Travel Through Books: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Welcome to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, a vibrant gem nestled on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. Puerto Viejo is a unique blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, laid-back vibes, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Historically, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica was a melting pot, shaped by the arrival of workers brought from the Caribbean islands to labor on banana plantations. Their rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and cuisine, has deeply influenced the region’s character. Today, Puerto Viejo stands as a testament to this diverse past, with a vibrant Afro-Caribbean spirit that permeates every corner of the town.

Join us as we embark on a journey through this tropical paradise, inspired by the evocative pages of “Where There Was Fire” by John Manuel Arias.

WHAT TO READ

John Manuel Arias’ “Where There Was Fire” is a haunting exploration of family, loss, and the enduring legacy of the American fruit companies in Costa Rica. The novel weaves together two timelines: 1968, when a devastating fire erupts at the American Fruit Company’s most lucrative banana plantation burning all evidence of a massive cover-up, and a family’s world, and 1995, as a mother and her daughter grapple with the aftermath.

The novel is a visceral experience, immersing readers in the lives of characters haunted by the past as they search for redemption and understanding. The story is a poignant reminder of Costa Rica’s complex history and the enduring impact of corporate greed on its people.

WHERE TO STAY

• Olinca Boutique hotel a Black-owned hotel in the heart of Puerto Viejo featuring a private pool and tropical gardens.
• Mecca B&B -a petite adult-only hotel in Playa Negra located 5 minutes from the beach and a 15 minute walk to town. Created by an African-American woman who fell in love with the Southern Caribbean lifestyle of Costa Rica, Mecca is a place of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation
• Keep It Green Experience – a family-owned beach front retreat that’s well suited for a group of friends.
• Sonora Jungle & Yoga Retreat – a woman-owned, wellness focused hotel that’s been a great partner of BOOKED Trips. They offer sound healing, onsite massages, yoga classes, and more.

WHAT TO DO

• Participate in an indigenous cacao experience on a woman-owned tumeric farm and visit the Bri Bri waterfalls.
• Ground and rebalance during a live sound healing massage experience at Sonora Jungle & Yoga retreat.
• Zipline through lush canopy with Nativo.
• Relax at one of the beautiful beaches in the area including Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, Playa Punta Uva or Playa Arrecife.
• Explore Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Bike and take a boat trip to Punta Mona.
• Recharge at Sonora’s onsite massage studio, Pure Jungle Spa, or AmaSer.
• Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
• Explore the nightlife of Puerto Viejo at Johnny’s Place or Gigi O’s.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

• Lidia’s Place, a Black woman-owned restaurant serving Caribbean food favorites.
• El Sendero’s Beach Club – a beachside restaurant owned by Lidia’s sons.
• Gigi O, a newly opened, Black-owned beachfront restaurant with an onsite museum and art gallery that features local artists and historic exhibitions that highlight Caribbean culture.
• SOCA – an upscale, stylish restaurant serving seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
• KOKi Beach Restaurant & Bar, a waterfront restaurant from the same owners as SOCA.
• Stashu’s Con Fusion – an Indo-caribbean Fusion restaurant,

Want help designing your dream trip? We plan private experiences! We have existing group itineraries in Cape Town, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Accra, Ghana, Cartagena, Colombia, Bogota, Colombia, Mexico City, Mexico, and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica that can be customized. Fill out our private trip interest form or email jalisa@bookedtrips.com for more information.