04 Apr Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica (Part I)

Okay, so it has been years since my last blog post, but it’s one of my goals this year to rebuild my website. What better opportunity than giving insight into what it is like leaving everything behind and trying to find a new place in the world to call home.

Although our plan has shifted since our departure, when we left Canada, we started in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica with the intention of settling in the home of Pura Vida (more on this later). Why not? It’s the land of palm trees, pristine beaches, rich in Caribbean culture, and SLOTHS! And man did we see a lot of sloths!

So let’s get into it. I was completely blown away from the amount of wildlife we saw during our month stay. Seeing iguanas, toucans and sloths daily is something that I will never forget.

Being patient brings rewards, like a photo of a hummingbird itching it’s neck

I won’t tell you that this photo was taken from the backyard of our AirBnb because you wouldn’t believe me…

So what did we do for a month in Puerto Viejo? We explored the area by bike, which I definitely recommend. Word of warning though, at night the roads are dark and the locals like to drive fast, so I would suggest bringing headlamps whenever you are planning to go out in the evening. We rented our bikes from Puerto Viejo Bicycle Rentals and José made sure we were well looked after.

The street food here was great. Choices of jerk, empanadas, Jamaican patties and fried chicken made quick eating options before heading to the beach.

A good place to have a siesta.

We loved stopping at the fruit stands for some fresh produce. Lychees were plentiful and absolutely delicious.

Free bananas! Weren’t as delicious as we had anticipated though.

Our favourite place in the area was Punta Uva. The beach was immaculate and empty each time we visited. And remember when I mentioned sloths earlier? Well this area is home to a large population of both two-toed and three-toed sloths.

Not a bad way to cool off after a hot, humid bike ride.

Grandfather teaching his grandchildren how to fish.

Dinner with a view.

This three-toed sloth was so close to us that we could touch it.

A two-toed sloth taking a nap. Sloths can sleep for up to 20 hours a day!

We rented a Kayak from Punta Uva and took it up the river. We couldn’t believe how still the water was.

On the way to/from Punta Uva, it is essential to stop at a food stall in Playa Cocles called Take It Easy. They have very limited hours, and sell out fast, but the Jamaican food is unreal. Be sure to get a couple different options to share!

Take It Easy serving up some amazing grilled chicken.

In Costa Rica, saying Pura Vida has many meanings. It can mean “see you later” or “everything is good”, but it literally translates to pure life. So, wouldn’t you say that this is the Pura Vida?