Weekly Breakfast Special: Chicken Breakfast Burrito
January 31, 2026
Café Rico Jungle Encounters: Wildlife Wonders in Puerto Viejo
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, Café Rico offers more than just delicious breakfasts and damn good coffee—it provides a front-row seat to the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean jungle. Our garden café is a haven for nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike, where the sights and sounds of the rainforest come alive around you. USA Today 10Best praised our “shady, open-air space surrounded by lush vegetation (look for sloths and exotic birds in the trees),” and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
🌿 A Sloth’s Sanctuary
One of our most cherished residents is a wild sloth who has made Café Rico her home. She often finds refuge in the café during rainy days and has even surprised us with the arrival of a baby, choosing our cozy spot as her nursery. This heartwarming story was captured by wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas in her piece, “Welcome to Sloth Town,” highlighting the unique coexistence of urban life and wildlife in Puerto Viejo.
“Stop in for a cup of coffee at Café Rico while admiring their resident, a wild sloth who often takes shelter in the café’s kitchen when it rains.” — Welcome to Sloth Town via The Sloth Conservation Foundation
🐸 Amphibian Highlights
Our lush garden is also home to vibrant amphibians like striking red poison dart frog. These colorful creatures are often spotted among the foliage, adding a splash of color and a touch of the exotic to your dining experience.
“Delicious breakfast and lovely atmosphere. Our waitress was so kind, showed our kids where the tree frogs lived around the area.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5-star Google review
🐦 Avian Visitors
Birdwatchers will delight in the array of feathered friends that frequent our café. Hummingbirds flit among the flowers, their iridescent feathers catching the sunlight, while parrots and other tropical birds add their calls to the jungle symphony.
🌺 Flora and Fauna
The café’s surroundings are adorned with a variety of tropical plants and flowers, including bromeliads and heliconias, which not only beautify the space but also provide essential habitats for the local wildlife.
“The open-air space is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a shady and relaxing atmosphere where you can spot sloths and exotic birds while enjoying your meal.” — Paradise Catchers
🎥 Watch the Wildlife Come to Life at Café Rico
Experience the magic of our jungle garden in motion. From sloths lounging in the treetops to hummingbirds flitting through tropical blooms, our short video captures the natural beauty that makes Café Rico one of the most unforgettable places to dine in Puerto Viejo.
Join us Saturday through Wednesday from 7 AM to 3 PM for a one-of-a-kind jungle café experience. Whether you’re here for the food, the coffee, or the sloths, we’ll be glad to have you.
📍 On Avenida 69 – walkable from anywhere in Puerto Viejo
☕ Serving breakfast, books, and wild sloth sightings since 1992