Playa Manzanillo in Costa Rica

Playa Manzanillo in Costa Rica, about 20 minutes south of
Puerto Viejo.
We had been trying to get to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica for the longest... HELLO, we've lived here 5 years and had never been to the Caribbean side of the country, what's up with THAT? We've always found ourselves on the
Pacific side-
Manuel Antonio, the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo etc. Finally, we got a chance to take a Road trip to Puerto Viejo. About time.

Puerto Viejo is nice, great vibe, chillin parties, sweet reggae tunes and even if you never smoked pot in your life, Puerto Viejo just makes you want to buy a bong and light up, hell, they do in the restaurants and bars there.... and you know what they say, "when in Rome" at least that's my excuse. As far as beaches go, we prefer the beaches south of Puerto Viejo, like Playa Manzanillo, Cocles, Chiquita and Punta Uva, but at night, Puerto Viejo is the place to hang.

Most people think you have to stay IN Puerto Viejo, but there's nice hotels and B&B's along the road leading to Manzanillo and if you don't want to cook, you could hang out at Maxi's Restaurant, which pretty much makes up the entire town of Manzanillo.

Bottom line, if you're in Puerto Viejo, you need to check out the nicer beaches south, so here's a quick view of Playa Manzanillo and watch it to the end when D'Angelo gets attacked by killer ants...hehe.



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Puerto Viejo- Hotel Review Coconut Grove

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica has many hotels and hostels to choose from, like this one, Coconut Grove.
Coconut Grove in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica is a 4 room hostel. Actually, STRIKE that, more of a budget hotel. There was 4 of us and we took the apartment- full kitchen w/ a big refrigerator, 2 rooms, 4 beds, ceiling fans, supposedly hot water that we never got to work, small porch w/ hammock. Not bad for $45.00. *There is additional charges for additional people but the owner will barter somewhat... depending on the season and occupancy rate.

I think I'd put some A/C in the apartment, it can get hot at night in Puerto Viejo.
Coconut Grove may have seen it's BEST days but it's also apparent it could see them again. It has BIG area that could be made into a communal, party/sitting/chillin/dining/whatever, room. We couldn't tell if renovation was coming or going but it definitely has potential if the owner feels so inclined. Coconut Grove was lacking in personality but our apartment was a nice place to chill, play cards, chat, so it was all good. *Right now, Coconut Grove is a place to sleep, it's not a place you'd 'hang out'- BUT IT COULD BE.

Here's our REVIEW of Coconut Grove in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica:



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Puerto Viejo Restaurant Review- Jammin

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica is on the Caribbean side of the country and fairly close to the Panamanian border. Puerto Viejo has a serious Jamaican VIBE going on- or maybe there's just a lot of guys with dreads, smoking pot and listening to reggae. Regardless, it's definitely got a different vibe than the Pacific side of Costa Rica- not necessarily better, just different.

You would think there would be a lot of Caribbean-style influence in the restaurants in Puerto Viejo, but actually no- although coconut milk is used a LOT. Jammin Restaurant, we were told, was the only 'jerk' place in town. Others had tried, but not successfully. Anyway...

Jammin, off the Main St and close to the beach in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica
We just had to check it OUT, plus we thought it looked like a really COOL little building- eclectic knick knacks about and there was some great reggae beats originating from there as well.

*It should be noted the food we ordered at Jammin was excellent BUT... although we couldn't see it, the good looking waitress serving us obviously had a stick WAY up her ass, and based on her attitude and personality, it had been there a LONG time. Luckily for us, a girl named Megan started her shift about 3/4 through our meal, she was very friendly and made up for 'bitch girl'.

Here's our review of Jammin:



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