We have booked our flights to Costa Rica!
Depart [Monday, March 27, 2017]: Delta 849 – 6:00am | New Orleans -> Atlanta |
Delta 900 – 9:46am | Atlanta -> San Jose, Costa Rica | Arrive at 11:46am
Return [Saturday, April 1, 2017]: American 1600 – 2:05pm | San Jose, CR -> Miami | American 39 – 10:53pm | Miami -> New Orleans | Arrive at 10:53pm
A private van will pick us up at the airport at approximately 1:00pm and drive us directly to our Airbnb in Puerto Viejo.
“What is this? Are you inviting people on your honeymoon?”
Well, sort of? But not really. Yes, in a traditional sense, a honeymoon follows a wedding. We aren’t exactly traditional people. Originally, we really wanted to have a destination wedding in Costa Rica, but for many reasons, it was just too difficult to do. So we thought – why not just have the after party there?
If you’re invited to the wedding, you’re invited to Costa Rica. Come for the duration of the trip, or come for the amount of time you can manage. On Monday we will fly into San Jose and promptly depart, traveling to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the Limón province. We will return to San Jose mid-day Friday and explore the city, have dinner, and check out the nightlife. After spending the night at Hostel Pangea, we will have one last breakfast in Costa Rica before returning to the airport at noon on Saturday.
How do I get to Puerto Viejo if I arrive later than Monday at noon?
Total travel time from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is three to five hours based on type of transportation, traffic, and weather conditions. The public bus is $10pp, the shuttle van service is $50pp, a private shuttle for six is $40pp, and a private charter of more than six is less than $40pp.
You could also rent a car and drive, if you so desire. A word of advice, you will have to travel over the Continental Divide on roads with no guard rails, and the road from Limón to Puerto Viejo is riddled with pot holes. Night time driving is not advised at any time.
Where will I stay in Puerto Viejo?
As of January, we have booked an Airbnb for everyone who confirmed their flight with us. The Airbnb is currently full. We are directly across the street from Hotel Agapi and just down the street from Rockin J’s, so you can stay nearby and come hang if you like.
Accommodations in Puerto Viejo vary quite a bit in price, but the entire area is very affordable. For example, you can spend just $42 total in lodging for the entire trip by staying four nights at Rocking J’s in a hammock for $7/night and one night in San Jose at Hostel Pangea in the dorms for $14.
Or you could stay at one of the nicest hotels or B&Bs in or near Puerto Viejo, such as Hotel Banana Azul, Physis Caribbean B&B, and Hotel Blue Conga, for $70 to $120 on average. At Hotel Blue Conga, you can book a room that sleeps four (one king, two twins) for $115 per night.
What will we do while we’re there?
There is so much to see and do in this area, and we want you to do whatever interests you most. Options for activities include: deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, jungle kayaking, zip-lining, horseback riding, chocolate making, jungle hiking to waterfalls, night hikes through the jungle, visiting the indigenous BriBri for a traditional lunch, surfing, snorkeling, diving, lounging on the beach, white water rafting, and more.
Most of what’s listed above costs between $50 – $60 per activity including transportation and lasts 4+ hours. A Chocolate Tour costs $26. A day at the beach is absolutely free. The best value in Puerto Viejo is the deep sea fishing. The average cost per person is one-third of the cost of a chartered excursion from Louisiana, and a local restaurant will cook up your fresh caught fish for you to enjoy.
If and when you book your flight, let us know, and we will forward you our itinerary. You’re welcome to join us for every activity or none of them at all. Every night we’ll go out to dinner and then party the night away!
How will I get around in Puerto Viejo?
Your best bet is to rent a bike for $5/day. Your bike will take you everywhere you need to go during the day. At night, you will need to take a taxi. Taxis range from $3 – $18, but most trips will cost you between $3 – $7. You should always negotiate the fare once you enter the taxi, before departing to your destination. Taxis are readily available throughout the greater Puerto Viejo area during both the day and night.
What kind of currency will I use?
Colones (CRC) are the local currency. On September 13, 2016 the exchange rate was 1 United States Dollar (USD) to 551.45 colones. Both colones and USD are accepted widely throughout Costa Rica, but in more remote areas, like Puerto Viejo, it can be best to use colones. Carry cash as many businesses are cash only, however most hotels and larger establishments will accept Visa and Mastercard. Many businesses in Puerto Viejo offer discounts if you pay in colones rather than USD.
Do not exchange your USD for colones prior to your arrival in Costa Rica. Once there, you can exchange USD at a local bank or simply withdraw your money from a local ATM using your US debit card. Your money will be distributed in colones at the proper exchange rate for a nominal ATM fee. There are ATMs in Puerto Viejo open from 6:00am – 10:00pm.
How much should I bring for food and drinks?
In general, food and alcohol is much more affordable in Puerto Viejo than it is in the US. You can expect to pay a little less for drinks than you would at a dive bar in New Orleans and a lot less than you would in DC. There are convenience stores in Puerto Viejo that sell libations, and there are many 2 for 1 happy hours, some of which go all night long.
As for food, I’ll let Nomadic Matt break it down:
Local cuisine in a “soda” restaurant (local stand) will typically cost 1,600 CRC [$2.90 USD]. Main courses in most restaurants cost around 5,340 CRC [$9.68 USD]. On the road to the beach is a great pizza place for 2,135 [$3.87] and a little stall that sells the world’s best empanadas for 535 CRC [$.97 USD]. Sit down restaurants in town, especially those that cater to tourists, will cost double that.
As you can see, you can eat for next to nothing, or you can spend a decent amount and eat quite well. The most expensive restaurants in the area, such as La Pecora Nera, cost about $25 USD per entree.
Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?
Yes, but the “rules” are very different from those in the US. Most Ticos tip 10% at restaurants and no more, even if the service was superb. Many restaurants will automatically include the 10% tip on your bill. You can tip more, if you feel so inclined, but it is never expected. When purchasing drinks at a bar, tip between $.50 – $1 per drink.
You should tip service providers such as maids and bell hops $.50, or 200-300 colones. Tip your shuttle bus drivers $1 – $3 USD. Tour guides should receive $10 per group for a half day, or $15 per group for a full day. If you head out on a fishing expedition, you should tip the captain 20% at the beginning of the day.
When taking a taxi a small distance, tipping is not necessary, but a $1 tip is a nice gesture. For long taxi rides, $1 – $5 is standard. Ticos typically prefer USD for tips, especially $2 bills, for whatever reason.
Why Puerto Viejo?
Unlike the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Caribbean Coast has not been developed into a tourism destination. Traveling to this area is a truly unique experience.
Puerto Viejo is just one town along a 10 mile stretch of coastline near the Panamanian border. During our stay, we will be traveling up and down the coast for different activities, visiting Playa Negra, Cahuita, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.
Garrett & Stephanie 