Walking down the street in Puerto Viejo, Bob Marley booms out of a local beachside restaurant, locals and international travelers sip Imperials in a rasta themed bar and various sidewalk vendors offer up their crafts for sale.  Life has slowed way down and I find myself feeling happy and relaxed.

 

Nothing else in Costa Rica compares to Puerto Viejo.  It's a mix of jungle, reggae, and Caribbean paradise. The water is turquoise blue and all I want to do is enjoy being outside and surf. And that is exactly what there is to do – visit the Jaguar Animal Sanctuary and learn about their animal rescue and rehabiliation program.  Explore a guided tour through Cahuita National Park – which includes land and also a protected marine reserve that you can snorkel through. Rent a bike and pack a beach picnic for the day and don't forget to take your board and surf the fast heavy breaks in the area.   

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A trip to Puerto Viejo can easily be combined with a full day or overnight rafting trip or even a trip out to Tortuguero.