Banana Azul

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca


Removed from town, this romantic hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach. Jungle-chic decor (white linens, mosquito nets, bromeliads in the showers) is complemented by fine ocean vistas from upstairs terraces. Of the 22 rooms, the best is the corner Howler Suite, with multidirectional views. There's also a restaurant-bar, and bike and boogie-board rentals. No children under 16.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Puerto Viejo de Talamanca attractions

1. Finca La Isla

0.86 MILES

West of town, this farm and botanical garden has long produced organic pepper and cacao, along with more than 150 tropical fruits and ornamental plants…

2. Aiko-logi

1.97 MILES

Nestled into the Cordillera de Talamanca, 15km outside Puerto Viejo, this private 135-hectare reserve is centered on a former finca (farm), on land…

3. Cacao Trails

2.36 MILES

Halfway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Hone Creek, this botanical garden and chocolate museum has a couple of small exhibits devoted to…

4. Playa Cocles

2.43 MILES

Playa Cocles has waves for surfers who aren't keen to break skin and bones at nearby Salsa Brava (Costa Rica's biggest break). Instead, it has steep lefts…

5. Jaguar Centro de Rescate

3.55 MILES

Named in honor of its original resident, a jaguar, this well-run wildlife-rescue center in Playa Chiquita now focuses mostly on other animals, including…

6. Punta Uva

5.58 MILES

Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. When the water is calm, it…

7. Parque Nacional Cahuita

6.9 MILES

This small but beautiful park – just 10 sq km – is one of the more frequently visited national parks in Costa Rica. The reasons are simple: the nearby…

8. Playa Blanca

6.92 MILES

At the entrance to the national park. A good option for swimming.