Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo
Caribbean coast reggae rhythms meet Afro-Costa Rican culture in this laid-back beach town.
Speakers pump Bob Marley from corner shops while Creole patties cool on kitchen counters and surfers paddle out through warm turquoise water. Puerto Viejo moves to its own unhurried clock, where bicycles outnumber cars and conversations flow between Spanish, English, and Patois depending on who's talking.
Perfect for
- —Surfers seeking consistent breaks without crowds
- —Travelers drawn to Afro-Caribbean culture
- —Anyone needing to slow down to island time
Atmosphere
beaches•music•food
The rhythm of the day
morning
Coffee and gallo pinto before the heat builds, then bicycle rides to empty beaches
afternoon
Siesta in hammocks or surf sessions when the wind dies down
night
Rum cocktails and reggae music as the jungle comes alive with sounds
Signature experiences
- 01Cycle dirt roads through cacao plantations while toucans call overhead
- 02Share rice and beans with locals at a family-run soda
- 03Surf Salsa Brava's reef break as howler monkeys watch from the trees
- 04Dance to live reggae under palm trees on weekend nights
- 05Snorkel coral reefs where sloths hang in mangrove branches above
How to experience Puerto Viejo
Rent a bicycle to navigate sandy streets and coastal paths
Learn basic Spanish and don't be shy about trying Patois phrases
Follow the sound of music to find the best local gathering spots