Puerto Viejo is a destination that energizes. Tucked away on the vibrant Southern Caribbean coast, it blends a rich Afro-Caribbean culture with lush jungle and a laid-back reggae rhythm, delivering an intoxicating version of “Pura Vida.”

Discover unique golden-sand beaches, powerful surf breaks, an also the calls of toucans and monkeys, undoubtedly you might as well fall in love with this stunning colorful corner of paradise.

Orientation

Puerto Viejo is a bustling coastal town in the Limón province, with its main road hosting a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and tour operators. To the north lies the Cahuita National Park, while the road south connects to a string of stunning, unique beaches including Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. Puerto Viejo serves as the energetic hub from which to explore the entire Caribbean coast.

Nature & Wildlife

Visit the nearby Cahuita National Park, where the trail between the jungle and the sea makes it easy to spot sloths, monkeys, and raccoons. Then, explore the more remote Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a biodiverse haven for poison dart frogs, toucans, and other rare species.

Don’t miss a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center, a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. The coast also boasts Costa Rica’s most significant coral reef off Cahuita for snorkeling, and the waters near Manzanillo are home to dolphins and the elusive manatee.

Gastronomy

Puerto Viejo offers a taste of unique Caribbean-Costa Rican fusion. Visit a local eatery for the region’s signature “Rice and Beans” cooked in coconut milk, or try flavorful dishes like jerk chicken and fresh seafood in a spicy rondón stew.

Quench your thirst with a passionfruit batido or a local craft beer for a dining experience that is vibrant, spicy, as well as full of soul.

Nightlife

Puerto Viejo’s nightlife is vibrant and social. The evening often kicks off with sunset drinks at a beachfront bar before evolving into a lively scene with live reggae music, energetic dance floors, and a mix of locals and travelers enjoying the warm nights.

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For a quieter evening, you can find more relaxed bars and restaurants in the smaller communities of Playa Chiquita or Punta Uva. In Puerto Viejo, the excitement comes from the blend of music, culture, and the sounds of the jungle meeting the sea.

Shopping

As a popular tourist hub, Puerto Viejo offers eclectic shopping. You will find surf shops, colorful boutiques, and open-air markets selling handmade jewelry, Caribbean-style clothing, and also the organic artisanal chocolate from stunning local cacao farms.

Other Highlights

Catch some waves at the legendary Salsa Brava surf break, known for its powerful reef break. Enjoy a classic Caribbean adventure by renting a bicycle to cruise the scenic, flat coastal road between the beaches. You can also take a chocolate tour to learn how cacao is grown and processed, with delicious samples included.

Additional days in Tambor Beach

Should you be able to spend additional days in the area, be sure to explore the southern beaches. Visit Punta Uva, a picturesque cove with calm, turquoise water perfect for swimming, and continue to Manzanillo, a sleepy fishing village that serves as the gateway to the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge.

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For a completely different experience, arrange a tour to a local Bribri indigenous community. Here you can learn about their ancient traditions, relationship with the rainforest, and use of medicinal plants.

A visit offers a fascinating cultural counterpoint to the beach life and reveals a deeper side of the region’s heritage.

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