Comment on Transportation between Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hay un vuelo de Air Panama de Albrook a Bocas del Toro, no a Puerto Viejo, ni a Limón. Puerto Viejo no tiene aeropuerto.
March 21, 2023
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Esos son lo mas recientes comentarios y preguntas de nuestras visitantes sobre Puerto Viejo, la zona y las temas tratados en el sitío
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hay un vuelo de Air Panama de Albrook a Bocas del Toro, no a Puerto Viejo, ni a Limón. Puerto Viejo no tiene aeropuerto.
March 21, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
No, I wouldn't say so. Most locals speak Spanish first. But English is very widely spoken.
March 21, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I can't speak to how the Caribbean ziplining compares to others, I've heard good things but it isn't the biggest in the country or anything. It is quite close to Puerto Viejo though which is nice since some of the others, e.g. from San Jose, require a long transport first.
Booking a couple days in Tortuguero is an excellent idea. The Tortuguero package that we recommend can be booked with different start and end points so you could have them pick you up in San José and drop you in Puerto Viejo at the end. As you've discovered the rafting trip works that way too so it's a great idea to book it on the day you leave Puerto Viejo and then you'll end up in San Jose.
I personally don't think a rental car is needed for Puerto Viejo. The whole area from Puerto Viejo south to Manzanillo along the beach is quite flat and quite bikeable and bike rental are everywhere and cheap. There are also lots of taxis, local buses (albeit not too frequent) and other options too such as golf carts, tuktuks. The local transport page has more info.
March 21, 2023
Eileen Kennedy
Firstly, thank you for your information and links. They have been so helpful.
I was wondering if you would recommend ziplining in this Puerto Viejo area? We want to fit it in somewhere on our travels to Costa Rica but I am not sure where.
We are coming from San Jose (we are going to have a couple of day trips out of that location - not sure exactly what at this time). We are taking an 8 day tour including some central/Pacific stops. After our tour we want to spent 2 days in Tortugero followed by 3-4 days in Puerto Viejo. We are also considering going for day trip to Panama. We would like to take the rafting trip back to San Jose too.
How I could book these to include transportation. Also; would you recommend a rental car in Puerto Viejo? We want the most adventurous ziplining - what would you suggest? It can be in another area.
March 19, 2023
Jean-Robert
Is English still the main language spoken?
March 19, 2023
Alicia
Hola! sé que había un vuelo que salía del aerupoerto de Albrook en Panamá hacia Puerto viejo en avioneta, pero no lo encuentro. Sabes si sigue en funcionamiento o si conoces de esta ruta?
January 23, 2023
Puerto Viejo Satellite
This isn't really the zone for that...that would be something you'd find near Monteverde, Arenal or the Central Valley from San Jose.
December 16, 2022
James
I am looking for a working coffee plantation tour any information is appreciated
December 13, 2022
tom veasy
Any one know if there is any where to fish off the beach. I need to know if I should bring a fly or spin rod. Thanks, Tom
November 16, 2022
Marian Rivkind
Hi Michael, thanks for your share. I’m wondering how your move has been? Is your Airbnb up and running? My mother and I are planning a trip there and wouldn’t it be neat if we booked your place? Pura Vida! Hope to hear from you soon:) Marian
March 22, 2022
Drew
Since last night playa negra is knee deep in sargassum ... anyone know of a beach between here and Manzanillo where we can swim today? Thanks!
March 06, 2022
Shari
Hello Michael, I just read your comment about settling in Puerto Viejo. Wondering how it is feeling 2 years in. We are also educator/artists looking for land to buy for arts community and started considering costa rica and this area. Curious about your experience there. You can also respond directly to sharidavis3@gmail
January 11, 2022
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Si, los shuttles están operando. Todo la información arriba está actualizado. Los vuelos, espero que están operando por enero pero tenemos que esperar y ver.
December 01, 2021
Federico Rodriguez
Hola ya se encuentran operando los shuttles desde Puerto Viejo a Bocas del Toro? y para la vuelta hay posibilidad de vuelos a San José? Estaríamos viajando en Enero 2022.
December 01, 2021
Nidia
Buenas, muchas gracias por la información, muy completo. Una consulta: si soy extranjera (argentina) y quiero renovar mi estadía en Costa Rica, ¿cuánto tiempo debo quedarme en Bocas para renovar la estadía en Costa Rica o puedo devolverme el mismo día a Costa Rica y con eso ya se renueva el tiempo de estadía? Gracias
November 16, 2021
Marina
Does anybody know, if the local buses also run on new year (January 1st) between Puerto Viejo and Cahuita?
November 07, 2021
Harry
@Andrea Brombacher
Wir wünschen dir alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Ganz lieben Gruß von den Binzener!
Harry & Elvira
October 25, 2021
Harry
@Andrea Brombacher
Wir wünschen dir alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
Ganz lieben Gruß von den Binzener!
Harry & Elvira
October 25, 2021
Kyley
Does anyone know of any schools in the Puerto Viejo area that are in session closer to September through May? My family is considering a move there but would need to be in the States June through August for work.
October 13, 2021
Saber Barikani
Hi are there any smoke shops?
August 19, 2021
Ana Sandrea
Gracias por tu artículo, vivo aquí una parte del año y confirmo todo lo que dices.
July 02, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Ya escribimos sobre está tema directamente arriba en la sección de conducir a Bocas!
June 15, 2021
Borja Arcones Velasco
Buenas,
Una duda, yo voy en carro hasta puerto viejo y depués cogería un shuttle para ir hasta Costa Rica, ¿Que podría hacer con el carro? Es decir existe algún parking donde pueda dejar el coche durante los tres días que voy a bocas de toro?
Un saludo
June 15, 2021
Ariana Alvarado Q.
Donde puedo conseguir los productos naturales marca Libelula?
June 13, 2021
Iguana Surfer
Thank you this is very helpful! I love renting bikes here and riding around once you are here. I have only rented cars to get here from San Jose & Tamarindo. Best way to go if you can!
April 13, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Caribe Shuttle me dijó que van a operar los shuttles lo más rápido posible después del el 5 de abril -- probablemente dentro de una semana. No estoy seguro sobre los otros compañias. Vamos a anunciarlo en nuestra página de noticias.
Caribe Shuttle advised me they would be restarting their shuttle routes as quickly as possible after the Apr 5 border opening; probably within a week. We will make an announcement on our news page.
April 01, 2021
sdsds
hola al parecer ya se va a reabrir, eso quiere decir que habran shuttles?
https://www.periodicomensaje.com/turismo-negocios/6535-fronteras-terrestres-abriran-a-partir-del-05-de-abril-para-turismo
April 01, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Costa Rica ha cerrado la frontera desde Panamá hasta hasta al menos el 1 de abril, la noticia aquí.
Por esta razón, ninguna de los transportes turísticos están operando.
Se puede entrar Panamá pero solo Costarricenses y residentes pueden regresar a Costa Rica por tierra (y ellos necesitan hacer una cuarentena después). O, puede volar pero solo vuelos a Costa Rica desde la Ciudad de Panamá ahora.
March 01, 2021
gabriela alpizar cervantes
Hola saludos estan haciendo el transporte a bocas del toro desde puerto viejo
March 01, 2021
Puerto Viejo Satellite
None of the shuttle companies are operating transport over the border currently as the border is closed going from Panama to Costa Rica (until at least the end of March). You could make your own way to the border and then walk across into Panama but the only way back to Costa Rica at that point (except for citizens and legal residents) would be to go to Panama City and fly back to San José. Citizens and legal residents can cross back into Costa Rica at the land border but they will be required to quarantine when entering that way (which is not the case for flying).
February 25, 2021
David
Are you doing any round trip border run from costa to bocas del toro
February 25, 2021
Gecko Trail Costa Rica
In theory you should be fine. The 6am shuttle will get you to the airport by noon if all goes well. At the end there is always a certain risk you have to be willing to take if you travel the day you depart. But if all goes well and you for sure do not have to be at the airport 2 or 3 hours prior departure, you should be fine with this shuttle.
February 21, 2021
Tina
Hi, my daughter and I have a flight out of SJO on March 6. Our flight leaves at 2:11pm. The shuttle leaves PV at 6am. With the construction on Route 32, will we make our flight. We don’t have to check bags, if we get to the airport by 1:00pm we should be okay. Thoughts?
February 20, 2021
Adele
Hello! We are staying in Cocles for a month and are looking to either buy two bikes or an affordable month rental- any tips?
January 07, 2021
Marcelo from Suiza
Nuestra estncia en el Hoetel Guaranâ fue muy buena. El peronal del Hotel es muy amable y nos ayudaron en todo meomento. Las habitaciones son limpias y confortables, además hay un Supermercado y un Banco muy cerda del Hotel. Todo está muy cerca incluso la estación de buses. Seguro volveremos a hospedarnos en el Hotel Guaraná.
Saludos desde Suiza.
April 15, 2020
Jack Jacobsen
Hi, can you tell me where the bus stop is in Cocles to catch the bus to manzanillo? I can't seem to find that info anywhere. If that info is online, feel free to just point me to the correct information. Thanks!
March 14, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I don't have the exact number but it will be very affordable, under 2,000 colones I would guess...I wouldn't worry too much the bus drivers are very reliable and have change. Just make sure you have colones.
February 26, 2020
Shelby
Hi, how much is the bus fare to get from Cahuita to Manzanillo?
February 26, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I'm not sure how you want to travel to Tortuguero -- you said you don't want to travel by public bus or by shuttle so how were you hoping to get there? You can drive yourself to the boat launches, that's pretty much the only other way. In any case, there's a very detailed guide to travel between Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero on our travel to Tortuguero page. That shows you all the possible options.
February 25, 2020
Sarah Melissa Siegesleitner
Hey, I want to go from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero, but not by public bus or by shuttle. Is this possible?
I can't find anything. Some locals told me it's possible from Puerto Limón,but I can't find a anything on the internet.
February 23, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hi George, Sorry for the confusion. MEPE announced schedule changes in late December and we updated them on the site but not the text surrounding them. According to MEPE's announcement the new schedule which is shown above is the same 7 days a week. I've corrected it above.
February 23, 2020
George
Bus schedule for SUNDAY Manzanillo [Playa Chiquita] to PV ? thanks
February 23, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Yes, the buses only stop at the marked stops.
February 03, 2020
I'll be using the public bus to travel to Punta Uva to Cahuita, my rented house is on the beach side, do I have to go to the Punta Uva bus stop
February 03, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Theoretically possible but probably not unless you booked some private transport. You'd have to go near Puerto Viejo to do it anyway so it would be a lot easier if you stopped here. The latest shuttle to Bocas from PV leaves at noon and the trip from Tortuguero takes a while too. For private transport options, contact one of our travel partners such as Gecko Trail. Another possibility which would be the fastest though it could add up in cost is fly Tortuguero to San Jose with Sansa then fly San Jose to Bocas with Skyway. More info on our Tortuguero and Bocas pages.
January 26, 2020
Stefannie
Hi
Im going to Tortuguero and afterwards I want to go to Bocas. Is it possible to get there in one day or should I stay in Puerto viejo ans then continue? Thanks for your help
January 23, 2020
Stefannie
Hi
Im going to Tortuguero and afterwards I want to go to Bocas. Is it possible to get there in one day or should I stay in Puerto viejo ans then continue? Thanks for your help
January 23, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Thanks Conrad. We had posted a news story about this as well as a warning on our local bus page but we have now updated the schedules on our local bus page.
January 16, 2020
Conrad Williams
FYI, it appears the MEPE bus schedule has changed.
January 16, 2020
Puerto Viejo Satellite
At that hour your options are overnight in San Jose or book a private driver. I don't recommend driving yourself at that hour if you were considering a rental car.
December 21, 2019
Maria
Hello! We’re landing at 5.30 pm at San Jose on the 27th of December and are going to Puerto Viejo - what is the best option for us? I see on the schedules there is nothing running after 6pm - is there any option we can book (is it safe?) or do we have to spend the night in San Jose? Thank you!
December 21, 2019
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December 04, 2019
Doug
Definitely takes the crown for the best coffee in Puerto now! Cool space with chill music and friendly staff. And some great looking clothes and gear!
November 26, 2019
Doug
Andrés put on a new chain for me today and was super professional, super fast and very reasonably priced. Thank you Andrés!
November 25, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
MEPE generally runs some service on that day but they may not run all buses. I haven't seen them post a holiday schedule yet unfortunately.
November 24, 2019
Maya denola
Hello, arriving in SJO Christmas morning. Will buses be running that day to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca?
Thank you!
November 24, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Closed for renovations during November 2019, reopening soon.
November 23, 2019
Chrissi
Ich durfte im August und September den Toto und das Redfrogteam kennenlernen. Ich habe mich direkt wohl gefühlt und habe es Genossen so nah in der Natur zu sein. Es hat mir sehr viel Spaß gemacht, wir haben bei den Touren sehr viel erlebt und gesehen. Ich habe alle Touren gemacht, ob es die nachttour war, die tortuguero Tour usw. Ich war jedes Mal aufs neue über die Natur begeistert. Die Station ist aufjedenfall einen Besuch wert, es lohnt sich!
November 03, 2019
Nancy Hodgeson
Excellent taxi and bus information for Puerto Viejo. Thanks
November 01, 2019
Tonya
Hi Kahlil, I'm curious about your summer trip and research into retiring in this area. Were there any aha moments that sealed the deal for you? I'm considering the same but have not made up my mind between Costa Rica and Panama. I'm taking a trip down in April 2020 to hopefully narrow the field. Would be interested in hearing about what you have learned.
October 30, 2019
peter wright 8326 8355
does anyone know of good Tailor service in Puerto viejo Talamanca
October 10, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
They're both great, pick the one which works best with your schedule. Airport Express is more convenient because it leaves from the terminal. The schedules are at www.puertoviejosatellite.com/shuttle-to-puerto-viejo.php
October 09, 2019
Michael Barton
Great. Would you suggest airport Express or internus?
October 09, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Airport Express transfers are at the airport terminal, the other companies such as interbus are a 3 minute taxi ride away. All shuttles must be booked in advance. For the public bus, you would take a 30 minute taxi to bus station near downtown San Jose.
October 09, 2019
Michael Barton
I am arriving Dec 27 st San Jose going to Puerto viejo. Is the shuttle at the airport or do I just grab a taxi to bus station? How much should I expect to pay for taxi? Do I book ahead for shuttle? Thank you.
October 09, 2019
Wasti
Esta gente debe entender, que und cliente no es un limosnero. El banco esta para el servicio al cliente y vive de su dinero.
August 27, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satelite
From Limón Airport, the best place to get the public bus to Sixaola is from the MEPE bus terminal in downtown Limón. It MAY be possible to flag down a bus on the highway opposite the airport but we don't really recommend it. Take a taxi there or prebook a shuttle to Puerto Viejo or all the way to Sixaola or contact Caribe Shuttle and ask them if they'll pick you up at the Limón Airport for transport to Bocas. There's more info on transport from Limón airport on our flying page.
August 25, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
All the return schedules from Puerto Viejo to San Jose are also there just in their own section further down or go to them directly here. The last express bus from Sixaola to San José leaves at 3:00 pm so you'd have to arrive in Guaybito, Panama before 2:30pm at the latest but there are later buses from Sixaola to Puerto Viejo and onto Limón (where you could catch a connection to San José).
August 25, 2019
andre
Hi, when getting off the plane in Limon airport, where do we catch the bus to Sixaola? also after crossing the border, how do we get to the Boca Island?
thx
A
August 23, 2019
andre
Hi,
i want to travel from Bocas to San Jose with public express bus. What is the latest time to leave the island so i can catch the last bus on a saturday.
All schedules show SJ to PV but not PV to SJ.
thx
A
August 23, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
I don't think there's really a safety concern either way. Some of the hotels around the airport include transport so that might be easier after a long day but then you'll just have to go back to the airport to get the car so I'd just get it right away. On the other hand if you were staying in central San José where I prefer rather than near the airport you could wait and not deal with traffic and directions in San José at night. Then it's easiest enough to pick up a car in San José the next day as all the major rental companies have offices in San José (mostly to the west of the city, near Parque Sabana). Also note that highway 32 to the Caribbean is close by downtown San Jose so it's actually easier/closer to the Caribbean coast from downtown.
August 06, 2019
Stephen
We’re getting into San Jose around 8PM so we know that driving to PV is not recommended this late. We’ll stay the night in San Jose and then leave for PV in the morning (rental car). Would you recommend we rent the car the night we land and drive to our hotel near the airport or do you suggest we take a taxi to our hotel the night we land and rent the car the next day? Safety is our main concern and we’re not concerned with added expense.
August 06, 2019
Gabriela soto
Estoy tratando de llamar y me dicen que ese número no existe yo fui como un año y me gustaría volver
August 04, 2019
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Hay una respuesta para su pregunta primera arriba en el sección "Viaje independente: Bus, Collectivo y Lancha". En corto, hay un MEPE bus desde PV a Sixaola a la frontera. Las otras preguntas es mejor para Google info para Bocas del Toro directamente. Hay varios sitios buenos que tienes muchos detalles sobre Bocas.
July 16, 2019
Gaby
¡Hola! Soy tica he ido un de par de veces a a Puerto Viejo, mi novio de Bélgica y me visita por 3 meses, entonces quiero hacer un paseo 3 dias PV y 3 a Bocas. No tengo un carro, entonces mi plan es viajar en el autobús de San José a PV, y estando en la frontera tomar el autobús y luego el taxi / lancha.
mis preguntas son
¿Cómo llego a Puerto Viejo a la frontera? Preferiblemente algo público.
¿Dónde es el mejor lugar para quedarse en Bocas de toro?
¿Cual es una playa imperdible?
¿como es la primera semana de septiembre para viajar por el asunto del tiempo?
July 16, 2019