If you’re heading to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, you won’t want to miss Puerto Viejo—a laid-back beach town full of culture, flavor, and pura vida vibes. And at the heart of it all is Café Rico, a community-driven coffeehouse that’s become a favorite for both locals and travelers. Even better? Pura Vida Moms readers get free coffee when they visit. Here’s why Café Rico deserves a spot on your family’s itinerary.
Why Visit Puerto Viejo?
When most families plan a Costa Rica trip, the Pacific coast gets all the attention. But the Caribbean side offers something totally different—uncrowded beaches, Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, and food you won’t find anywhere else. Puerto Viejo is vibrant, walkable, and wonderfully family-friendly. And right in the middle of town, just a short walk from the sand, you’ll find a jungle oasis called Café Rico.
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Getting to Puerto Viejo Made Easy
Driving from San José to Puerto Viejo can take anywhere from 3-5 hours, depending on the weather and traffic. For a faster, smoother option, hop a SANSA flight from San José to Limón—about 45 minutes in the air—and then take a short taxi to Puerto Viejo. Once you’re in town, you won’t need a car for a quick stay: bikes and tuk-tuks make getting around simple and fun for families. If you want to explore the area, you can also pick up your Adobe Rental Car at the Limón airport for more flexibility.
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First Impressions: A Jungle Oasis Near the Beach
Step into Café Rico and you’ll smell the fresh roast before you reach the counter. The space is cozy and welcoming with strong Wi-Fi, a community book exchange, and handmade fired-clay mugs from artisans near San José. It’s a linger-as-long-as-you-like kind of place—writers have even finished books at these tables, fueled by great coffee and calm Caribbean vibes. Parents love the location: you can pop to the beach and back while refilling your bottomless coffee cup.
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Rooted in Costa Rica: Locally Sourced & Community First
Café Rico roasts 100% Costa Rican beans in-house and works directly with local producers (they’ve even helped an egg vendor expand by buying chickens to ensure a steady, local supply). Seasonal ingredients shine across the menu, and those signature clay mugs? They’re made by a Costa Rican family—yes, you can buy one as a souvenir. In a town affected by gentrification, Café Rico intentionally channels its spending into Costa Rican-owned and sourced goods.
Beyond the food and coffee, Café Rico also offers thoughtful services that make life easier for both travelers and locals. Their book exchange is a favorite for readers passing through town, while the on-site laundry service is a lifesaver for families staying in Puerto Viejo: just $4 a kilo for wash and dry, $5 if you’d like folding, and even $4 shoe washing. It’s one more way the café makes itself indispensable to the community it serves.
Ties to the Local & Expat Community
Café Rico is where locals, expats, and travelers genuinely mix. Weekly specials and community events have grown the local customer base dramatically, and the team supports neighborhood causes—like free laundry for the local cat rescue and hosting flea-market fundraisers after hours. The menu meets everyone where they are through weekly specials with seasonal ingredients, a vast sandwich menu for lunch, plus sporadic comfort-food treats (hi, homemade cinnamon rolls) that locals and expats crave. Oh, and don’t forget the afternoon cocktails!
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The People Who Make It Shine
Owner Joshua Humphreys bought Café Rico almost by accident; his sister Lena, a hospitality pro, runs the day-to-day with a laser focus on quality and community. And then there’s “Cinnamon Dave.” Once a cruise-ship chef and later a beloved street vendor, Dave now helms the kitchen and is, frankly, a Puerto Viejo legend—his cinnamon rolls are a must.
Recognition Beyond Puerto Viejo
Café Rico has been highlighted by major travel publications, including Lonely Planet and USA Today’s Top 10 lists, and was even featured in Explore Costa Rica’s social media coverage. Most recently, it was chosen to represent Costa Rica in the upcoming book 150 Coffee Houses You Need To Visit, a testament to the café’s reputation far beyond Puerto Viejo. None of that would matter without heart—but the recognition follows because the experience delivers: great coffee, warm hospitality, and a true sense of place.
Planning Your Visit (+ Free Coffee!)
For fewer crowds and lots going on, aim for September–December or January–February for the best weather. (Many spots close around Christmas.) At Café Rico you’ll find strong Wi-Fi, take-out sandwiches for the beach, free coffee, and those one-of-a-kind clay mugs to bring home.
Pura Vida Moms perk: claim your free coffee when you stop in via our link below (password PURAVIDAMOMS).
Learn More from Café Rico
Want their story in their own words? Read Café Rico’s article: Why Café Rico Is a Must-Visit for Families in Puerto Viejo.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Café Rico- all opinions are my own. All photos were provided by Cafe Rico.
