A Caribbean Dream – My Week in Puerto Viejo with My Best Friends

Bonjour! I'm Camille, 24 years old, from Lyon, France. I’m traveling around Central America on a gap year with my three best friends, and one of our most unforgettable stops was Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

We had no idea what to expect—just a dot on the map, a few photos of colorful houses and palm trees. But what we found was a town full of rhythm, flavor, freedom, and pura vida energy.

Let me tell you everything you need to know if you’re planning a trip to this tropical paradise.

Where is Puerto Viejo and Why is it Special?

Puerto Viejo is on the southeast coast of Costa Rica, about 4-5 hours from San José. It’s part Caribbean, part jungle, part surfer town—and 100% chill. Here, reggae floats through the air, sloths nap in trees by the beach, and people bike barefoot through the streets.

It’s a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous Bribri, and international cultures that give it a totally unique vibe. No place we visited felt quite like it.

Our Favorite Experiences

1. Biking the Coast

The best way to explore is by bike. For just a few dollars, we rented bicycles and rode from town to Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva. Each beach is more beautiful than the last.

We stopped for fresh coconut water, watched surfers, and swam in warm turquoise waves. No rush, no plans—just vibes.

2. Jaguar Rescue Center

This place melted our hearts. It’s not just about jaguars—it’s a rescue center for injured or orphaned wildlife. We saw toucans, monkeys, sloths, and learned about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. A must-do.

3. Cahuita National Park

Just 30 minutes north, this park offers a magical combination: jungle trails and beach coves. We walked for hours spotting monkeys, iguanas, crabs, and snorkeling right off the shore.

4. Caribbean Food!

Rice and beans cooked in coconut milk. Fried plantains. Fresh fish and spicy sauces. The food in Puerto Viejo was unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica—and we loved every bite.

Don’t miss dinner at a soda called "Verónica’s Place"—vegan Caribbean fusion that blew our minds.

Our Honest Tips

• Don’t overbook tours. You’ll want time to chill and wander.

• Respect the local pace. Life here is slower. Embrace it.

• Bring cash. Some places don’t take cards.

• Be present. Leave your phone in the room and enjoy the moment.
  

Why I’ll Never Forget It

One night we danced barefoot in the sand while a reggae band played under the stars. Another day, we biked through the rain and laughed until our stomachs hurt. We met people from around the world, and we felt at home.

Puerto Viejo reminded us that happiness is in the little things: good friends, nature, music, and food. That’s what travel should be about.

Pura vida forever.