I cannot leave this town. Puerto Viejo has sucked me in and become my new home away from home.
My parents and Rebeca visited me over Christmas and this was our final spot together…two weeks later, I’m still here. Normally I’m on the move every few days, so this is a big change of pace for me. There’s something about Puerto that has drawn me in and won’t let me go. I feel inspired to read, write, swim, bike, run, yoga, detox, and relax here.
It’s hard to explain what makes this Caribbean town so magical, but I’m going to try. You should know that I am not the first, nor will I be the last, person to get “stuck” here. People tell me it happens all the time.
Jungle meets beach in this tiny coastal town.
The Rasta vibe makes it impossible not to relax and look at life with a new perspective.
Bicycles are the preferred method of transportation.
On the main road you will find beach after beach after beach – each one unique.
Howler monkeys become a wake-up call, jungle birds chirp all day long, and sloths hang out in trees along the street.
There is a strong sense of community and friendships come easy.
Fresh seafood abounds. So do vegan pastries. Food is local and delicious.
Yoga studios and yogis are everywhere. So are surfers, runners, and nature lovers.
There is a major hippy vibe around town.
There are shiny happy people all around!
I remember driving in and thinking that this was MY spot. How could I not fall in love?
Of course like any place, Puerto Viejo isn’t without its challenges. Prices are high relative to the rest of Central America (think $7 breakfast sandwiches and $16 seafood dinners), and locals are having a harder and harder time affording to stay, getting forced out into neighboring towns. Consequently there are robberies towards tourists, so I’m extra cautious about what I take out with me, especially at night. That said, I believe that the “scary parts” of living here are magnified since it is such a small community. I started hearing about robberies the day I landed in Quito so this isn’t unique to Puerto Viejo. I just wish we could all get along.
Since this place is obviously so magical, I’m also choosing to stay here for a while to relax and reflect. I need some “me” time, and it’s hard to do that when I’m constantly on the move or tagging along with other travelers. I’m trying to look inside and think about what I want in this next chapter of life. While it isn’t easy, yoga, meditation, time in the jungle, and surrounding myself with good people have all helped me focus. I’m still on the road to discovery, but each day I have a new finding and it feels really, really good.
The only reasons I haven’t gotten a part-time job or started volunteering down here are a) I thought I was leaving for Panama again (I’m not!) and b) Nicole is visiting me in La Fortuna next week! With this visit, I officially have an end date for my love affair with Puerto Viejo. Will I return? Only time will tell.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
Have you been to Puerto Viejo yet?
Great post! I started my world travels in Central America and the Caribbean many years ago. I ended up back in CR at the end of the first year and spent 2 years of 4 years abroad there – very easy to get “stuck” there with all it has to offer. My cousin stayed 10 years and had two kids. Funny how things work out. If you like Puerto Viejo, try to make your way for Thailand. I was surprised to find a super chill rasta vibe there and the people, food and scenery are all amazing. Also, I encountered far less crime there and cheaper living. I would have never left if not for plans to meet a friend in the Greek islands (pretty amazing there too!). Keep the posts coming – I’m wandering with you in spirit! Saludos.
Wow, Gretchen! It sounds like you’ve had your share of wanderlust and adventure too. How cool! I’ve traveled to Thailand 2x so far and I LOVE it there as well. Maybe third time’s the charm? Thanks for following along. 🙂 Pura Vida!
Sounds magical! Maybe i should change my itinerary and meet you there! 😉
I’ll be happy anywhere as long as I’m with you!! (But I really probably should try to break away for a bit! ?)
I was doubting whether to include Puerto Viejo in my Costa Rica itinerary or not. Your post inspired me to definetly include it 🙂
That makes me so happy! I hope you enjoy it there as much as I did! I can’t wait to return.
This sounds like a lovely place to go and relax! Thank you for the detailed write up!
Glad you enjoyed it! Puerto Viejo is very relaxing.
Love this post. We have a similar story and reading that someone else for that happy place is great!! A place that allows you to slow down and enjoy everything and promotes what you want to do in life is awesome. This place looks incredible. I love the feeling I had after reading this post. Just happy!
Yay I’m so glad you can relate! Everyone needs their happy place. 🙂 Many people find theirs in Costa Rica.
This looks like a wonderful place. I love the jungle and the beach, and SLOTHS!!! Thanks for the great read.
Sloths are the best!!!
This place looks like a Dream! and I had never even heard of it before *holds head in shame*. Just goes to remain me that the world is such a big and beautiful place! Great post, I wouldn’t mind getting ‘stuck’ in a place like that either! Thanks for sharing 🙂
lol I had only recently just learned of Puerto Viejo myself! The world is s fascinating place. I wish I could see it ALL!
I can see how you got “stuck” there for a few weeks. It looks like a truly great destination. Sometimes you need to stop and reflect while traveling. It’s helpful to take a moment to let everything you’re doing and seeing sink in! Enjoy you’re next destination and hopefully you’ll be back again!
Thanks, Anna! Yes, I’ve really enjoyed the mix of hopping around quickly and letting other places sink in.
wow this is such an inspiration and I have to say I envy you..ha..in a good way! I am so ready for a new chapter of life..I am 52 and tired of the 9-5 grind..
I ‘d love to quit and be a digital nomad, but have not saved…so not sure when it will happen! Enjoyed your story and pics..best of luck!
Valerie
Fashion and travel
Thank you! It’s been a great opportunity & I’ve been fortunate to do this.
Oh how I wish I could go there in person! Looks like absolute paradise. Thanks for the travel inspo! 🙂
You’ll have to go one day! 🙂