The one time laid back surf community of years past has now transformed into the bustling tourist epicentre of then Costa Rican east coast.

After enduring the hottest, sweatiest one hour bus ride from the Panamá boarder we were dropped off in a bit of a tourist Mecca. Don’t get me wrong, Puerto Viejo is nothing compared to the tropical tourist islands one will find in Thailand, but compared to what we experienced in Panamá we were fairly taken back by the crowds.

Located 50 kilometres both north and south of the border, and Limon respectively, it has been said that this stretch of land has some of the best beaches in all of Costa Rica. But that depends for what you are looking for. With crashing surf waves in one location and gentle ripples in another I am positive there is something here for everyone’s desire.

Once we were off loaded from the bus we started our semi lost meander through the townsite. There were shops and stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and memorabilia to any willing passer buyer and restaurants laced in between them. With a strong urge for food and drinks, we sat down at a local pizza place to offload our bags and feast our bellies.

Once everyone was satisfied we packed up our leftovers and caught a 2000 Colones three wheeled tuk-tuk ride the five minutes south of town to Tasty Dayz hostel. Dropping our bags to the floor and washing the sweat from our face is always rewarding after any travel day in the tropics. Once our bodies cooled in the air conditioned room, a short beach walk across the street was in order before sitting down for an evening dinner at the hostel’s restaurant and bar.

The following morning was casual as always. Shannon went out for her much desired morning jog while myself and the girls slept in. After the self-made breakfast in the communal kitchen we stocked up a day bag with sandy beach essentials and drifted our way across the street and down Cocles Beach. The waves here were slightly too large for the girls to splash in however chasing them in and out was time well spent. Me however, I always enjoy a good body surf while doing my best to steer clear of the actual wave riders.

With all the sand rinsed off our bodies and just enough sun to top up our vitamin D levels the day was now complete. The communal kitchen with pasta was our dinner special for the evening as we shifted to darkness on a simple but perfect Costa Rican beach day.

By day three now we had a bit of a schedule. By eight o’clock we waved down a tuk-tuk and continued 10 minutes south for another 3000 Colones. We were now at the entrance gate to the respectable Jaguar Rescue Centre. With a 90 minute scheduled and organized tours in various languages we easily decided it was a must do in our travel agenda. This facility principal operations are as its name states, to rehabilitate wild animals that require medical attention. They receive any and every animal and reptile that is called upon them. With over 360 sloths alone coming through their doors you can say they are more than busy. And returning 95% of the animals back into the wild is nothing short of a miracle. The facility tour is run by volunteers and every dollar they make goes back to the animals and medical equipment they require. The knowledge the volunteers have on all the animals displays the passion they possess as a person.

As we walked through the facility there were numerous birds, wild boars and white tail deer. They have monkeys, margays, scarlet macaws and of course the sloths. All these animals that are open for viewing have been either injured upon receiving them or too domesticated to be released back into the wild. Our experience here was a hands down easy decision with no regrets for coming. And at $27.13 US per person, kids under 10 free, it is something truly memorable that will not break the bank and will never be forgotten.

Now back at our hostel, lunch was in order before taking in the remainder of the day in the sand and waves. The area surrounding Puerto Viejo is stocked full of activities like spas, retreats, cycling and of course one of Costa Rica’s favourite past times, surfing. One can easily fill a day or a week in and around this beach life haven without feeling board. Eventually time however does creep up on us and we choose to relocate onward.

Being at the in town bus station by 7:30 am we quickly learn that we should have purchased our tickets in advance. We had asked and looked online and everyone said tickets couldn’t be purchased in advance. Lesson learned we should have gone the day prior to the bus station and enquired. Now scheduled for a 1:00 bus we had some time to kill in the tropical heat so wandered down to the water for a bit, then grabbed some lunch.

We kept seeing buses pull up, load people and leave. Some buses had a/c and others didn’t. We really hoped for the one with a/c. Turns out our bus was quite delayed arriving around 2:30 pm, but it did have a/c which felt like a huge win. We were finally making our way west towards the nations capital of San Jose. Unfortunately with this delay it was going to put us into the city after dark which wasn’t ideal as the bus station isn’t in a very great park of town.

To see where we came from click HERE.

To see where we went next click Here.