Puerto Viejo de Talamanca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Puerto Viejo Old Harbor
Town
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Nickname(s):  Wolaba
Puerto Viejo Location in Costa Rica
Country	Costa Rica
Province	Limón
Canton	Talamanca
Government
• Type	Democratic Republica
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a lively coastal town in southeastern Costa Rica. It's located in the Limón Province and is often just called Puerto Viejo by local people.

The town was originally named Old Harbour. However, the Costa Rican government decided to change many local names from English to Spanish or Native American languages. This is why Old Harbour became Puerto Viejo. It can sometimes be confusing because there is another town called Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in northern Costa Rica. Buses leaving San José for either town might show the same destination.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a very popular place for tourists to visit.

Things to Do in Puerto Viejo

Surfing and Beaches

Puerto Viejo is famous in the surfing world for a wave called Salsa Brava. This wave is known as the biggest and most powerful in all of Costa Rica. It's a thrilling challenge for experienced surfers.

The town is also home to many beautiful beaches. You can find stunning spots like Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra, and Punta Uva. These are considered some of Costa Rica's most amazing beaches. They stretch along the coast between Puerto Viejo and a town called Manzanillo.

Kayaking and Wildlife

Manzanillo is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of Puerto Viejo. It's a great place if you enjoy kayaking.

Close by, you can also visit the popular Jaguar Rescue Centre. This special place helps injured or orphaned wild animals. They care for them until they can return to nature.

Travel and Local Life

Many travelers stop in Puerto Viejo on their way to the border with Panama at Sixaola. This border crossing is often used by people traveling to and from Bocas del Toro. Puerto Viejo offers the closest places to stay, eat, and find services near the border. The small border towns of Sixaola and Guabito, Panama are about 49 kilometers (30 miles) south.

The people living in Puerto Viejo are a mix of different cultures. There are many native ticos. A large number of residents are Costa Ricans of Jamaican descent. You will also find many Europeans who have moved to the area.

The areas outside of town and in the nearby mountains are home to the indigenous Bribri people. These are the native people of this region. You might also spot howler monkeys, as they live naturally in this area.

History of the Town

Playa Negra in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Parts of the reef are visible just off the beach

Community and Coastal Laws

In 2012, some local businesses and homes faced a challenge. They were told their properties might be removed because of Costa Rica's Maritime Law. This law protects the coastal areas.

Many properties were identified as being in areas protected by these laws. The local communities worked hard to discuss and understand the situation. The Vice President of Costa Rica even showed support for the villagers.

In March 2014, good news arrived. The Costa Rican government passed new laws. These laws allowed residents whose homes were at risk to stay where they were. The new laws also recognized the existing coastal towns. They also adjusted the boundaries of the Jairo Mora Sandoval Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge. This helped protect the populated areas.

Climate

Puerto Viejo has a tropical climate. This means the temperatures stay pretty much the same all year round. The sun rises and sets at similar times each day, usually around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Limón International Airport, which is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) north, has similar weather patterns.