Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Costa Rica Travel Postcard

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back coastal town on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast in Limón Province, near the border with Panama. Once a quiet fishing village, it has grown into a vibrant hub known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, surf-friendly beaches, and lush jungle surroundings. The town blends reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and international influences from travelers who have settled there, creating a distinctive cultural mix. Visitors come for the region’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. Nearby beaches such as Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva offer excellent surfing, swimming, and snorkeling, while the Gandoca–Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge protects coastal rainforest, mangroves, and coral reefs rich with wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds. Cycling between beaches, sampling Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and enjoying the lively nightlife make Puerto Viejo a favorite destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxed island vibes.