Puerto Viejo and Goodbye Central America

I took the bus north with my buddy Ryan from Bocas del Toro, Panama back across the border to Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. We left on January 8th giving us roughly a week before my flight to Chile out of San Jose on the 14th.

Ryan and I stayed at the Cabinas Tesoros right on Cocles Beach where we scored our own private dorm room for just 9 bucks a night. It was a sweet set up because it was only a 2 minute walk to the beach break which we planned to be surfing every day. We got good surf for our first two days in Puerto Viejo but as the waves died out the partying, live music, and late night reggae bar scene quickly moved in to take its place. Joining us on this Caribbean party bender were: my old traveling buddy Tim from Holland (see Nicoya Peninsula entry) who I re-bumped into at Rocking J's hostel, his buddy Lawrence, and two fellow traveling Americans- Vicky and Liz from Vermont. We got great weather for our 5 days which kept everyone in great spirits after having endured the Caribbean rain the past few weeks in Bocas.

The beach break at Cocles in Puerto Viejo

My final two days in Central America were spent in San Jose at the Tranquillo hostel. Here we linked up with our friend Jason from Bocas and continued the theme of lazy days and late nights. We watched the NFL playoffs and gambled at the infamous Del Rey Casino, drank cocktails poolside at the Mariott- thanks Jason's grandparents- and even spent one night attempting to penetrate the San Jose dance club scene. At the advice of our buddy Kenny, a Norwegian surfer, we were told to blow air out of our lips with a 'ssssssssing' sound to attract the local chicas. Needless to say we were lucky to escape with our lives.

It was a great time with a great group and a memory filled way to end my 3 month journey through Central America. The next stop is Chile to visit Jane for a week then on to language school in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina for a month.



Ryan, Lawrence, Tim, and I in a pool grudge match at Rocking Js


Tim and I reminiscing about our previous travels


This picture only cost me 3,000 colones

Kenny, Liz, Ryan, Vicky, Me, and Jason all enjoying the Mariott