Puerto Viejo Travel - Exploring Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

For a different kind of Costa Rica vacation, instead of heading to the Pacific coast, mix it up a little by visiting Puerto Viejo, the center of Afro-Caribbean culture in Costa Rica. This beautiful stretch of coastline is an enclave quite different from the popular destinations in the central valley and western coastline of Costa Rica with a predominant Spanish influence.

Instead, Puerto Viejo has an interesting mix of Indigenous, Spanish, Jamaican, and expat culture. Before the Spanish arrived, this area was inhabited by the Bribri, Cabecar and Kekoldi indigenous peoples. Once the Spanish settled, the country began construction of a railroad in 1870 and Caribbean islanders from Jamaica and other islands were brought over as immigrants and slaves to lay the tracks and build banana plantations.

The descendents of these workers settled among the coastline, setting up farms and fishing villages. Today, Puerto Viejo still has a quasi Jamaican feel, with a Rastafarian vibe and delicious, spicy cuisine. The area around Puerto Viejo remained mostly undeveloped until in 1979 a new road was built between Puerto Viejo and San Jose. Electricity didn't make it here until 1986, and private telephone lines took yet another decade.

Of course, now it is just as modern as any beach town, and internet has been available since 2006. Still, the town has retained its vibrant culture and charm and despite the modern conveniences, Puerto Viejo is an ideal place to get away from it all. Travelers can relax on white sand beaches, and listen to the pulse of calypso and reggae rhythms, or just gentle waves. The beach town has become a favorite spot among laid-back expatriates who find the weather and atmosphere ideal for extended vacations.

If you tire of relaxing after a few days, you can explore the nearby Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, or participate in any number of sports. The main draws are of course surfing and exploring the coastal reefs via scuba diving and snorkeling. However, bicycling and hiking are also extremely popular.

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