Costa Rican legislator Priscila Vindas has proposed a bill that would put an end to visitors who do "visa runs" to perpetually keep their tourist status.

In Puerto Viejo this has the way to do things for some people for many years: get a 90 day tourist entry when they arrive and then before it runs out head across the border to Bocas del Toro for a day (or hour) and then back into Costa Rica with another 90 days.

The proposed legislation would require the visitor to leave the country for 90 days before reentering. Vindas argues that those who wish to reside long-term should pursue the proper residency permits rather than relying on repeated short-term tourist entries.

La legisladora costarricense Priscila Vindas propuso un ley que pondría fin a los visitantes que realizan "viajes de visa" para mantener su estatus de turista a perpetuidad.

En Puerto Viejo, esto ha funcionado para algunas personas durante muchos años: obtener una entrada turística de 90 días al llegar y, antes de que se venza, cruzar la frontera a Bocas del Toro por un día (o una hora) y luego regresar a Costa Rica con otros 90 días.

La legislación propuesta requeriría que el visitante salga del país durante 90 días antes de reingresar. Vindas argumenta que quienes deseen residir a largo plazo deberían obtener los permisos de residencia adecuados en lugar de depender de repetidas entradas turísticas de corto plazo.

Mar 13 2025 View story on Tico Times

The nesting season for leatherback turtles on the Caribbean Coast has begun. In the South Caribbean they generally come ashore to lay their eggs between April and July.

This generally happens at night on the more remote parts of the coast including Gandoca and in the Gandoca-Manzanillo reserve. If you do see a turtle on the beach do not approach her, stay far away, wear dark clothing and don't shine lights or use camera flashes. This critically endangered species needs all the help they can get.

Ha comenzado la temporada de anidamiento de las tortugas laúd en la costa del Caribe. En el Caribe Sur suelen desembarcar para desovar entre abril y julio.

Suele ocurrir de noche en las zonas más remotas de la costa, como Gandoca y la reserva de Gandoca-Manzanillo. Si ves una tortuga en la playa, no te acerques a ella, mantente alejado, lleva ropa oscura y no enciendas luces ni uses flashes. Esta especie en peligro crítico de extinción necesita toda la ayuda posible.

Mar 12 2025 For more information see our turtle page

The Rise Foundation has been fundraising & working towards building the first ever veterinary clinic for a number of years and the effort has paid off with construction started!

Ten tons of materials have made their way to Tortuguero so that dogs, cats and wildlife can get the help they need.

They've been working on other projects too so checkout their latest newsletter. And in time for giving Tuesday they are now a 501(c)(3) organization so US taxpayers can make a deductible charitable donation.

Dec 2 2024 View Rise Foundation newsletter

Reports of logging have been frequent recently in the Puerto Viejo area including in what is supposed to the protected Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Now it has been reported that five people have been arrested in connection with an illegal logging investigation.

Jul 18 2024 View story on Tico Times

Sadly there will be no Wolaba Parade this year. Unfortunately the organizers were not able to raise enough funds and support to hold the event. Hopefully next year this wonderful cultural event will return.

Desafortunadamente el Wolaba Parada ha sido cancelado por este año. El evento cultural más importante del Caribe Sur no pudo recaudar los fondos necesarios para la realización del evento. Espero que se volverá en 2025.

Jul 10 2024 View on Instagram

If you're looking for ideas for a break in Puerto Viejo, Lonely Planet has published "Serenity now: 5 days in Caribe Sur" which is a nice quick summary.

Si buscas ideas para un viaje corto a Puerto Viejo, Lonely Planet ha publicado "Serenity now: 5 days in Caribe Sur", que es un buen resumen rápido.

Jun 27 2024 View story on Lonely Planet

El 11 de enero de 2024 se inauguró oficialmente la primera rampa de accesibilidad en la Playa de Manzanillo, siendo la primera fuera de Parque Nacional en el Caribe Sur.

Gracias a @tiendamonge, @red_turismo_accesible_cr, Donatapa por hacer posible un sueño de muchos visitantes para disfrutar del destino de forma inclusiva.

A partir de ahora, la Comunidad de Manzanillo a través de la ADI de Manzanillo y con el apoyo de @munitalamanca y de @catccas velaran para su buen funcionamiento y uso responsable.

On January 11, 2024, the first accessibility ramp on Manzanillo Beach was officially inaugurated, being the second in the area, after the one installed at Cahuita National Park

Thanks to @tiendamonge, @red_turismo_accesible_cr, Donatapa for making possible a dream of many visitors to enjoy the destination in an inclusive way.

From now on, the Community of Manzanillo through the ADI of Manzanillo and with the support of @munitalamanca and @catccas will ensure its proper functioning and responsible use.

Jan 19 2024 View details on CATCCAS instagram

There's nothing better than a Puerto Viejo beach to show off one's abs!

Jan 18 2024 View Antoni's instagram post

A solar eclipse will happen on October 14 and Puerto Viejo will be one of the best locations in the world to see it. While the eclipse will be viewable in much of the Western Hemisphere, the Atlantic coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua will have the best views. The effect will be seen between about 10 am and 2 pm on October 14. Remember to wear eye protection and not look at it directly!

El 14 de octubre se producirá un eclipse solar y Puerto Viejo será uno de los mejores lugares del mundo para verlo. Aunque se puede ver el eclipse podrá en gran parte del hemisferio occidental, las costas atlánticas de Costa Rica y Nicaragua tendrán las mejores vistas. El efecto se verá entre las 10 de la mañana y las 2 de la tarde del 14 de octubre. Recuerde llevar protección ocular y no mirarlo directamente.

Aug 17 2023 View story on La Nacion (registration required)

The annual Wolaba Parade celebrating Costa Rica's Afro-Caribbean is coming up on Aug 26. Don't miss it!

Wolaba Parade, La celebración de la comunidad Afro-Caribe en Costa Rica se celebrará el 26 de agosto.

Aug 13 2023 See more on Instagram

Great news, after many years without a consistent operator on this route there will now be a reliable way to fly from Bocas to San José so there's another way to plan a trip that takes in both Puerto Viejo/the Caribe Sur and Bocas del Toro in Panamá. The 50 minute flights begin on November 16 with an initial schedule of 2 round trips per week on Tuesday and Sunday.

Buenas noticias! Ahora habrá una forma fiable de volar de Bocas a San José, así que hay otra forma de planificar un viaje que incluya Puerto Viejo/Caribe Sur y Bocas del Toro en Panamá. Los vuelos de 50 minutos comenzarán el 16 de noviembre con una horario inicial de dos vuelos de ida y vuelta semanales los martes y domingos.

Jul 8 2023 See all the transport options

Cahuita will play host to festivities this weekend May 26-28 for the Día Nacional del Calypso. Check out live music from 2 pm on at Playa Negra on Friday and Parquecito on Saturday and Sunday.

Este fin de semana el 26 a 28 de mayo vení a celebrar el Calypso en Cahuita. Habrá música a partir de 2 pm a Playa Negro el viernes y Parquecito el sábado y domingo.

May 23 2023

Please drive slowly and check for the crab locations before you go.

Apr 19 2023

We've completely revised and updated our Tortuguero page with more detailed information and we hope you find it useful!

¿Viajando entre Tortuguero y Puerto Viejo? Hemos revisado y actualizado completamente nuestra página de Tortuguero con información más detallada, ¡esperamos que le resulte útil!

Apr 19 2023 See the Getting from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero page

From viajando.cr on Instagram

Apr 19 2023 Watch video on Instagram

The road between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo has been improved a lot in the last few years. It makes for a smoother ride but some drivers seem to think they can drive way too fast for this road which is shared with many pedestrians and cyclists.

One car yesterday ended up off the bridge in the Rio Negro at Cocles. Thankfully no one was hurt. If you're driving this road please take your time!

Apr 1 2023

Rise Foundation is having a fundraiser on April 6 that you won't want to miss! Drag Queen artist titi_queen and a slew of other acts including singers, DJs, an awesome MC and a local talent competition with celebrity judges and some fantastic prizes. And they will be launching their new swag! They will also be raffling off some items and hope you can all make it for an epic night of fun that will all happen at Stashu's Con Fusion

Rise Foundation works on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica with a particular focus on bringing veterinary services and spay/neuter clinics to Tortuguero where none exist.

Mar 15 2023 Find out more about the Rise Foundation

Unless you're a hermit crab, admire the shells, take a photo and leave them there.

Shells are an integral part of the ecosystem and regeneration of beaches. By taking them home you are doing damage. It is also illegal to remove shells from a beach in Costa Rica.

Feb 27 2023 View story on Tico Times

Costa Rica Calypso Legend Walter Ferguson died on Saturday at the age of 103. He will be remembered as the "King of Calypso" in Cahuita where he lived and throughout Costa Rica.

He was also the most well known example of what many consider to be a "blue zone" of extraordinarily long lived people on Costa Rica's Caribbean.

He is gone now but his music will live on forever.

Feb 27 2023 View story on Tico Times

The school year begins in January in Costa Rica and with it the need for families to come up with the required school supplies and uniforms for the year. Local organization El Puente-The Bridge along with ATEC was able to help out 190 students this year with backpacks with all the required supplies, ensuring that these needy local children get their education! They were also able to help some with uniforms.

Feb 7 2023 See more on Instagram

Do you want to hang out or do a little yoga? Photo Reyes Guzmán #PuertoViejoDecisions

Jan 17 2023

Moving house is tough right? What about when you have 57 cats?! Marlies saw a need and couldn't say no and so started a cat rescue and this weekend she is moving.

She recognized an immense need to help the cats of the area. She has fostered many street cats, gotten them spayed/neutered, gotten them veterinary care and provided all the care needed until they can find a forever home. Local families also come to her when they can't afford care for their cats.

I've made a donation. If you can also help cover vet bills, food and other expenses, please donate (or if you're in Costa Rica you can deposit to her trust account at the vet to help cover those bills).

Dec 16 2022 View more on facebook

Great news from Shawn Larkin / Costa Cetacea on the health of the reefs near Manzanillo and good advice on how to keep them healthy:

The coral reefs of the South Caribbean coast of Costa Rica have come back strong. There are many hectares of live coral right off Manzanillo, more than you could see in years of diving. Lettuce Coral is one kind that has expanded big time in the last ten years. There are large areas with close to 100% live growth like here in this recent photo. Remember do not touch or stand on the reef, and take your trash away from the beach, to help our coral reefs come back.

Buenas noticias desde Shawn Larkin / Costa Cetacea sobre la salud de los arrecifes cerca a Manzanillo y buenos consejos para mantenerlos sanos.

Oct 14 2022 View more on instagram

The Guardian newspaper has included a photo from Puerto Viejo in their Wildlife Photography of the Year list. It shows the encounter between a dog and a sloth and reminds us of the need to keep animals leashed or under control. Luckily the dog had taken part in a training program on sloth safety and so simply sniffed at it.

Sep 2 2022 View photo gallery on The Guardian

Veronica Gordon and her family are one of the founding families of Puerto Viejo and have been known for their activism, the vegetarian cooking classes and their cabinas. Sadly the cabinas were devastated by a fire on July 11, 2022 and are looking for support to rebuild.

Verónica Gordon y su familia son una de las familias fundadoras de Puerto Viejo y han sido conocidos por su activismo, las clases de cocina vegetariana y sus cabinas. Lamentablemente las cabinas fueron devastadas por un incendio el 11 de julio de 2022 y están buscando apoyo para reconstruirlas.

Aug 7 2022 Read more and help on gofundme

The publication Monga Bay has written an informative article about some local residents helping to build bridges between fragmented tree cover to protect sloths and other animals. This is a critical temporary measure while waiting for newly planted trees to grow as many animals are injured when they have to go down to the ground rather than stay in the tree cover.

Mar 6 2022 View story on Monga Bay

The Tico Times offers a thought provoking piece on the history and culture of the Caribbean Coast and how development plans may play into that.

Feb 3 2022 View story on Tico Times

Getting Covid tests for travel in Puerto Viejo is now easier. There are now two labs offering the tests and both offer both the antigen and PCR tests.

Laboratorio Bioclinic and Clínica de Especialidades Médicas San Gabriel both offer antigen tests for about $75 and PCR tests for about $140. Contact them for additional details and make sure you research the type of test and timeframe needed for your destination.

At this time, non-vaccinated travelers going to Panama will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama. Additional requirements apply to those who have been in high risk countries in the last 15 days.

Dec 15 2021

The Daily Beast has profiled the local ATEC organization and area history in an article on Puerto Viejo and sustainable tourism. It's an interesting read which I'm sure will get people talking locally.

Dec 7 2021 View story on The Daily Beast

Costa Rica has delayed the vaccine mandate from Dec 1 until Jan 8. Though businesses may choose to implement it Dec 1 in order to get rid of capacity restrictions. Those that wait until Jan 8 will be subject to 50% capacity restrictions.

The requirements will apply both to tourists and residents though the paperwork required to prove vaccination will be different.

Vaccination will be required to access non-essential services such as hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, shops, museums, art and dance academies, gyms, spas and adventure tourism. There has been no plan announced to make vaccination a requirement of entry (currently unvaccinated people have to buy approved travel insurance which vaccinated travelers do not).

Correction: an earlier version of this article stated that unvaccinated people have to be tested prior to entry to Costa Rica which vaccinated people do not. That is not correct, a test is not required to enter Costa Rica. However unvaccinated people need to buy approved travel insurance whereas this requirement does not apply to fully vaccinated travelers.

Oct 23 2021 View story on Tico Times