The funky town of Puerto Viejo offers a taste of Jamaica without leaving the mainland. Bright multi-colored sand meets rolling waves of aqua blue attracting surfers, nature lovers and vacationers in search of the stress-free, eclectic atmosphere.
Nature
Located between Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the natural scene at Puerto Viejo includes the best of both.
Tropical vegetation dominates the landscape where flowers bloom year-round and fruit is always in season. Impenetrable rainforest carpets the mountains as wildlife roams freely and thousands of birds make themselves at home. The area's mountains protect the endangered Baird's Tapir and American crocodile as well as capuchin and howler monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, sloths and caimans.
Improvised trails lead you along the coast and into the wild ecosystem, but tour guides may do a better job since they know the area like the palm of their hands. Expeditions can be arranged through local operators that also offer kayaking, sport fishing and horseback riding tours.
The dense vegetation also shelters the region's indigenous population, the last survivors of the Bribri, Cabecar and KeKiLdi tribes. Life at the Indian reserves goes on mostly undisturbed, functioning the way they did 100 years ago. However, the new generations now embrace cultural and ecotourism as a profitable source of income. Visits to the reserves must be arranged with their local bureau, the Talamanca Association of Ecotourism and Conservation (ATEC).
The Beach
The beaches of Puerto Viejo face the eastern horizon providing a unique opportunity to watch the picture-perfect sunrise. As the timid sun emerges on the ocean the sky turns different shades of orange and is reflected on the water, a vibrant display that makes you want to get up early in the morning.
Black and white sands converge at Puerto Viejo's shoreline. Visit beaches Negra, Cocles or Chiquitita where the enticing Caribbean Sea draws you in for a swim. Not far from the coast, coral reefs create a marine habitat perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Catch a wave
Warm ocean currents from Cuba and Jamaica meet the mainland at Puerto Viejo creating giant tubular waves perfect for surfing aficionados. The town is known in Costa Rica as the Caribbean coast's surfing capital.
Just south of town you'll find the "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 that describe it as one of the most exciting surfing sites in the Americas.
Cultural diversity
The cultural melting pot found in Puerto Viejo renders a unique ambiance where dreadlock Rastas meet hippie Europeans and North Americans that came to visit and never left. In order to integrate the different ethnicities, the region has developed its own dialect called patua, a mixture of English, Spanish, French and indigenous languages.
The culinary fare also reflects this eclectic mixture including traditional Caribbean cuisine, Creole, Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Italian and amazing seafood fresh out of the water. The assorted flavors can be sampled 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 lamps, paintings, jewelry and souvenirs can be purchased at modest prices. If you're in the mood you can also take yoga glasses, therapeutic massages or braid your hair Caribbean style.
When the sun sets at Puerto Viejo, all differences are set aside and the town turns into party central. Tourists flock from the surrounding areas and cram into popular bars and discos that shake to the reggae beat.
Geographical Division 
