Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town on the Caribbean sea surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest, gorgeous white sand beaches, and a huge array of different wildlife. With a mixture of Afro Caribbean, Bri Bri Indigenous, Ticos, Americans, and Europeans alike, Puerto Viejo offers a diverse and multicultural vibe. Famous for its ‘Go Slow’ attitude, you won’t find a more laid-back town in Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is not for everyone. You won’t find any golf courses, marinas,or country clubs, and only a handful of hotels offer amenities like swimming pools or air conditioning that are standard in hotels in Guanacaste and other more-developed areas. Puerto Viejo is more suited for the down-to-earth traveler looking for a no-frills, authentic experience. If that is what you are looking for, Puerto Viejo will exceed your expectations.

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Puerto Viejo is still considered an off-the-beaten track, authentic destination where the local community wish to keep maintaining its roots and beautiful environment. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather in the Caribbean region is vastly different from the Pacific. The Caribbean receives a significant amount of rain, particularly from December through February. All that moisture certainly makes for gorgeous green jungles, but it could also make a soggy mess of your stay. September and October — when it’s typically dry and sunny on the Caribbean coast — are your best bet. Ocean currents here tend to be strong and the waves powerful, so be sure to check local conditions before diving in. Unless you are a strong swimmer or experienced surfer, it's best to stay close to shore.  

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Cahuita National Park is a great place to see wildlife in its natural environment. It also offers wonderful snorkeling opportunities, as the protected reef just off the park’s coastline is home to many coral and marine species. Diving is also a very popular activity in the area, with a range of different dive sites. Another wildlife opportunity not to be missed is the Jaguar Rescue Center, a non-profit foundation rehabilitating mistreated, injured, and/or confiscated animals, which are then reintroduced to their natural habitat in protected areas.

If you are looking for some adventure, Puerto Viejo offers so much: white water rafting the famous Pacuare river, off-road ATV driving, canopy zip lining through the rainforest, horseback riding on the beach or into the jungle, cycling, fishing, surfing, boogie boarding, stand-up paddling. You really won’t find it hard to make your time in Puerto Viejo full of excitement!

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