Puerto Viejo de Limon, Costa Rica

 Puerto Viejo is not a disaster area.  There was some incredibly hard rain on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in late November and early December.  Many areas flooded including:  Sixaola (on the border with Panama), upper Talamanca (above Bribri in the indigenous reserves), Siquirres (to include the banana plantations, Matina and Bataan).

Puerto Viejo had the bridge leading to town break apart.  It remained passable by foot.  A vehicle by-pass was built within days and a new bridge was up in just under two weeks.  It was amazing to see the rapid response.  Although, the area was cut off to vehicles coming and going for a few days. 

The ocean was high all along the coast - almost into the roads in some areas, and the Chirripo River flooded the highway off and on for several days.  Mud slides were occurring in the Braulio Carillo Park and on other mountain roads.  It is still somewhat wet in these areas.  But all is well in Puerto Viejo.  Unfortunately, the indigenous people and the residents of Sixaola, etc. did not fare so well.  They are re-building once again.  These events seem to occur every 3 years or so.

Puerto Viejo is a beautiful area with excellent restaurants, amazing beaches, great wildlife and many adventure opportunities.  There are many places to stay from our place, small fully-equipped houses (www.cashewhilllodge.co.cr) to simple hotels, to inexpensive cabinas and hostels.  

You can surf, swim, snorkel, cycle, hike, zip-line, kayak, bird watch, view spectacular plant life and animal life, see chocolate being made, and feast.  There is also plenty of nightlife for the young or young at heart.  I prefer enjoying the early mornings full of birds, butterflies, ocean breezes and serenity.