos sobre está tema directamente arriba en la sección de conducir a Bocas!
June 15, 2021
Borja Arcones Velasco
Buenas,
Una duda, yo voy en carro hasta puerto viejo y depués cogería un shuttle para ir hasta Costa Rica, ¿Que podría hacer con el carro? Es decir existe algún parking donde pueda dejar el coche durante los tres días que voy a bocas de toro?
Un saludo
June 15, 2021
Ariana Alvarado Q.
Donde puedo conseguir los productos naturales marca Libelula?
June 13, 2021
Iguana Surfer
Thank you this is very helpful! I love renting bikes here and riding around once you are here. I have only rented cars to get here from San Jose & Tamarindo. Best way to go if you can!
April 13, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Caribe Shuttle me dijó que van a operar los shuttles lo más rápido posible después del el 5 de abril -- probablemente dentro de una semana. No estoy seguro sobre los otros compañias. Vamos a anunciarlo en nuestra página de noticias.
Caribe Shuttle advised me they would be restarting their shuttle routes as quickly as possible after the Apr 5 border opening; probably within a week. We will make an announcement on our news page.
April 01, 2021
sdsds
hola al parecer ya se va a reabrir, eso quiere decir que habran shuttles?
https://www.periodicomensaje.com/turismo-negocios/6535-fronteras-terrestres-abriran-a-partir-del-05-de-abril-para-turismo
April 01, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Costa Rica ha cerrado la frontera desde Panamá hasta hasta al menos el 1 de abril, la noticia aquí.
Por esta razón, ninguna de los transportes turísticos están operando.
Se puede entrar Panamá pero solo Costarricenses y residentes pueden regresar a Costa Rica por tierra (y ellos necesitan hacer una cuarentena después). O, puede volar pero solo vuelos a Costa Rica desde la Ciudad de Panamá ahora.
March 01, 2021