"Not just for Surfers!" Top 5 Page for this destination Puerto Viejo by TempNomad

Puerto Viejo Travel Guide: 168 reviews and 228 photos

The busy streets of Puerto Viejo - Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for people who want to have a good time both in and out of the water. This town has a relaxed, satisfied atmosphere, and English is spoken right next to Spanish. There's even a relatively new pizza place.

My favorite part of my visit was taking a tour through the private reserve de los indigenos. You can get a reservation at the tourism office on the main street.

I strongly suggest making a reservation at a place to stay before going. Some popular places are Hotel Pura Vida, Cabinas Guarana, and Cabinas Jacaranda (going through renovations when I was there). I stayed at Cabinas Grant, and it was just fine.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A party every night, beach time every day, tours with a native guide
Cons:A party every night, be ready to be accosted for your time and money
In a nutshell:A lot of fun!

Last visit to Puerto Viejo: Aug 2002
Intro Updated Jun 21, 2003
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Reviews (5)

A knowledgeable and friendly guide - Puerto Viejo

A fabulous guide Off The Beaten Path (2)

I can't find his name, but he speaks both English and Spanish. He is an expert guide and knows so much about the area.... more travel advice

Have your lunch next to the falls - Puerto Viejo

Take a tour of the reserve! Off The Beaten Path (2)

I had the greatest day with my local guide and another couple from the Midwest. We toured through mud, streams, hills,... more travel advice

Watch for the details as you walk - Puerto Viejo

Black sand and fuschia flowers Things to Do (2)

Sorry, just couldn't resist putting this photo in. more travel advice

Walking on the black sand beach Things to Do (2)

There is beach space just off the main road leading into Puerto Viejo. You will run into all sorts of interesting people... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Clean, indoor plumbing, killer breakfast

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Comments (6)

nomada Dec 19, 2004 at 5:14 AM Report Abuse

interesting place for next holidays but wonder if it stops raining sometime ...
brooklynsheart Nov 28, 2003 at 5:46 AM Report Abuse

I love visiting your Costa Rica pages! Excellent philosophy about treating the land with respect.
snorril Aug 18, 2003 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

Another fine page. Good travel philosophy
call_me_rhia Jul 30, 2003 at 6:59 AM Report Abuse

interesting destination,... and breakfast :-)
tini58de Jun 26, 2003 at 12:21 PM Report Abuse

What a nice destination for a vacation! Thanks for sharing!
jessicadf Jun 25, 2003 at 12:12 PM Report Abuse

Don't be sorry -- the fuscia flowers on the black beach are gorgeous.