Puerto Viejo: A Caribbean Jewel in Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo is a small town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, known for its vibrant culture, white and black sand beaches, and many nature and cultural activities. It is one of the most popular destinations in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to experience the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean. Puerto Viejo is close to several natural attractions, such as the Cahuita National Park, the Jaguar Rescue Center, and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Puerto Viejo is also a place where you can enjoy music, dance, food, and art from the Afro-Caribbean community.

Location and Geography

Puerto Viejo is located in the province of Limón, in the southeastern region of Costa Rica. It is about 200 km from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and 60 km from Limón, the capital of Limón province. Puerto Viejo covers an area of 186.39 km² and has an average elevation of 430 m above sea level. It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Talamanca Mountain Range. Puerto Viejo has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27 °C and a rainy season from May to November.

Attractions and Activities

There are many things to do and see in Puerto Viejo, both for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the highlights:

• Cahuita National Park: This is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica, famous for its coastal trail, a path of 8 km that follows the shoreline, passing by dreamy beaches. The park also features a coral reef, a mangrove forest, and a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, and turtles. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has a voluntary donation as an entrance fee.
• Jaguar Rescue Center: This is a place where you can see and learn about wild animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated by a team of volunteers. The center hosts different species of animals, such as jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, anteaters, snakes, and birds. You can take a guided tour that lasts about an hour and costs $20 per person.
• Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: This is a protected area that covers 23,348 hectares of land and sea. It is home to diverse habitats and wildlife, such as rainforest, wetlands, coral reef, dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, and leatherback turtles. You can hike on various trails that showcase the beauty and richness of nature.
• Music and Dance: Puerto Viejo is a place where you can enjoy the music and dance of the Afro-Caribbean culture. You can listen to reggae, calypso, soca, salsa, and bachata in bars and clubs along the main street. You can also learn how to dance with local instructors who offer classes for beginners and advanced levels.
• Food and Art: Puerto Viejo is a place where you can taste the food and art of the Caribbean. You can try dishes such as rice and beans with coconut milk, fish in spicy sauce, plantain patacones, or fruit smoothies. You can also visit galleries and shops that sell handicrafts made by local artists.

Puerto Viejo is a place where you can experience both nature and culture in Costa Rica. It is a place where you can admire one of the most beautiful coasts in the world and enjoy its gifts. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Puerto Viejo on your Costa Rica vacation!