Endless beaches, crashing waves, lush rain forests, smoking volcanoes, and amazing wildlife. I had heard all these things about Costa Rica and decided to see this green wonder for myself. After some research, I chose to visit a place called Puerto Viejo for my first trip to Costa Rica. And I can tell you one thing: I didn’t regret it! My journey to that little gem of Central America will likely remain in my memories for a long time. This small country left me with some truly lasting impressions, both of nature and local culture.
Let me tell you more about Puerto Viejo…
I made a great choice with Puerto Viejo for my first stay in Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo de Limon, or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a coastal town in southeastern Costa Rica. Locals simply call it Puerto Viejo. It perfectly embodies the “Pura Vida” for which the country is so famous. It is one of the most relaxed places i have ever been. Even so that special place has a lot exiting things to offer: Caribbean joie de vivre, golden sandy beaches, unique cuisine and the chance for jungle adventures. The region around Puerto Viejo is a popular tourist destination, primarily due to the Salsa Brava, a large wave that is very popular with surfers.
The Center of Puerto Viejo
The town center of Puerto Viejo is a vibrant, compact hub, known for its laid-back Afro-Caribbean vibe, colorful buildings, surf shops, and souvenir stores. Located between Playa Negra and Playa Cocles, it is very pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly and a hotspot for surfers (Salsa Brava). In the heart of Puerto Viejo, you’ll find numerous restaurants, especially renowned for their Caribbean and international cuisine. Puerto Viejo also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with many bars inviting you to enjoy a relaxing drink in the evening. On weekends, various events take place as well.
I never felt unsafe. Contrary to some warnings in travel guides, i found the atmosphere to be very relaxed and pleasant.
The Nature Around
Costa Rica’s nature is simply breathtaking. I was staying in the jungle, quite far from the hustle and bustle of the town center. A sloth lives in the tree right in front of my terrace. In the mornings, I watched the howler monkeys as they leap from tree to tree, making their quirky noises. Here I experienced the real green Costa Rica.
Canopy tours and jungle adventures are offered about 30 minutes from Puerto Viejo. They usually last all day and start early in the morning and are absolutely amazing!
Beaches
Many travelers don’t come here for the city center or jungle tours, but rather to visit the beaches around Puerto Viejo. Among the most beautiful beaches are Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, and Playa Punta Uva. All of them are worth a visit.
The beaches around Puerto Viejo offer a lot and can perfectly suit your needs.
Horseback riding on the beach is possible almost everywhere and is also suitable for beginners.
Rafting is possible on the Pacuare River, which is considered one of the most famous rafting destinations in the world.
Surfing: You can surf at most beaches.
Swimming and soaking up the sun: The Caribbean sandy beaches are definitely a highlight for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves!
An additional Trip to Cahuita
Not far from Puerto Viejo, i found the sleepy town of Cahuita. Here, on 1,068 hectares, lies the national park of the same name, the second oldest in the country. Here, you can take a walk through the jungle. Directly to your left you will find a kilometer-long, beautiful beach. To your right, the lush, crisp, and deep green thicket. I saw monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, sloths, giant spiders, and a snake. You do not need a guide, although they are, of course, trained to spot animals immediately and will help to make your jungle trip unforgettable. Hiring a guide can definitely be worthwhile.
TRAVEL BRIEF
Best time to travel: The dry season (December to April) is best for a beach or surfing holiday. April to October are particularly good for snorkeling and diving. If you want to see turtles along the coast, the best time is from July to October. From May to November it is rainy season.
Currency: The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colon. Each colon is divided into 100 centimos. Cash and credit cards were accepted almost everywhere.
Languages: The official language is Spanish. Many locals speak at least a bit English.
Recommended travel duration: To discover Puerto Viejo and its surrounding nature in combination with some relaxing time i recommend to stay at least a week, better more.
Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica completely captivated me. Along the way, I met many people who suggested to experience Costa Rica as a tour, as this small country has so much more to offer. Therefore, I’m certain: I will return and this time bring more time to explore other parts of this enchanting corner of the world.