Costa Rica Part 2 — Puerto Viejo The Relaxed Caribbean Coast (Days 8–13)
**📌 This article is part of my 25-Day Costa Rica Travel Series.
Start with Part 1 here:**
👉 Part 1 — San José, Tortuguero, Poás & Waterfalls
Intro: Puerto Viejo travel guide
After returning from Tortuguero, I headed east to one of Costa Rica’s most famous coastal regions: Puerto Viejo. Known for its reggae energy, colorful beachfront towns, wildlife, and relaxed lifestyle, this area gave me a totally different side of the country. In this section, I explore the beaches, local culture, jungle experiences, and day-to-day rhythm of life along the Caribbean coast.
After a brief stay in downtown San José, I traveled to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and laid-back bohemian charm. Unlike the more developed Pacific towns, Puerto Viejo features sandy streets with colorful houses, beachfront cafés, and vendors selling handmade goods. Its culinary scene offers a blend of traditional Costa Rican and Caribbean dishes. The town is ideal for exploring beautiful beaches like Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo for pristine, jungle-backed shores.
Due to my medical procedure, I wasn’t able to explore to the full extent of what I wanted to, but I managed to get around.
I found an amazing boutique adult only hotel called Umami. Great hospitality, good food and very relaxing. It was only a couple of small blocks away from the main drag of restaurants and beaches. It is a very walkable area. Biking is the preferred way to get around, making it easy, although I was still recovering from my stem cell procedure, to cruise along the scenic coastal road, stopping at hidden beach coves and local fruit stands along the way. I even stopped into a spa for a message and pedicure.
Beyond the beaches, the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center and Cahuita National Park, were off limits for me, but there have wildlife encounters, where sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds thrive in protected rainforest habitats. Whether you’re looking to surf, snorkel, hike, or simply embrace the easygoing pura vida lifestyle, Puerto Viejo is a destination that captures the heart and soul of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
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Returning to San José: A Luxurious Stay at Barceló Hotel
After soaking up the Caribbean vibes, I returned to San José for a few days at the Barceló Hotel. The Barceló San José is a comfortable and upscale hotel set in a quiet residential area just outside central San José, making it an ideal base for arriving or departing travelers. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the hotel offers spacious, well-kept rooms, an outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and several on-site restaurants that make it easy to unwind after a long travel day.
It’s close to the airport, medical centers, and major highways, providing both convenience and comfort. With friendly service, good amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere, the Barceló is a reliable and relaxing place to stay when passing through Costa Rica’s capital. This was a chance to unwind in comfort before my next adventure—an excursion to the Arenal region.
Outro: Puerto Viejo travel guide
Puerto Viejo delivered exactly what it’s known for—laid-back beaches, great food, and the perfect environment for slowing down and soaking in tropical life. After recharging here, I made my way back across the country and prepared for one of the most iconic regions of Costa Rica: La Fortuna and Arenal. In Part 3, you’ll see volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, and adventure-filled landscapes.
📚 Continue the Costa Rica Travel Series
