Activities in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
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Finca La Isla Botanical Garden
To the west of town is a working tropical farm where the owners have been growing organic pepper, cacao, tropical fruits and ornamental plants for more than a decade. Part of the farm is set aside as a botanical garden, which is also good for bird-watching and for wildlife observation (look for sloths, poison-dart frogs and toucans). The informative guided tour (in English) includes admission, fruit tasting and a glass of fresh juice to finish, or you can buy a booklet (US$1) and take yourself on a self-guided tour.
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Surfing Salsa Brava
The biggest break in Costa Rica, for expert surfers only and dangerous even then, Salsa Brava is named for the heaping helping of 'sauce' it serves up on the sharp, shallow reef, continually collecting its debt of fun in broken skin, boards and bones.
There are a couple of take-off points: newbies waiting around to catch the popular North Peak should keep in mind that there are plenty of people in this town who gave up perks like mom's cooking and Wal-Mart just to surf this wave regularly. Don't get in their way. In a sense, it was the Salsa Brava that swept Puerto Viejo into the relaxed limelight it enjoys today.
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Reef Runner Divers
In Puerto Viejo this is the principal operator. If you are not certified, you can use a temporary license for US$65 or spring for the full PADI certification for US$325. In Punta Uva, check in with Punta Uva Dive Center, and in Manzanillo book trips with the highly reputable Aquamor Talamanca Adventures.
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Exploradores Outdooors
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Aventuras Bravas
With offices in town and at Rocking J’s hostel, this company works largely as a booking agent arranging almost every tour imaginable. Popular activities include kayak trips (US$25), rafting excursions (US$75) and canopy tours (US$55).
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Terra Venturas
Offers overnights in Tortuguero (US$179-239), hiking (US$45) and snorkeling (US$49) in Cahuita, tours of chocolate fincas (US$60), white-water rafting (US$100), plus it has its very own 23-platform, 2.1km-long canopy tour (US$55) – complete with Tarzan swing.
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Caribbean Surf School & Tours
Run by supersmiley surf instructor, Hershel, who is widely considered the best teacher in the town. Call Hershel to organize a surf (the school has no office).
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Cut Bak
Surf school. Also a popular place for surfers to pitch a tent and sleep on the beach.
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Exploradores Outdoors
Plenty of rafters head straight for Turrialba but it’s possible to do rafting from the southern Caribbean. Exploradores Outdoors offers one- and two-day trips on the Ríos Pacuare, Reventazón and Sarapiquí. Staff can pick you up and drop you off in either Cahuita, Puerto Viejo San José or Arenal, and you’re free to mix and match your pick-up and drop-off points. They also organize overnight excursions to Tortuguero.
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Tuanis Bike Rental
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Tienda Marcos
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Van Dyke Surf School
Long-time surfer Kurt Van Dyke – who has lived in Puerto Viejo for decades (and who, coincidentally, is the nephew of legendary big wave surfer Fred Van Dyke) – runs this new outfit, which offers lessons for beginners and workshops for experienced riders who want to sharpen their skills. Look for the office adjacent to Hotel Puerto Viejo (Van Dyke is the proprietor there as well).
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Escuela de Español Pura Vida
Located at the Hotel Pura Vida, this company offers everything from private hourly tutoring (from US$18) to intensive five-hour-a-day sessions (from US$350 per week).
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Caribe Surf
Run by super-smiley surf instructor, Hershel, who is widely considered the best teacher in the town. Call Hershel to organize a lesson (the school has no office).
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ATEC
This highly reputable not-for-profit promotes environmentally sensitive tourism by working with local guides and supporting local communities. Hiking, horseback riding and canoe trips involve bird-watching and visiting indigenous territories and local farms. Depending on the activity, half-day excursions start at about US$20 and go up to US$80 for overnight trips.
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