For some reason the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is all but forgotten to the majority of visitors and people who live here.  After visiting there for the first time some 5 years ago, the place has always been on my mind.  It seems as though I always wanted to go back however life kept getting in the way.

Last week I just said, “What the heck” and threw the family in the car for the 8-hour drive to the east coast.  The drive itself was beautiful and enjoyable.  After passing throw San Jose you go through a tunnel that someone punched in a giant mountain range to emerge in to an amazing tropical rain forest with giant plant leaves five feet wide everywhere.  I have to admit, that part of the ride gets kind of hairy and I would not suggest doing it at night.  

About 3 hours out of San Jose after passing though what seems to be endless banana and pineapple fields, you reach Limon.  The road then takes a turn south along the coast and you can practically start hearing the reggae music in your head.  

This part of the country is inhabited from what I understand, by people from African decent who’s ancestors were originally brought here to work of the pineapple plantations.  I have never been to Jamaica, but this is what I picture it would be like, only better.

Forty-five minutes south of Limon we finally reached our destination, Puerto Viejo.  The water was a beautiful blue-green color and the beach was amazing.  I have to admit, I really wanted to surf the world renown reef break that bares the ominous name of Salsa Brava (translated to mean “Angry Sauce”) which is a fitting name for a powerful, barreling wave that breaks just inches over a live coral real.  

However, I was a day late for the swell so I was able to just focus on having a blast with my family.  

Upon entering town, we were lucky enough to stumble upon the Coco Loco Lodge where we got a killer little cabina for only $60 per night just a five minute walk to the beach. 

Our days were spent hanging on the beach, surfing some fun little wind swell,  looking for sloths and pigging out at all the excellent little restaurants to be found in the area.  

The food is awesome in Puerto Viejo!  Fresh fish, lobster and all types of Caribbean food.  My favorite restaurant is by far in Elena Brown’s.  Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Shrimp, oh my Lord!  So good!  

The people there were super cool to us and made us feel right at home.  We can not wait to go back!!!

Pura vida!

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.