African heritage is alive and well in Costa Rica. Develop a deeper awareness of the country’s Afro-Caribbean diaspora on this culturally immersive tour highlighting the coastal Afro-Latin town of Puerto Viejo. Pristine beaches and lush rainforest form the perfect backdrop for R&R and exciting activities alike that highlight the area’s unique multiculturalism.

**NOTE** Activity times, transfer durations, etc. are subject to change. Your activity providers and Soul Life Travel team are here to help - please see contact info and confirmation numbers listed in the daily itinerary!

All international tourists are permitted to enter Costa Rica by air, land and sea. Tourists must meet the visa requirements, when applicable, as well as the requirements established in the framework of the pandemic.

- A passport is required for entry in Costa Rica. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, only a valid passport is necessary and no prior visa approval is required. (For non-US/CA citizens, prior visa approval may be required depending on where your citizenship is based.) It is always a good idea to find out the current visa and entry requirements from your local Costa Rican Consulate. 

- Upon entering Costa Rica, most visitors are given a 90-day tourist visa that is stamped in their passport. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of your stay.

- The Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering by air, land or sea to present a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine upon arrival.

- Tourists visiting Costa Rica are requested to abide by the sanitary protocols in place when participating in tourist activities throughout the country.

For more information and requirements, please visit the Costa Rica Tourism Board website.

San Jose - DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari San Jose 

Enjoy modern comfort only five minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and close to downtown, businesses, and attractions. DoubleTree Cariari by Hilton features a heated outdoor pool surrounded by a garden and luxurious facilities. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, an on-site gift shop with local crafts and souvenirs, a free airport shuttle, and a handy on-site ATM. Cariari Country Club and golf course are next door. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the many poolside shaded areas. Guests can enjoy sports on TV, cocktails and other drinks at Bar Chiquiri or gourmet Costa-Rican dishes at Las Tejas. 

Puerto Viejo - Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel 

Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel is located in Puerto Viejo, Limon, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. With its laid back attitude and Caribbean lifestyle, Puerto Viejo has it all: long walks on the pristine beaches, exotic flora and fauna in a wildlife refuge, snorkeling or diving among the many reefs in crystal clear waters, world-class surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and cultural visits to indigenous communities. Cocles Beach with its beautiful golden sand is walking distance from the hotel. At Le Caméléon every day is a new day.  

How Much Do I Need?

This is a hard question as everyone's spending habits are different. We recommend having at least per person $250-$300 for spending money, $30 a day for meals (excluding alcohol), and around $150 or so for tipping guides, drivers, housekeeping staff. This is a very rough estimate because again everyone's spending habits are different. 

Local Currency

For the most part, U.S. Dollars are not accepted in Costa Rica; by and large you will need to pay with Costa Rican colones. Right now 1 USD equals about 700 colones.

Exchanging Funds

We strongly suggest you exchange funds before leaving the airport. There are a number of ATMs at the San Jose and Liberia International Airports. (There is also an exchange business in the airport that will exchange all currencies, however their rates are known to be very poor.) 

Banks/ATMs

If you must withdraw cash at an ATM, be prepared for potentially hefty processing fees and currency exchange commissions. That said, most Costa Rican towns have several banks and almost every bank will have an ATM. In Puerto Viejo, for example, there is a Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Nacional and there are also ATMs from BAC Credomatic and Scotiabank. 

Card or Cash?

Credit or debit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica for payment of things like shuttle services, meals, and attractions. Expect, however, to pay for taxi rides and items sold at small, roadside shops/stalls/stands with cash as credit cards are unlikely to be accepted. You’ll also need cash for most tipping situations. 

How Much Should I Tip?

Most service staff in Costa Rica hope, if not expect, to receive a tip. Here are some tipping suggestions for typical services during your Costa Rica trip:

• Tour Guide - 3500-10000 colones (5-15 USD), depending on size of the tour group & tour length

• Tour/Transfer Driver - 1500-3500 colones (2-5 USD) per one-way transfer; 7000 colones (10 USD) for an all-day tour

• Taxi Ride - Round up the total shown on the meter

• Restaurant Wait Staff - 15-20% if a 10% service charge (a mandatory gratuity charge) has NOT been added to the bill; 5-10% otherwise

• Hotel Housekeeper - 1500-3500 colones (2-5 USD) per night

Costa Rican Go-To's

• #1 Tip - Get Salsa Lizano with every meal! It’s a typical Costa Rican sauce that is SO GOOD. 

• Batidos - Costa Rican fruit smoothies. You can get them with water or milk.

• Casados - typical Costa Rican meals with meat, rice, beans, salad, and plantains

San José

• La Empanada - Begin your journey into deep-fried empanadas costarricenses at this Tico institution located alongside the Plaza de las Garantías Sociales. Since 1948 locals have been coming here for well-browned, crispy turnovers made with corn flour filled with beans, ground meat, chicharrón, cheese, and potatoes.  

• Soda Tala - Local favorite! 

• 11•47 - 11•47 is a magical place, which you'll see in just the atmosphere as you walk in, the decoration, the floors! This is a cozy space...call ahead, as it gets busy and it’s better to have a reservation. I always choose the 5-course tasting menu w/ the recommended wines (it makes the whole culinary experience even better) and just ask them to surprise me with the dishes and the chef always picks the best. - Sadie

• Maxi by Ricky - People come to Ricky Barthley’s homey restaurant, located in the Santa Ana neighborhood, to watch sports and order the rondon. This coconut milk stew is found all over the Caribbean; here it consists of fish or mixed seafood, cassava, taro, yams, plantains, and chile panameño. 

• Raw Co Juicery & Food - Takeout operation specializing in vibrant dishes that emphasize the unadulterated produce of Costa Rica.

• La Esquina de Buenos Aires - High-end 

• Restaurante Silvestre - High-end 

Puerto Viejo

BREAKFAST

• Cafe Rico - get the Santa Rosa!

• Soda Elizabeth - simple yet delicious

• Grow - good vegan options

LUNCH

• Tasty Waves Cantina - many kinds of dishes, solid choice near the beach

• Tamara’s - local Black-owned favorite, great Rondon

• Biribá - the best vegan food!

• Salsa Brava - great drinks

• Spicy Coconut - Curry, Thai, Mahi Mahi, seafood

DINNER

• Wolaba Fusion - Good sushi

• Koki Beach Restaurant, Bar & Lounge - Higher end, nice ambiance, and great cocktails right on the beach!

• Cafe Viejo - Italian--great pasta

• Lidia's Place - Traditional Caribbean + Costa Rican food

• Madre Tierra - Get the breadfruit gnocchi w/ shrimp and thank us later ;)

• Stashu's Con Fusion - International fare

Please feel free to let us know what interests you. We're happy to make suggestions based on our extensive knowledge and personal experience, to help you make the most of your trip!

San José

San Jose Spotlight: Everything You'll Be Lining Up To Do In This Costa Rica City 

Carpe Chepe (San Jose) - 2022 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor - Our favorite!

Puerto Viejo

OUTDOOR FUN

• Cahuita National Park - Cahuita National Park is considered one of the most beautifully protected areas in Costa Rica. If feeling adventurous you can always take a bus yourself to Cahuita and spend some time in this little funky town and park. 

• Playa Punta Uva & Playa Arrecife - Experience Puerto Viejo's Beaches Like a Local! Playa Punta Uva and Playa Arrecife are two of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, with palm tree dotted beaches, turquoise water and soft tan sand. In between the two beaches is a great little sightseeing spot with a short trail (Playa Punta Uva on the right, Playa Arrecife on the left). You can walk around the peninsula jutting out for awesome views. 

• You can also try Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, or Manzanillo for a serene day in the sun and sand.

RELAX & RECHARGE

Pure Jungle Spa

AmaSer

NIGHTLIFE 

[2022] Must-Know Info About Puerto Viejo Costa Rica And The Southern Caribbean Coast - The Official Costa Rica Travel Blog

• Johnny’s Place

Monday - Ol' School night (lots of Whitney Houston and Michael!)

Wednesday - mix of reggaeton and Top 40...Sadie's fav :)

Friday - Afro beats 

Saturday - salsa

• Selina's - DJ schedule changes weekly

In order to re-enter the U.S., you must present a negative COVID-19 test. It must be a PCR or antigen (rapid) test, administered no more than 1 calendar day before your flight. Please see the CDC website for details. 

Testing Options in Costa Rica Airports

Antigen (rapid) testing and PCR testing are now available at both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR). Lab Echandi, a reputable lab in Costa Rica, performs the test. You need to make an appointment online. Here is the link.

Puerto Viejo COVID Testing Clinics
- Laboratorio Bioclinic is great for travelers wanting to cross international borders, this lab is one of the two places offering Covid tests in Puerto Viejo at this time. Both Antigen ($76) and PCR ($140) tests are now available. An appointment is recommended.
Location: Inside Puerto Viejo Shops near Puerto and CO.
WhatsApp: +506 8950 9101
Opening hours: 8:00AM-5:00PM

- Clinica San Gabriel is also offering Covid tests needed for travel purposes. They offer both Antigen ($75) and PCR tests ($130) from 8am to 3pm daily. Your passport is required but no appointment is needed. Results are generally available early the next day.
Location: Calle 213, beside MegaSuper
WhatsApp: +506 8870 8029

Pura vida! Welcome to Costa Rica! You’ll arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José where a transfer will whisk you to your first hotel in the city. To meet your driver, simply exit the Arrivals Terminal of the airport and walk to the right until you are in front of Malinche restaurant. This is where your shuttle will pick you up. After checking in and getting settled, take some time to unwind at the pool or explore all the hotel has to offer. If up for it, maybe head downtown. Explore at your own pace, do some shopping, and grab an authentic dinner. 

- Airport Transfer: San José

Provided by your hotel

Arrival at Juan Santamaria (SJO International) Airport / JetBlue Flight 1695 at 1:10pm

Pick Up: The shuttle runs every hour and half starting at 4:30am and ending at 1:30am (eg: 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am and so on). The driver will monitor your incoming flight arrival and meet you outside in front of Malinche restaurant. The van is white with the DoubleTree´s logo (a cookie). 

Drop Off: DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari San Jose

- Check in at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari San Jose

Includes: 1 King Bed Standard Room for 1 night, Buffet Breakfast (except arrival day), Taxes

Confirmation #: 97453876

Contact:

San Antonio de Belen, Cariari, San José, 40703, Costa Rica

T: +506 2209-1000

Email: doubletreecariari@cariari.co.cr

Free afternoon and evening to relax or enjoy the local surroundings - Lunch & Dinner on your own

Today you will transfer to Puerto Viejo. Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, here you’ll find sun, sand, and waves. Take the day to relax at your hotel or explore the town. At some point during the day, don’t forget to visit a café - like Bread and Chocolate - for a cup of Costa Rica’s finest coffee! Freshen up and enjoy a romantic beachside dinner on the lovely shores of the Caribe.

Breakfast at the hotel

- Check out from DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari San Jose

- Shared Airport Transfer: San José

Pick Up at about 10:45am at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari lobby

Drop Off at Juan Santamaria (SJO) Airport

Reservation #: STFI699242

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

- Domestic Flight: San José -> Limon

Sansa Airlines Flight #1064

Depart at 12:00pm from Juan Santamaria (SJO) Airport

Arrive at 12:40pm at Limon Airstrip

Notes: Maximum Luggage Allowance 40 pounds (18 Kgs) per person.

Reservation #: STFI699242 *This is your confirmation # with Swiss Travel, not the airline.*

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

- Private Airport Transfer: Limon Airstrip -> Puerto Viejo 

Arrival at Limon Airstrip / Sansa Airlines Flight #1064 at 12:40pm

Pick Up: The driver will monitor your incoming flight arrival and meet you outside at the airstrip.

Drop Off: Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

Duration:  1 hour approximately

Reservation #: STFI699242

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

- Check in at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

Includes: 1 Superior Double-Occupancy Room for 3 nights, Breakfast (except arrival day), Taxes

Booking #: 2022050518799564

Contact:

Escuela de Cocles, 70403, Puerto Viejo, Limon Costa Rica

T: +506 2750-3096

WhatsApp: +506 8383-5216

Email: info@lecameleonhotel.com

Free time to relax or explore Puerto Viejo - Lunch on your own

- Dinner at NOA Beach Club, Le Cameleon

Time: 7:00pm at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

Reservation #: STFI699242

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

Breakfast at the hotel 

- Full Day Veragua Rainforest Eco Adventure + The Original Canopy Tour

Pick Up at about 8:00am at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel lobby

Drop Off at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel 

Includes: Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Entrance Fee, Lunch, Equipment 

Duration: 7.5 hours approximately 

What to Bring: Insect repellent (preferably natural-based with no DEET), Light clothes, comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe recommended), Mask or face shield, Umbrella, raincoat, poncho, or cape in case of rain

Reservation #: RV-002208

Contact:

Veragua Rainforest

T: +506 4000-0949

Email: info@veraguarainforest.com

A day at the Veragua Rainforest is the perfect way to experience firsthand as many of Costa Rica’s wonders as possible. Glide through the rainforest treetops on a Gondola looking out for monkeys, sloths and colorful rainforest birds.Experience the most exhilarating canopy zip-line ride in the Caribbean:  the award-winning Original Canopy Tour in the Veragua Rainforest!

This tour offers you the opportunity to journey into the rainforest canopy and appreciate views of La Amistad International Park and Chirripó Reserve in a unique and unforgettable fashion.

Remainder of the day at your leisure - Dinner on your own

Today's activities will immerse you in ancestrally rooted traditions that are part of this region's history, present, and future. Your guided tour through inland Talamanca includes a visit to an indigenous community, where you'll learn about cacao, other plants, and how they continue to be used in traditional ways of life. Afterwards experience the area's rich Afro-Caribbean heritage & culture, as you get more acquainted with Puerto Viejo and prepare local dishes at your evening cooking class.

Breakfast at the hotel

- Waterfall Hike, Chocolate Goddess & Medicinal Plants Experience

Start with a visit to an Indigenous village and witness organic chocolate made from scratch by a member of the Bri Bri community — from plant to plate! The Bri Bri have a long history of chocolate production in the Puerto Viejo area. Finally, head about 30 minutes outside of town to a breathtaking Puerto Viejo Waterfall for a hike and refreshing swim.

Pick Up at about 10:00am at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel lobby

Drop Off at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

Includes: Transportation, Guide, Entrance fees

Duration: 4 hours approximately 

What to Bring: Swimsuit, Towel and Insect repellent for the waterfall visit, Day pack, Comfortable shoes

Provided by: Jungleman Tours - Contact Sadie in case of any questions or problems.

Free time - Please get your Covid test during this time! 

Lunch on your own

- Afro-Caribbean Farm-to-Table Cooking Class & Jungle Walk

Have you ever tasted the real Caribbean? Now is your chance to learn how to cook it yourself! Side by side with a local you will learn how to cook like a local Caribbean family, with healthy, natural, and organic Caribbean ingredients. This will often include coconut, rice, plantains, beans, fresh fruit, and other traditional ingredients. The class is held in a home kitchen, and at the end of the class you will get to sit down and enjoy the meal you have prepared!

Pick Up at about 5:15pm at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel lobby

Drop Off at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

Includes: Transportation, Dinner (Chicken)

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers

Provided by: Veronica's Place - Contact Sadie in case of any questions or problems.

A private transfer will bring you to Limon Airstrip for your early morning domestic flight back to the Juan Santamaria Airport in San José. Your return flight to the U.S. departs from here later this afternoon.

- Check out from Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel

- Private Airport Transfer: Puerto Viejo -> Limon Airstrip

Pick Up at about 5:10am at Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel lobby

Drop Off at Limon Airstrip

Duration: 1 hour approximately

Reservation #: STFI699242

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

- Domestic Flight: Limon -> San José

Sansa Airlines Flight #1046/1047

Depart at 7:25am from Limon Airstrip

Arrive at 8:25am at Juan Santamaria (SJO International) Airport

Notes: Maximum Luggage Allowance 40 pounds (18 Kgs) per person.

Reservation #: STFI699242 *This is your confirmation # with Swiss Travel, not the airline.*

Contact: 

Swiss Travel Costa Rica

6:00am-10:00pm: 800-329-8687 (Toll-free) / +506 2282-4898

10:00pm-6:00am: +506 8310-7636 (Also available on WhatsApp)

Return home on your international flight from Juan Santamaria (SJO International) Airport - Spirit Airlines Flight 1310 at 3:23pm

                                                 Have a safe journey home!