One of the most up-and-coming spots in the whole of Costa Rica today is Puerto Viejo, about 16 kilometers south of Cahuita. Currently, it has come to be a favorite travel destination for a diverse group of tourists, most especially surfers, backpackers, and the counterculture set, which by and large happen to be Europeans and young North Americans. In keeping with the youngish crowd that has come to take root in Puerto Viejo, the bars and discos here are almost often filled to capacity and the night life is indeed a busy one. Also, weekends during the peak season would most likely find an unprepared tourist unable to find a room to bunk in. The more popular bars in Puerto Viejo are Stanford's, which most often plays reggae but also plays live Caribbean music on Wednesdays, and Johnny's Place, which almost always expands its parties out onto the beach. Other bars include Neptuno Disco Bar, El Dorado, and Bar Maritza.



Being in Costa Rica and on its Caribbean side at that, Puerto Viejo is also a spectacular little beach town where you can kick off your shoes and live out a relaxed, unhurried holiday. You can sunbathe to your heart's content or take leisurely walks on its pristine beaches. Alternatively, you may go snorkeling or diving in the unspoiled waters flowing through natural coral reefs, and swim with the wonderful and diverse aquatic life. You may also go kayaking, or take dolphin and fishing tours.

Needless to say, you may also ride the waves, along with some of the world's most daring surfers, on Puerto Viejo's legendary world class surf. Puerto Viejo gets especially packed from November to April, when surfers from all over come to take a shot at riding the so-called La Salsa Brava, which is a notorious tempest-spawned wave about 6 meters high. The waves of Puerto Viejo are not just for the audacious surfer, however. A nearby beach, the Playa Cocles, has surf which would be friendlier to newbie and intermediate wave riders.

The activities that you can engage in here in Puerto Viejo are not just limited to the aquatic sort. There are a whole lot of things to do on land, such as jungle hikes, a rappelling canopy tour, trips to indigenous reserves such as the Kek?ldi Indigenous Reserve, horseback riding, shopping especially for jewelry, souvenirs and island-inspired clothing and decor, as well as nature tours like visits to the five-hectare Finca la Isla Botanical Garden and the Caribe Botanical Garden.

It is estimated that about 50 families relocate to Costa Rica in general weekly, and it is not hard to imagine why. Consequently, real estate in Puerto Viejo has remained largely untapped, with prices that are still relatively low considering all the attractive elements that can be had in Puerto Viejo. And since the market for real estate here in Puerto Viejo is still fairly unexploited, and is thus subject to a highly probable boom in value, speculative investors would have a field day putting their money in such a safe and lucrative venture. Private homes, resorts, prime lots and more are all up for grabs.