Explore the South Caribbean
A simple guide to the best beaches, towns, and things to do from Cahuita to Manzanillo.
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Costa Rica’s South Caribbean is known for its calm rhythm, friendly communities, turquoise beaches, and lush rainforest. Each town has its own personality, from quiet snorkeling beaches to lively surf breaks, wildlife reserves, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Here’s an easy guide to help you explore the region from Cahuita → Puerto Viejo → Cocles → Punta Uva → Manzanillo.
Untouched · Wildlife · Scenic Hikes
Manzanillo is the southernmost town - quiet, rustic, wild, and surrounded by the Gandoca–Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. It’s the best destination for nature lovers and hikers.
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What to Expect
Small local houses, fishermen, simple sodas, jungle paths, and less tourism than the other towns. Manzanillo feels the most “natural” and uncommercial.
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Top Things to Do in Manzanillo
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Hike the Gandoca–Manzanillo Refuge, jungle, cliffs, hidden beaches, and some of the best viewpoints on the coast.
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Visit the Ara Project (reservation required) to learn about Great Green Macaw conservation.
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Snorkel when the sea is calm, the reef here is vibrant.
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Take a guided hike to Punta Mona for a long, beautiful adventure (guides highly recommended).
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Manzanillo is perfect for travelers who want wild nature, long hikes, and quiet beaches.
Calm · Crystal Water · Kayaking & Snorkeling
Punta Uva is the postcard beach of the Caribbean — calm turquoise water, soft sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by jungle. It’s ideal for families, swimmers, and anyone seeking a quiet, beautiful beach.
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What to Expect
Clear water perfect for swimming, coconut trees, kayaks drifting on the bay, and some of the most photographed views on the coast.
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Top Things to Do in Punta Uva
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Swim in calm seas, especially between August and November (flat season).
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Snorkel around the reef when conditions are clear.
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Rent kayaks and explore the Punta Uva River and coastline.
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Walk up to the Punta Uva Viewpoint. one of the best panoramic views in the region.
Where to Eat
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El Refugio Grill: one of the most recommended restaurants in the entire region; excellent food, intimate setting, and right down the hill from Big Tree.
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Punta Uva is for travelers who want peace, still water, beauty, and simple beach days.
Active · Surfing · Social Afternoons
Cocles is the sporty, youthful area of the coast — home to surf lessons, beach volleyball, lifeguards, cafés, and long stretches of sand. It’s the beach where many people spend their afternoons.
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What to Expect
Surfers walking barefoot with boards, families enjoying the beach, people playing volleyball, hammocks, dogs, and a friendly, social vibe. The waves are stronger here, ideal for lessons.
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Top Things to Do in Cocles
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Take a surf class — one of the best beginner-friendly beaches in the region.
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Join or watch the daily beach volleyball games in the late afternoons.
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Walk the beach at sunset; the light in Cocles is stunning.
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Explore the cafés and juice bars scattered along the main road.
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Enjoy a beach day with shade from the palms.
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Where to Eat
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El Sol del Caribe — excellent Caribbean food; a local favorite.
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Iriria Café — coffee, fresh bowls, smoothies, and a relaxing garden.
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Cocles is perfect for travelers who want movement, surfing, social energy, and golden sunsets.
Vibrant · Cultural · Food & Nightlife Hub
Puerto Viejo is the heart of the South Caribbean, lively, creative, full of restaurants, cafés, small boutiques, bars, surf culture, and movement. This is where visitors come to experience the energy of the coast.
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What to Expect
Colorful streets, Afro-Caribbean music, beachfront bars, surfboards everywhere, and a mix of travelers and locals. You come here to eat well, shop, people-watch, and feel the pulse of the coast.
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Top Things to Do in Puerto Viejo
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Walk or bike through the town exploring coffee shops and local designers.
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Visit the Saturday Farmers Market, an essential stop for produce, kombucha, breads, and artisanal food.
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Watch surfers at Salsa Brava, the most powerful wave in the Caribbean.
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Rent a bicycle, the easiest way to explore the whole area at your own pace.
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Visit chocolate shops, bakeries, and the town’s local art and craft stands.
Where to Eat
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Bread & Chocolate — iconic breakfast spot; amazing pastries.
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Café Viejo — handmade pasta, Italian dishes, warm ambiance.
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Puerto Viejo is for people who want good food, culture, music, coffee, and lively evenings.
Traditional · Peaceful · Nature-Oriented
Cahuita is the quietest and most traditional of the five towns — a place of local life, Caribbean flavor, and calm beaches. It’s home to one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks, with an easy coastal trail full of wildlife, white sand, and turquoise water.
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What to Expect
Cahuita is great for people who want relaxation, simple living, and long walking days along the coast. The waves here are generally gentle, making it an excellent place for swimming and beginner snorkeling.
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Top Things to Do in Cahuita
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Walk the Cahuita National Park Trail - 8 km of easy forest path with monkeys, sloths, raccoons, coatis, and ocean viewpoints.
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Snorkel the coral reef when conditions are calm; the area is known for colorful fish and clear water.
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Spend a slow day at Playa Blanca, one of the calmest beaches in the region.
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Visit the small local town center with sodas, bakeries, and markets.
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Food You Shouldn’t Miss
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Doña Rita’s Patties - famous Caribbean patties with fresh dough and spicy filling.
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Sobre las Olas - oceanfront restaurant; go at sunset.
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Cahuita is perfect for travelers who want quiet days, soft beaches, and an authentic, local feel.