Country Costa Rica Climate Af | Canton Sarapiquí Canton Province Heredia Province | |
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Time zone Central Standard Time (UTC-6) Weather 29°C, Wind SE at 14 km/h, 61% Humidity | ||
This article is for the town in northeast Costa Rica. For the coastal town in southeast Costa Rica, see Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Map of Heredia Province, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, known to locals as Puerto Viejo, is the capital of Sarapiquí Canton in Heredia Province, Costa Rica. It is located near the convergence point of the rivers Rio Sarapiquí and Rio Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is a medium-sized town in northeastern Costa Rica. The town can be easily confused with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca because both towns are referred to simply as Puerto Viejo. Buses leaving San José for either city will simply show a destination "Puerto Viejo". The major sources of revenue in the area are agriculture (pineapples, bananas, sugar cane, and cattle) and tourism. There are a number of hotels and tourist lodges in the vicinity, as well as the more research-oriented La Selva Biological Station. Puerto Viejo is home to three banks, three supermarkets, a clinic, and a number of small family-owned businesses ranging from bakeries to beauty parlors to internet cafes.
The natural beauty and biodiversity of the area, situated in the Caribbean lowlands, makes it a favorite site for ecotourists and birdwatchers. However, tourists planning to visit Costa Rica should note that there are two towns called Puerto Viejo in this general region, and buses for both leave from the same terminal (Transportes Caribeños) in downtown San José. If you want to visit the beach, make sure your ticket is for Puerto Viejo de Limón.