From Bocas del Toro in Panama we went to Puerto Viejo.
Travel costs: 28 dollars per person includes boat from Bocas del Toro (Panama), bus to the border (Costa Rica), bus from the border to Puerto Viejo
From Bocas del Toro (Panama) we went to Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica). After a 25 minute boat ride from Isla Colon, it takes a few more minutes by bus to reach the border to Costa Rica, which we crossed on foot after successful immigration. On the other side of the border in Costa Rica we took a shuttle bus to Puerto Viejo, our first destination in Costa Rica. After a little more than 3 hours and several banana plantations later, we finally arrived in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Puerto Viejo has a very cozy, typically Caribbean atmosphere and is perfect for surfing, relaxing and feasting. In Puerto Viejo you will find hippies, dropouts, rastas, emigrants, backpackers etc. which give the city a very special flair. If you're looking for action, you're in the wrong place – although you can party in Puerto Viejo, it's a great place to chill out.
Accommodation in Puerto Viejo:
Cabinas Jacaranda double room 37 Euros
Our last night in Puerto Viejo we spent in a cabana in the center for 28 Euro (I forgot the name)
Beaches near Puerto Viejo
The beach in Puerto Viejo directly is not exactly a feast for the eyes but only a few kilometers away there is Playa Chiquita, Cocles or Punta Uva. These beaches are typical Caribbean beaches with clear water, palm trees and miles of sand. If you don't have a car, you can rent a bicycle for 5 dollars a day. By bike it takes about 15 – 20 minutes to reach Playa Chiquita
Food: In general, it must be said that Puerto Viejo is a great place to eat. The many foreigners who have settled here and the penchant for quality food make for an excellent culinary mix. The different influences often result in a fusion cuisine. The food here on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is often a bit spicier and more variable than the food on the Pacific side and much of Latin America.
Restaurants in Puerto Viejo
Breakfast:
Here you can get everything your heart desires for breakfast from fresh smoothies and juices to pancakes, eggs and sandwiches at moderate prices. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is great. Probably one of the best places for breakfast in Latin America. At least according to my experience so far, because in Latin America it is not always easy to find a good breakfast, which often consists only of arepas and scrambled eggs.
Lunch:
If you like healthy food, you should definitely go to Zion Cafe. Here I drank probably one of the best smoothies I have ever had. In addition, there are many vegetarian dishes, but also a typical Caribbean Jerk Chicken. Super service and healthy tasty spicy food.
Zion Cafe
Dinner:
Lazlo`s catch of the day
Is definitely my favorite restaurant in Costa Rica. The owner Lazlo, an Italian, goes fishing with his friend every day in the morning and serves the catch in the evening from 6 pm in his restaurant. The fish is very simple with garlic and olive oil, grilled vegetables and chips. Despite the simple preparation but because of the freshness you get here an incredible dining experience. Depending on the catch you can get Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Kingfish etc. . It can also happen that even before the first guests are there, the entire fish is sold out by advance order.
Cuisine: Costa Rica, Central America, pasta, Asian fusion
Suitable for: Families with children, romantic, local cuisine, special occasions, budget
Nightlife in Puerto Viejo
In Puerto Viejo there are many small cozy bars where you can have a few beers or cocktails.
One of the most famous bars is Mango Sunset:
Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails to live music. The Mango Sunset is for many residents and tourists one of the most popular places to go in the evening. People also gather in front of the bar and have a good time. We definitely had a lot of fun at Mango Sunset