Puerto Viejo

What do you get when you combine a seaside town with a jungle oasis? Well, if you're in Costa Rica, you get Puerto Viejo! Puerto Viejo is a Caribbean coastal town located about 130 miles from San Jose. Known for its clear waters, coconut palms and laid-back lifestyle, Puerto Viejo provides Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers with a great place to base a vacation. A central hub of activity in the South Caribbean Tourism Region of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is the place to be for seaside excitement.

A look back at the history of Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers will feel right at home in this vibrant coastal town thanks to a prevalence of English speaking locals. This is because much of the area is settled by Afro-Caribbean immigrants, many of which came from Jamaica. These immigrants have had a big influence on the area and have helped create a welcoming atmosphere in coastal towns like Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Monkey Point.

While Puerto Viejo's current economy is based heavily on the tourism industry, this hasn't always been the case. In fact, the area was relatively isolated from the rest of Costa Rica until 1979. This is when the first road was constructed, connecting the small village to the rest of the Central Valley. Today, Puerto Viejo is a modern beach town, providing Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers with everything from high-speed Internet to luxury accommodations.

Get your surf on

What once was a small fishing town, Puerto Viejo is now known as one of the best vacation destinations in southern Costa Rica. Surfers from around the world come to test the famous Salsa Brave waves, while sunbathers can often be found soaking up the rays on one of the many black and white sand beaches. True to it's Caribbean heritage, Puerto Viejo provides Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers with a strong Rastafarian culture, complete with handmade jewelry and plenty of dreadlocks!

Watch out for pedestrians

When you're traveling through Puerto Viejo in your Costa Rica cheap rental car, make sure you're mindful of the many pedestrians and bikers. Like many other coastal towns, Puerto Viejo is dominated by foot traffic, especially near the beach. Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers will have less problems driving near the city's center. This is where you'll find many souvenirs and surf shops, as well as bars, restaurants, hotels, and tour companies.

Explore exotic beaches

Many of the beaches in and around Puerto Viejo are wide and often deserted, offering Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers plenty of ideal places to walk. Just south of the town, travelers will discover three superb beaches, including the Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva. While the road is a little bumpy (maintenance crews are always onsite trying to repair the potholes), you discover some great attractions at the many villages located between the beaches. Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers will discover quaint beachfront cabins, simply shops, and affordable restaurants lining the street from Puerto Viejo to Manzanilo. Numerous budget hostels cater to surfers and young backpackers, while posh-resorts offer comfort and luxury (not to mention stunning views of the ocean!).

Head under the sea

If there's one thing you simply must do during your visit to Puerto Viejo, it's snorkel. When the water is calm, Costa Rica cheap rental car travelers will have the opportunity to explore some of the world's most unique underwater landscapes. If you have the time, head to nearby Cahuita and Manzanillo an experience what it's like to snorkel through living coral reefs.