Playa Negra (Puerto Viejo)

Tip

It's a 10-minute walk or bike ride from town; the late-afternoon light on the dark sand is gorgeous.

Be careful

Currents vary along the beach: swim where it's calm and don't leave bags unattended.

Places nearby

• Hotel Banana AzulStaysAdults-only beachfront hotel on Playa Negra just outside Puerto Viejo, with a pool, a beach bar and villas with plunge pools across the road.
• Caribe Fun ToursParks & Wildlife · takes 4 h–5 h · from $62Puerto Viejo tour operator and in-country travel planner offering Caribbean nature, culture and chocolate tours plus multi-day packages.
• Finca La Isla Botanical GardenParks & WildlifePermaculture farm and botanical garden outside Puerto Viejo with labelled tropical trees, cacao, vanilla and annatto, poison dart frogs, a plant nursery and on-site chocolate.
• Port Vell RestauranteFood & CoffeeBreakfast-and-lunch spot on Calle 213 serving big gallo pinto plates, pancakes, bagels and smoothies, with many vegan options and no added sugar in the juices.
• ATEC (Talamanca Association of Ecotourism and Conservation)Parks & Wildlife · from $38Community-run non-profit in Puerto Viejo whose local guides lead more than 50 tours.
• Cafe ViejoFood & CoffeeLong-running Italian restaurant on the main street of Puerto Viejo, opposite the Casa de la Cultura, with homemade pasta, thin pizzas, Caribbean lobster and a large wine list.