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| Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica |
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Visit the Tropical Costa Rican Paradise Puerto Viejo
When you arrive at Puerto Viejo, you'll wonder what took you so long to decide to vacation in Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is just south of Puerto Limon in the Limon Province. It is a friendly, relaxed and an inviting tourist town with beautiful beaches, terrific restaurants and many natural wonders to explore both at sea and on land.
Puerto Viejo is legendary among surfers seeking to ride La Salsa Brava, a fifteen foot tall storm-generated wave. Beyond outrageous surfing, Puerto Viejo offers visitors a variety of attractions centered on its varied landscapes, intriguing culture and unique wildlife.
The multi-cultural population adds charm and distinction to Puerto Viejo and many diverse influences combine to create an irresistible atmosphere unlike anyplace else in the world. In addition to expatriates from all over the world, a large Afro-Caribbean population that originates from Jamaica and Barbados mingles with the Tico and Bri Bri Indian native Costa Ricans. Rasta culture permeates Puerto Viejo and heartily influences the music, food and entire atmosphere.
Accommodations in Puerto Viejo
There is a tremendous variety of hotels to choose from in Puerto Viejo. There are luxurious beach resorts that offer all-inclusive packages for the ultimate in convenience and comfort. Enjoy an on-site restaurant and lounge, beautiful pool, fitness center and spa.
Rooms in deluxe hotels feature a full range of amenities, including air conditioning, cable TV, CD and DVD players and much more. Accommodations usually feature a terrace so guests can enjoy the lush, jungle-like tropical greenery that is everywhere in Puerto Viejo.
If deluxe accommodations are a bit more than what you're looking for, there are plenty of mid-range priced hotels in Puerto Viejo, too. These hotels may be smaller, but they offer plenty of local character and charm and are fully-serviced.
Bungalow-style accommodations set in the midst of exotic jungle vegetation often feature thatched roofs and hardwood interiors. These rustic hotels will surprise you with completely modern facilities and amenities such as satellite TV, Jacuzzis, laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchenettes. Exceptional service is part of the experience in Puerto Viejo.
Dining in Puerto Viejo
There is a full range of restaurants in Puerto Viejo serving everything from local fare and regional favorites to vegetarian dishes and cuisine from around the world. Fresh seafood is a treat to be enjoyed at fine restaurants and smaller establishments, too.
There are local bistros, delis and restaurants all along the beachfront and throughout town that serve "comida tipica," or native dishes. Rice and beans are staples in Costa Rican meals, and you will encounter gallo pinto, or fried rice with black beans on many occasions. Delicious tropical fruits such as papayas, bananas, mangos and pineapples are available everywhere throughout Puerto Viejo.
Puerto Viejo Activities and Attractions
Many of the activities you'll enjoy in Puerto Viejo are centered on the beach and the water. Snorkeling and surfing are two popular ways to spend time enjoying the sand and sea. Inland, hiking, rafting and horseback riding are fun ways to explore Puerto Viejo's natural wonders. Jungle tours are very popular, and you can see the exotic birds, animals, flowers and plants that populate Puerto Viejo up close on an eco-tour.
You can also explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or Cahuita National Park near Puerto Viejo on your own. Hiking or simply taking a stroll through these beautiful, lush areas is relaxing and entertaining. Look for howler and cappuchin monkeys, sloths, butterflies, iguanas and toucans on your stroll.
If you'd like to learn about the native Indian tribes that inhabit Costa Rica, you can take an Indian Reserve Tour to the Bri Bri National Resereve of Costa Rica. You will learn all about the fascinating Bri Bri culture that today is nearly extinct. As part of the tour, you can enjoy hiking through virgin jungle preserved by the Bri Bri people, swim at the foot of a beautiful waterfall and visit a Bri Bri town and ranch to learn about their culture and way of life.
Puerto Viejo Nightlife
Puerto Viejo is known for its nightlife, and you can enjoy dancing and drinking until dawn in many disco and dance clubs. Bars and clubs typically don't begin to fill until 11:00 pm, although you can enjoy plenty of entertainment throughout the dinner hours, as well.
Listening and dancing to live music is especially popular in Puerto Viejo, and all types of bands play. You can see and hear live reggae, calypso and Latin bands and hear American music, too. If you visit Puerto Viejo in the weeks just prior to Easter, you'll enjoy the annual South Caribbean Music Festival. This is an elaborate festival that features everything from classical music to reggae and ska performances by Costa Rican bands. Dance, theatre presentations and poetry readings are also featured in the festival.
Getting Around Puerto Viejo
It is easy and inexpensive to get around Puerto Viejo. Many people rent their own cars in Costa Rica so they can explore the country at their own pace. If you will only be visiting Puerto Viejo or don't wish to drive during your stay, you can take advantage of convenient taxis, buses and shuttle services throughout the town. |
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