Puerto Viejo
This town in the banana-growing lands of the northeast has a steamy jungle feel. Historically, goods were shipped down the Sarapiqui River to the San Juan River on the Nicaraguan border, and from there to the Carribean. Several jungle lodges and the La Selva biological research station, take advantage of the proximity of the tropical wet forest of the Parque Nacional Braulio Carillo. About 13 km south of Cahuita, the road forks just after Home Creek (also spelled Hone Creek). The main road turns east toward Bribrí; a spur leads three km to Playa Negra, a black-sand beach that curls east to Puerto Viejo, enclosing a small bay with a capsized barge in its center. The tiny headland of Punta Pirikiki at its eastern end separates Puerto Viejo from the sweep of beaches—Playa Pirikiki, Playa Chiquita, and others—that run all the way to Manzanillo and Panamá. You can walk along the beach from Cahuita at low tide. Puerto Viejo is one of the most happenin’ spots in Costa Rica. Although La Selva , Selva Verde and Rara Avis are the area's prime tourist destinations, a numver of attractive hotels and lodges dotted around Puerto Viejo also offer rainforest experiences. Albergue Islas del Rio, 5 km west of Puert Viejo, simple friendly hostel on the Rio Sarapiqui is one of the few budget options along this stretch of road and more in Puerto Viejo real estate.The discos are hopping, and, on peak weekends, you can’t find a room to save your soul. Nonetheless, it is low-key and funky (vultures hop around lethargically on the streets, taking reluctant flight only when you approach within a meter or two).
