Located on the south Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the coastal town of Puerto Viejo is known for its cultural diversity, rainforest coastline, excellent surf breaks and beautiful converging white and black sand beaches.  Nature is reflected at its best with the nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

The cultural melting pot found in Puerto Viejo renders a unique ambiance where dreadlock Rasta’s meet hippie Europeans and North Americans which came and visit and never left.  This eclectic mixture also reflects on the culinary fare found in the area with an extensive variety of dining options.  Plenty of activities are available including just sunbathing at one of the beautiful beaches as well as nature walks, surfing, biking, canopy rides or wildlife observation.

Highlights

Surfing
Known by locals as the Caribbean coasts surfing capital, Puerto Viejo is definitely a must for surfers visiting Costa Rica. The warm ocean currents from Cuba and Jamaica meet the mainland at Puerto Viejo creating tubular waves perfect for a great surfing experience.  Just south of the town visitors will find “Salsa Brava” section where surfing gurus challenge the ocean. The location is famous for its massive waves and has been featured in many sport magazines describing it as one of the most exciting surfing sites in the Americas.

Puerto Viejo Town
Puerto Viejo is one of the most cultural diverse locations in Costa Rica. The town is home not only to locals but also people from 44 different nationalities which visited the area, fell in love with it and decided to stay.  Being a preferred destination for bohemian-style travelers, this picturesque town offers visitors a laid-back Caribbean vibe, complemented with a wide variety of activities including yoga classes, spa treatments, alternative therapies and massages.  

Dining in Puerto Viejo due to its ethnic diversity is a must for all visitors. The culinary fare reflects this eclectic mixture including traditional Caribbean cuisine, Creole, Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Italian and amazing sea food fresh out of the water.  The assorted flavors can be sampled either in small sodas or nicer restaurants that feature authentic recipes and native chefs.  

Artists of different sorts display their talents in several art galleries and stores where handcrafted souvenirs can be purchased.  After sunset, the town’s turns into party central when travelers flock from the surrounding areas to visit popular bars and discos that shake to the reggae beat.

Cahuita National Park
Located north from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica is the place where exuberant mountains meet the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.  The reserve includes 1097 hectares of land and 22400 hectares of surrounding sea protecting the area wildlife above and below the water.  Costa Rica’s most valuable coral reef lies beneath the surf at Cahuita, where more than 35 different species have been identified including Elkhorn, sea fans and brain coral. Crustaceans and schools of colorful salt-water fish swim about by the thousands feeding on 128 varieties of algae.  Snorkeling in the area allows a closer look at the marine spectacle but strict rules are enforced to preserve these fragile ecosystems. Visitors can also relax on the sand to observe the park wildlife including white-faced monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and raccoons which wander off into the beach for a sun bath or wander through the park nature.