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Some beautiful photos from this article in Denmark's Svenska Dagbladet newspaper
And some recommendations for a few of our favorite places: KOKi Beach, Banana Azul and Congo Bongo Ecolodges. If you don't happen to read Danish ;-) try Google translate.
The school Caribe Azul Centro de Aprendizaje Independiente in Playa Chiquita closed in December
But the community responded quickly and two new places are opening soon in their space. Centro Comunitario Morpho is a community space dedicated to creativity and learning for adults and children and their grand opening is Feb 1. Jardín Infantil Las Semillas is a school and childcare for kids aged up to 6 and they are registering now for classes beginning Feb 4.
Speeding on Route 256 killing animals, reshaping mobility
One of the charms of Puerto Viejo has always been that from Puerto Viejo south to Manzanillo there have always been more bikes than cars making it a safer space for cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife. But since the road became a national rather than municipal road the improvements have made it a lot smoother but also a lot faster. Hopefully CONAVI will start listening.
Have some time to help out?
Beach cleanup this Saturday on Playa Negra. Sponsored by Banana Azul.
Tiene tiempo para ayudar? Sábado vamos a limpiar Playa Negra.
Mark your calendar for some world class surfing action
Saturday Feb 2 is the latest version of the Puerto Viejo Open Pro tournament.
El 2 de febrero es la próxima torneo de surf. Puerto Viejo Open Pro en Playa Cocles.
New house rental option near Punta Uva!
Los Proyectos Moderno is a two bedroom house perched on a secluded five acre lot and surrounded by infinite pristine nature. You’ll enjoy endless spectacular views as you discover all the amazing wildlife Costa Rica has to offer. Great place to get away from it all and disconnect -- it has everything you need but there's no wifi, no tv -- the animals walking by will be your entertainment.
Sueño Grande B&B at the beach now has a house rental option too
In addition to the superb suites at Sueño Grande Bed and Breakfast! The tropical wood home sleeps 4, offers one king and one queen bedroom, a kitchenette, private seating area, spacious bath with hot water on demand. Ocean breezes blow through the screened windows and the ceiling fans keep the house pleasant for a good night’s sleep. #PuertoViejoTopPick
Puerto Viejo Deep Dive: Cancún crossroads, preserving culture forged by hardship
Interesting article on the history of the area. The title is a bit misleading, there really isn't a proposal to make Puerto Viejo into Cancun but instead lots of info on how the area got its unique cultural makeup.
Flights from Costa Rica to Bocas are hung up in regulatory approval in Panama
We announced with excitement on Nov 29 that a new airline, Skyway, would be taking up the San José to Bocas del Toro route that was left unserved after Nature Air stopped flying. But unfortunately, they've been unable to get approvals from the Panamanian government. See their letter below. We'll let you know if and when they do begin.
Recibimos noticias que los vuelos entre San José y Bocas del Toro no están operando porque faltan los permisos del gobierno de Panama. Si ellos empecen a volar vamos a informarles. Ver la mensaje de Skyway abajo.
"Les informamos que la ruta a Bocas del Toro ha sido suspendida hasta nuevo aviso. La suspensión de la ruta se debe a un cambio de regulaciones del Gobierno de Panamá. Por lo que no estaremos operando los vuelos regulares o charters a este destino por el momento. No tenemos una fecha definida de inicio, por lo que les mantendremos informados. Lamentamos mucho el cierre de la ruta, pero sale de nuestras manos completamente. Esperamos poder reactivarla pronto!!"
Warning to swimmers!
There have been numerous sightings today of Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish (pictured) at various locations on the South Caribbean coast including Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Manzanillo. Do not touch them or try to remove them from the water to take a photo! If you are stung: neutralize the poison by removing the remains of the tentacles from your skin. You can try to wash the area with alcohol or salt water. Never use fresh water because it intensifies the effects. It is also not recommended to use vinegar, something that does work with the common jellyfish. Hot water is Hot water is better than cold if possible. Use after a cortisone cream after washing.
Atención bañistas: Esta especie conocida como carabela portuguesa han sido vistas en gran cantidad esta mañana en la costa del Caribe Sur. Si me pica: Lo primero es actuar para neutralizar el veneno retirando los restos de los tentáculos de nuestra piel. Según el lugar donde nos toque y en función de la distancia a un puesto de socorro o a una farmacia, se puede intentar lavar la zona con alcohol o con agua salada. No usar nunca agua dulce porque intensifica los efectos. Tampoco está recomendado usar vinagre, algo que sí funciona con la medusa común. No conviene aplicar agua fría, sino preferentemente caliente y usar después de una crema con cortisona.
Talamanca Canton has banned plastic straws!
It's official; the local government in Talamanca Canton has banned plastic straws! A small step for us to use organic straws but a big step for the wildlife affected by them.
Stunning new property video
From Congo Bongo Ecolodges showing the lushness of the Manzanillo area and the pristine nature of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge where they are located. #PuertoViejoTopPick
Some ideas for your next trip to Puerto Viejo!
Article from Matador network
An Artists’ Guide to the Paradisiacal Beach Town of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Vogue covers Puerto Viejo!? I don't high heels and little black dresses will take over from flip flops and tank tops. But lots of info and photos!
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
How will you ring in the new year? Share in comments below and let us know what's on offer! Don't have plans yet? Check the PV Restaurants and Bars page for a zillion options!
360° aerial view of Puerto Viejo
Amazing! So why aren't you here now?
Vista Aérea 360° de Puerto Viejo! ¿Así porque no estas aquí ahora?
When you're too comfortable to leave the hotel...
Sometimes nature will come right to you. In the garden at Banana Azul #PuertoViejoTopPick
Want to live here in paradise?
Check out this new listing in Cocles. Brand new build, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bath, steps to the beach. Contact Caribe Sur Real Estate for more info!
It is so clear today that from the viewpoint in Manzanillo your can see Isla Uvita
It is off of Limón, some 70km distant.
Hoy había una excelente visibilidad y desde el mirador de Manzanillo se podía ver Isla Uvita situada frente Limón, unos 70 km de distancia.
Video by/por La Kukula Lodge.
Excellent travel tips
From the experts over at Caribe Fun Tours to make your trip to Costa Rica stress free!
Visiting Costa Rica is more fun if you learn to speak like a Tico!
Check out this guide to "Costarriquenismos" from the awesome folks at Gecko Trail Costa Rica
Want to Renew & Replenish?
This Costa Rica retreat in May includes delicious fresh whole local food, excursions that will fill you with wonder, awe and positivity, local speakers/dinner guests & mentors will help you see how differently life can be lived and daily classes that include, dance, rejuvenating breath work and mediation. And is hosted by Louise of Casa Luna Beach House and Nina of Gecko Trail Costa Rica so we know it will be wonderful!
Some more favorite hotel pools!
I've added three more great pools to our facebook album of the pools of the South Caribbean. The beach may be the focus of a visit to the Caribe Sur but sometimes a nice pool sure doesn't hurt! These are some of the nicest around here.
Have you ever been to Gandoca?
So close and yet another world away this quiet beachfront community is really a place to get away from it all. The Gandoca Lagoon is amazing, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge is too and even quieter than the side accessed from Manzanillo. Tourism infrastructure is basic but maybe a break from internet and cell service is just what you need! All the details on our new Gandoca page.
Flights between San José and Bocas del Toro are an option again! No one was flying this route after
Nature Air's operations were suspended in 2018 but a new airline has taken this up! Skyway begins daily flights any day now. For visitors who want to visit both Puerto Viejo and Bocas it's a great option to take Caribe Shuttle or a rafting trip to PV, spend time here, Caribe Shuttle to Bocas to spend time there and finally a flight right back to San Jose for a very efficient circle itinerary. #flying
Manuel Leon store to close
End of an era :-( This was one of the only places to shop when I first visited in 1992. Cierran Pulpería Manuel Leon, símbolo de Puerto Viejo
Creativity in harmony with nature
It's one of the things we love about La Kukula Lodge. This is the new stencil art by claroscuroartdesign that you can look at when you're not watching nature come to you. #PuertoViejoTopPick
Puerto Viejo en bicicleta: proyecto busca crear ciclovía de 20 kilómetros
CicloVida project seeks to create 20 km cycle path from Hone Creek to Manzanillo! Cycling has always been a big part of the culture here and the best way to get around. Let's make it even better!
8 year old surfer rescues 6 year old French girl who was drowning at Playa Cocles
Surfeador de 8 años rescató niña que se ahogaba en puerto viejo.
Yum! Next Saturday is the Festival Gastronómico in Puerto Viejo
Get ready for lots of tastings and music.
El caribe esta de fiesta sábado 27 Octubre * Festival Gastronómico * Disfruta música, gustaciones y las playas caribeñas. Organized by the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Caribe Sur
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