Travelers seeking exemplary natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and authentic, culturally rooted experiences will love Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This small seaside town is located on the Caribbean coast, in the heart of Costa Rica’s African diaspora. Imagine sitting back to sip on a refreshing Batido, with a peaceful view of palm trees and turquoise waters. The warm tropical sun and gentle sea breeze entice your body and mind to relax. Reggae rhythms from a nearby bar mix with the sound of the waves. Patois, English, and Spanish flow together in multilingual harmony—snippets of conversation between local residents closeby….You’ve got just a snapshot of what awaits you in Puerto Viejo!
The details:
LAND
Puerto Viejo has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 78 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Situated in Southeastern Costa Rica, the town is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Talamanca mountains. The forested hills form a backdrop while all around you colorful wooden homes create a quaint charm. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. Playa Negra, Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo are simply serene.
The surrounding region is over 85% protected land: a combination of national parks, ecological reserves, and indigenous communities’ protected land. If you want to explore the area, there are plenty of unique activities to try that showcase the area’s local heritage, natural beauty, and culture. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the croaking frogs and chirping birds just inland—where you can hike through the undeveloped rainforest, and sample cacao on indigenous community-based tours.
PEOPLE
The earliest inhabitants of this coastal area were the Bribri and Cabecar Indigenous peoples. Black fishermen and farmers from neighboring Nicaragua and Panama started to settle the coast in the early 1700s, eventually creating a relationship that combined cultural elements from peoples of African and Indigenous descent. Starting in the late 19th century they were joined by Afro-Jamaicans, who were brought to Costa Rica to work in harsh conditions in railroad construction, shipping ports, and on banana plantations.
Despite the intense challenges faced, descendants and legacies of these ancestors remain in the area, resilient as ever. Afro-Caribbean influence is apparent in the food, music, language, art, and other traditions that make Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean region so unique. Visitors also have opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities who have lived in this region for hundreds of years, as many Bribri operate excursions from Puerto Viejo to local villages sharing information about their people and culture. All in all, you’ll experience a distinct synthesis of cultural contributions found nowhere else in the world.
FOOD
Hungry? No problem. Here Caribbean cuisine shines. While the most popular flavor is coconut, you’ll also taste ginger, allspice, curry, and cinnamon. We recommend you don’t leave without trying the traditional stew, Rondón. You may recognize this dish, brought to Costa Rica by Jamaicans, in its many variations and relatives throughout Central America and the Caribbean. In Puerto Viejo Rondón is typically prepared by simmering down fish or shellfish, starches like cassava, green banana, and taro, other vegetables, herbs, and spices in coconut milk. Looking for something sweet too? Pan bon (“good bread”) is a must, made with vanilla, honey, sugar, coconut, dried fruit, and walnuts. Try it with coffee.
There are so many amazing things to try and Puerto Viejo has countless places to enjoy local specialties (we’re big fans of Mopri for seafood). For more of our recommendations check out ‘5 Foods you HAVE to try in Costa Rica’.
ACTIVITIES
Here are just a few of the many options for amazing experiences in and around Puerto Viejo:
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Diving and snorkeling
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- National park visits for nature encounters and adventures
- Chocolate tour
- Cooking classes
- Seafood dining
- Nightlife
SAFETY AND ACCESS
Puerto Viejo is safe. The most common crime, as with basically any beach town, is petty theft. As long as you aren’t leaving valuables unattended you shouldn’t encounter any problems. Just use common sense and street smarts as you would anywhere else.
The town is accessible via bus or shuttle from the Costa Rican capital of San José and the city of Limón, respectively, which both have international airports. Recent improvements to existing roadways, such as the expansion and repair of the Braulio Carrillo Highway 32 and Routes 36 and 256 that connects San José to the Caribbean Coast, have made these routes better-paved and the region more accessible than ever. Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Authority has authorized additional construction at Limón Airport (1 hour from Puerto Viejo) that will make air travel to the area easier. Overall, the bus and shuttle offerings are the most visitor-friendly options for airport transfers. Renting a car is also possible, but if this is your preferred method of transportation please note: we do not recommend that first-time visitors to Costa Rica drive after dark. The roads do not all have lines and are shared with pedestrians and cyclists who can be difficult to see.
We’re thrilled you’re considering a trip to Puerto Viejo. The Caribbean Coast has long been Costa Rica’s forgotten corner; for example, until 1948 the Costa Rican government did not even recognize Afro-Caribbeans as citizens and restricted their movement. As a side-effect of discrimination and prejudices, the area has developed its distinct culture. It is a true gem that’s finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
Travelers who visit Puerto Viejo come because they want something real, less predictable. Don’t get us wrong, the landscape and accommodations are gorgeous—but it’s not the place for a drinks-on-the-beach, 5-star resort vacation. Bring an open spirit, reverence for the local community and traditions, and desire for authentic, organic experiences, and you will experience Costa Rica in a fantastic and unique way. You’ll never want to leave.
Check out one of our itineraries to get started!
