Puerto Viejo has certainly most known for being home to what has been called the heaviest wave in Costa Rica: SALSA BRAVA. Salsa, although fickle, has definitely earned this reputation offering a thick "sauce" breaking over a shallow reef. The wave is very competitive and certainly, for experts only. More intermediate surfers can check out the beach break just south at Playa Cocles. The Caribbean coast is quite different than the Pacific as you will find it is not as nearly built up and the culture/atmosphere is even more laid back than other parts of Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is an ideal location for laid back surfers and travelers looking to avoid the more commercialized Pacific coast. This Carribbean getaway is home to reggae music, "smoking" nightlife and an overall, unique experience for surfers, backpackers and "eco" tourists. There are a variety of accommodations in Puerto Viejo, however, we recommend heading just south to Cocles.

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