Sarapiquí

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

A lush lowland rainforest region laced with rivers, biological stations and banana plantations in northern Heredia province. It's prized for whitewater rafting, boat safaris and world-class birdwatching and wildlife.

Things to do

• Whitewater rafting the Sarapiquí River — Paddle Class II-IV rapids through rainforest gorges on one of Costa Rica's classic river runs departing near Chilamate.
• Boat safari on the Sarapiquí River — Glide by motorboat toward the San Juan River spotting caimans, river turtles, sloths and toucans along the jungle banks.
• La Selva Biological Station — Walk guided rainforest trails and suspension bridges at this world-renowned research station famed for birds, frogs and peccaries.
• Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve — Cross a long hanging bridge over the river and join a night walk or chocolate tour through primary forest.
• Birdwatching at Dave & Dave's Costa Rica — Photograph hummingbirds, toucans and honeycreepers at feeders in a small family-run nature reserve.
• Cacao and chocolate tour — Learn traditional cacao processing and taste fresh chocolate at plantations around La Virgen and Tirimbina.
• Sarapiquí Rainforest hanging bridges and canopy — Explore treetop walkways and zipline platforms for aerial views of the lowland rainforest.
• Visit a banana or pineapple plantation — Tour the region's working plantations to see how the fruit is grown, harvested and packed for export.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, sweet plantain, salad and your choice of grilled chicken, fish or beef found in every local soda.
• Gallo pinto — The classic Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans stirred with cilantro and Salsa Lizano, served with eggs and fried plantain.
• Fresh river tilapia — Locally farmed tilapia fried whole or filleted, a staple protein in Sarapiquí sodas near the river.
• Tropical fruit and pineapple — Sample pineapple, papaya and bananas grown right in the surrounding plantations, often as fresh juice or batido.
• Artisanal chocolate — Taste stone-ground cacao and fresh chocolate drinks made from beans grown at nearby Tirimbina and La Virgen farms.
• Agua dulce — A warming drink of hot water and melted tapa dulce (raw cane sugar) traditionally served with breakfast.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire a local naturalist guide — Trained guides dramatically improve wildlife sightings and support the community's conservation-based economy.
• Come prepared for rain — This is one of Costa Rica's wettest regions, so pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and insect repellent year-round.
• Embrace pura vida pace — Locals value a relaxed, friendly rhythm, so greet people with buenos días and don't rush your interactions.
• Respect the biological stations — Places like La Selva are active research sites, so follow trail rules, stay quiet and never feed or touch wildlife.

Nearby

• La Selva Biological Station — 4 km
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Alajuela) — 32 km
• Braulio Carrillo National Park — 34 km
• Barva Volcano — 38 km