Paradise Unveiled: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dyah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Puerto Viejo was inhabited by the indigenous Bribri and Cabécar people. These groups thrived in the lush, biodiverse environment, relying on the abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. They developed intricate social structures and spiritual practices deeply connected to the land and its cycles.

Christopher Columbus arrived on Costa Rican shores in 1502 during his fourth voyage. Although he did not visit the specific area of Puerto Viejo, his presence marked the beginning of European interest and subsequent colonization. The Spanish focused their attention on the central valley, leaving the Caribbean coast relatively isolated for several centuries.

In the late 19th century, Puerto Viejo began to see a significant influx of Afro-Caribbean immigrants, primarily from Jamaica, who arrived to work on the construction of the railroad connecting the coastal region to the central highlands. This migration brought a rich cultural tapestry, including reggae music, Creole language, and Caribbean cuisine, which continue to influence the cultural landscape of Puerto Viejo today.

The early 20th century saw the rise of the banana industry in the region, driven by American companies like the United Fruit Company. Puerto Viejo became a hub for banana plantations, which dramatically altered the local economy and environment. However, diseases like Panama Disease led to a decline in banana production, causing economic hardship for the area.

Starting in the late 20th century, Puerto Viejo began to transform into a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique cultural blend. Eco-tourism also gained traction, focusing on the preservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. This shift brought economic revitalization but also challenges related to sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Today, Puerto Viejo is a bustling coastal town known for its laid-back vibe, diverse population, and commitment to environmental sustainability. The community actively works to balance the demands of tourism with the need to protect its natural and cultural heritage. Initiatives like local conservation projects and cultural festivals help to maintain the town's unique identity.

Puerto Viejo is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limón province. The nearest international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, approximately 210 kilometers away. From San José, you can take a direct bus operated by the company MEPE, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, or arrange private transportation through various shuttle services.

Within Puerto Viejo, the most common forms of transportation are bicycles and taxis. Renting a bicycle is an excellent way to explore the town and nearby beaches. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. For longer trips, there are local buses that connect Puerto Viejo to nearby towns such as Cahuita and Manzanillo. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore more remote areas.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry local currency for smaller establishments. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's wise to have cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are available in Puerto Viejo, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in larger towns as a backup.

Puerto Viejo is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded areas. Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Some areas, like the outskirts of the town and certain beaches, have higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Puerto Viejo has a local clinic for minor health issues, but for more serious medical needs, you may need to travel to Limón or San José. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid wearing overly revealing clothing in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic, the Caribbean coast has a mix of cultures and religions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'rice and beans'. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Puerto Viejo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge for stunning natural beauty. Try to learn a few phrases in Spanish to enhance your interactions with locals.