Puerto Viejo: Caribbean Soul & Jungle Rhythms

Two Puerto Viejos Problem: Costa Rica has two towns named Puerto Viejo - this one (de Talamanca) on the Caribbean coast, and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in the mountains. Locals have stories of confused tourists ending up hours from their intended destination. Always specify "Talamanca" when booking transport. Bike Culture Over Cars: The preferred transportation here is bicycle, not car. Roads are unpaved in many areas with potholes that defeat vehicles but not bikes. Locals joke that you can identify tourists by their rental cars struggling through mud while everyone else cruises past on beach cruisers. You'll see more bikes than cars on any given day. Reversed Weather Logic: When Pacific coast Costa Rica drowns in rain (September-October), Puerto Viejo basks in sunshine. Locals deliberately plan beach days during the Pacific's "rainy season" - a complete reversal of what guidebooks tell tourists to expect. Mekatelyu Language: Unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica, you'll hear Limonese Creole (called Mekatelyu, from "make I tell you") spoken alongside Spanish. This Jamaican Patois-derived language survives from 19th-century railroad workers and catches Spanish-speaking tourists completely off guard. No Gas Station Reality: There's no gas station in Puerto Viejo or Cahuita. The nearest fuel is in Hone Creek, 5km away. Locals know to fill up before heading south, but rental car tourists regularly run out of gas on the beach road. Tap Water Warning: Unlike most of Costa Rica, don't drink the tap water here - it comes from local wells. Locals brush teeth with it but drink bottled water, and every restaurant knows this rule.

Afro-Caribbean Heritage Month (August): The entire month celebrates Limón Province's Afro-Caribbean roots with parades, traditional food tastings, calypso music, and community gatherings. The Wolaba Parade brings colorful floats and dancers through Puerto Viejo's streets. August 31st is now a national holiday - Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture - with celebrations that honor the community's history since the railroad era. Sunday Drumming Circles: Informal gatherings happen on Chino Beach most Sunday evenings where locals and visitors share rhythms from African, Caribbean, and indigenous traditions. No schedule, no tickets - just show up when you hear the drums. Full Moon Beach Gatherings: Locals gather on Playa Cocles during full moons for informal parties, bonfires, and music. Not officially organized but everyone knows when the moon is full, the beach will have people. Saturday Farmers' Market: Every Saturday from 6 AM to noon, locals sell organic produce, homemade foods, and crafts. Arriving early means best selection; arriving late means locals have already claimed everything good. This is where the community actually shops and socializes.

Puerto Viejo Carnaval - October (7 days starting around October 12): The biggest celebration of the year transforms the town into a Caribbean party. Seven days of parades, dancers, live calypso and reggae music, and Mardi Gras-style revelry. Locals have spun Columbus Day into a celebration of all cultures coming together rather than celebrating colonization. Book accommodation months ahead - everything fills up. BriBri Chocolate Festival - February: Celebrating the 400+ years of cacao cultivation in the Talamanca region, this festival brings together indigenous chocolate makers, tastings, and cultural presentations about cacao's sacred role in Bribri tradition. Limón Carnival - October (in Limón city, 1.5 hours north): The larger regional celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture features elaborate costumes, calypso competitions, and massive parades. Many Puerto Viejo locals travel to participate, making the town quieter while the carnival runs. Semana Santa (Holy Week) - March/April: Costa Rica largely shuts down for Easter week. Locals head to beaches, so Puerto Viejo fills with Ticos from the Central Valley. Expect higher prices, full beaches, and advance booking requirements. Christmas/New Year - December 25-January 1: Similar to Semana Santa, expect the town packed with domestic tourists. Many businesses close December 24-25 but bars stay lively through New Year.

Rice and Beans at Cocomar: Not to be confused with "gallo pinto" served elsewhere in Costa Rica, Caribbean rice and beans uses coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Cocomar Comida Caribena serves the version locals consider definitive - creamy, slightly spicy, served with jerk chicken or Caribbean chicken in coconut sauce. A full plate costs around ₡4,000-5,000 ($8-10). Rondón at Selvin's Restaurant (Punta Uva): This "run-down" seafood stew combines whatever fish is fresh that day with root vegetables, green plantains, and coconut milk spiced with ginger and curry. Blanca, the owner, has cooked this for decades - call ahead as hours are irregular and locals book early. Expect ₡8,000-12,000 ($16-24) depending on catch. When planning your Costa Rica trip on a budget, local sodas like Miss Dolly's or Miss Irma's offer the same authentic recipes for half the price of tourist restaurants. Patí from Street Vendors: These spicy beef turnovers wrapped in wheat flour (not corn like empanadas) are the Caribbean's answer to grab-and-go food. Best bought from women selling them from coolers near the bus station - ₡500-800 ($1-1.50) each. Pan Bon (Sweet Dark Bread): This dense, spiced bread uses coconut and local spices. Locals eat it for breakfast or as afternoon snack. Find it at the Saturday market or small bakeries in town - ₡1,000-1,500 ($2-3) per loaf. Patacones con Frijoles Molidos: Twice-fried smashed plantains with black bean puree appears on every local menu. It's the perfect cheap meal - filling, flavorful, and under ₡3,000 ($6). Every restaurant has their own version.

Pura Vida Caribbean Style: While "pura vida" defines Costa Rica nationally, Puerto Viejo takes it to another level with what locals call "Go Slow" culture. Nothing happens quickly here, and that's intentional. Rushing through a meal or hurrying someone along is considered deeply rude. Locals designed their lives around this pace - tourists either adapt or struggle. Multilingual Heritage: Three languages weave through daily life - Spanish (official), English (from Jamaican heritage), and Mekatelyu Creole (the community's own tongue). Older residents often speak better English than Spanish, while younger generations navigate all three fluidly. Speaking any language shows respect; attempting Creole phrases earns genuine appreciation. Rastafari Presence: The town's vibrant Rastafari community isn't tourist decoration - it's genuine. Red, green, and gold colors appear everywhere not as marketing but as cultural expression. Respect for Rastafari practices includes understanding their dietary restrictions (many are vegetarian or "ital"), spiritual beliefs, and community roles. Don't ask to photograph dreadlocks. Community Over Commerce: Unlike tourist-focused Pacific beaches, Puerto Viejo's cultural life exists for residents first, visitors second. The Afro-Caribbean community actively preserves their heritage through organizations like ADEPA. Tourism money matters, but cultural integrity matters more - and locals will politely correct anyone treating their traditions as entertainment rather than living culture.

Essential Mekatelyu Creole:

• "Wha'appen?" (wah-AH-pen) = What's happening? / How are you?
• "Mek a tell yu" (mek ah tell yoo) = Let me tell you
• "Irie" (eye-REE) = Everything's good / peaceful
• "Soon come" (soon come) = I'll be there eventually (Caribbean time)
• "Les gwout" (less gwout) = Let's go out

Costa Rican Spanish Essentials:

• "Pura vida" (POO-rah VEE-dah) = Pure life - greeting, farewell, agreement, everything
• "Mae" (my) = Dude/buddy
• "Tuanis" (twah-NEES) = Cool/great
• "Diay" (dee-AY) = Well/so (conversation filler)
• "Chunche" (CHOON-chay) = Thing/stuff

Food Terms:

• "Rice and beans" = Coconut milk version (Caribbean)
• "Gallo pinto" = Black beans and rice (central Costa Rica style)
• "Patacones" (pah-tah-KOH-nays) = Fried plantains
• "Agua de pipa" (AH-gwah day PEE-pah) = Coconut water straight from the shell

Useful Phrases:

• "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (KWAN-toh KWAYS-tah) = How much?
• "Sin carne" (seen KAR-nay) = Without meat
• "La cuenta, por favor" (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR) = The bill, please
• "Con mucho gusto" (kon MOO-cho GOO-stoh) = You're welcome (literally: with much pleasure)

Bicycle (Primary Transportation):

• ₡5,000-10,000 ($10-20) per day rental, discounts for weekly
• Beach cruisers most common, mountain bikes for southern roads
• Pura Ride, Puerto Viejo Bike Rentals, and hotel desks all offer bikes
• Locks provided but theft happens - never leave bikes unattended at night
• Flat coast road makes cycling easy, even in heat

MEPE Bus (Regional):

• Puerto Viejo to Limón: ₡2,270 (about $4.50), multiple daily departures
• Puerto Viejo to Cahuita/Bribri: ₡1,000 (about $2)
• Puerto Viejo to Sixaola (Panama border): ₡2,200 (about $4.40)
• San José to Puerto Viejo: Direct buses at 6 AM, 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM from Terminal Atlántico Norte - 5 hours, about $12
• Buses run daily but reduced service Christmas Day
• Arrive at San José terminal 1 hour early to secure seats

Taxi & Tuk-Tuk:

• No meters - predetermined rates for common routes
• Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo: approximately ₡8,000-10,000 ($16-20)
• Puerto Viejo to Cahuita: approximately ₡12,000-15,000 ($24-30)
• Always agree on price before getting in
• Late night rides cost more - expect negotiation

Walking:

• Town center entirely walkable in 15 minutes
• Puerto Viejo to Playa Cocles: 50 minutes on foot
• Don't walk the jungle path after dark - theft common
• Comfortable shoes essential for unpaved surfaces

Car Rental:

• Not necessary and often problematic - unpaved roads, no local gas station
• If needed, 4WD recommended, fill up in Hone Creek (5km north)
• Useful only for day trips to distant areas

Food & Drinks:

• Soda meal (casado): ₡3,500-5,000 ($7-10)
• Restaurant Caribbean plate: ₡6,000-10,000 ($12-20)
• Rondón seafood stew: ₡8,000-12,000 ($16-24)
• Patí (meat turnover): ₡500-800 ($1-1.50)
• Imperial beer: ₡1,500-2,500 ($3-5)
• Agua de pipa (coconut water): ₡1,000-1,500 ($2-3)
• Coffee: ₡1,000-2,000 ($2-4)

Activities:

• Bike rental: ₡5,000-10,000/day ($10-20)
• Surf lesson: ₡20,000-30,000 ($40-60)
• Surfboard rental: ₡7,500-10,000/day ($15-20)
• Bribri village tour: ₡32,500-42,500 ($65-85)
• Sloth Sanctuary tour: ₡15,000 ($30) adults
• Cahuita National Park: Voluntary donation (suggested ₡5,000/$10)
• Snorkel gear rental: ₡5,000-7,500/day ($10-15)

Accommodation:

• Hostel dorm: ₡7,500-15,000/night ($15-30)
• Budget private room: ₡20,000-35,000/night ($40-70)
• Mid-range hotel: ₡40,000-60,000/night ($80-120)
• Beachfront bungalow: ₡60,000-100,000/night ($120-200)

Transport:

• Bus to Limón: ₡2,270 ($4.50)
• Bus to San José: ₡6,000 ($12)
• Taxi to Manzanillo: ₡8,000-10,000 ($16-20)
• Private shuttle San José: ₡25,000-40,000 ($50-80)

Year-Round Basics:

• Tropical climate with high humidity year-round
• Temperature consistent 24-29°C (75-84°F)
• Rain possible any day - quick afternoon showers common
• Pack light, breathable fabrics that dry quickly
• Waterproof bag for electronics essential

"Dry" Season (February-April, September-October):

• Best weather for beach days - sunny with occasional brief rain
• September-October particularly good when Pacific coast drowns
• Light layers for cooler evenings after rain
• This is when locals most enjoy their own beaches

Wet Season (May-August, November-January):

• December and July wettest months - expect daily rain
• Rain often heavy but short - wait it out rather than cancel plans
• Waterproof shoes/sandals that can handle mud
• Quick-dry clothing essential
• Mosquitoes more active - bring repellent with DEET

What Locals Wear:

• Flip-flops or sandals everywhere except hiking
• Light cotton or linen clothing
• Swimsuit under clothes for spontaneous beach stops
• Locals don't overdress - fancy clothes mark you as tourist
• Rasta colors common but earn them through community connection, not purchase

Practical Items:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory for snorkeling)
• Hat or bandana for sun protection
• Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
• Water shoes for rocky beaches and tide pools

Evening Scene:

• Hot Rocks: Regular live music, mixed crowd, reggae and Caribbean sounds
• Salsa Brava Bar: Surfer hangout near the famous break, chill atmosphere
• Lazy Mon (formerly Stanford's): Locals-only reputation - tourists often directed elsewhere
• Beach bonfires spontaneous on full moons - follow the smoke

Sports & Recreation:

• Sunset surf sessions at Playa Cocles - community gathering point
• Beach volleyball informal games most evenings
• Sunday drumming circles on Chino Beach - participation welcome
• Yoga classes at various hotels open to non-guests

Cultural Activities:

• Bribri village tours with chocolate-making (book through local guides, not big agencies)
• Caribbean cooking classes at some restaurants - ask around
• Calypso music workshops occasionally offered through community groups
• Spanish-English language exchange at various venues

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Jaguar Rescue Center (Playa Chiquita): Wildlife rehabilitation volunteering
• Sea turtle projects: March-July (Caribbean green and leatherback turtles)
• Beach cleanups organized periodically - check community boards
• ADEPA cultural preservation - longer-term commitments

Bribri Indigenous Village & Chocolate Tour: Cross the Yorkin River by dugout canoe into Bribri territory where indigenous families teach cacao cultivation and ceremonial chocolate preparation. This isn't tourist entertainment - it's genuine cultural exchange with a community that views cacao as sacred. Tours cost around $65-85, last 4-6 hours, and include traditional lunch. The Yorkin River also serves as the Costa Rica-Panama border. Salsa Brava Dawn Session: Costa Rica's most challenging wave breaks over shallow reef in Puerto Viejo's center. For experienced surfers only - the "spicy sauce" has earned its reputation. Even watching from the beach at sunrise, when locals paddle out, captures something special about Caribbean surf culture. Wipeouts mean contact with razor-sharp reef. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Hike: The road literally ends at Manzanillo, where hiking trails enter Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Locals prefer this over tourist-packed Cahuita because crowds thin dramatically after the pavement ends. Expect sloths, howler monkeys, and reef snorkeling without tour groups. Night Jungle Walk (Unguided): With proper headlamps and caution, the path between Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles comes alive after dark with tree frogs, tarantulas, and nocturnal wildlife. Locals do this regularly - just avoid walking alone and don't take valuables. Dawn walks offer similar wildlife with better light. Cahuita National Park Self-Guided: Unlike most Costa Rican parks with fixed fees, Cahuita operates on voluntary donation. Enter through the Puerto Vargas entrance for suggested ₡5,000 ($10) or Kelly Creek entrance for whatever donation you offer. Trails connect beaches, coral reef snorkeling, and wildlife viewing without guides or crowds.

Saturday Farmers' & Artisans' Market:

• 6 AM - noon in town center
• Organic produce, homemade preserves, fresh bread, Caribbean spices
• Local artisans sell jewelry, crafts, and artwork
• Arrive by 7 AM for best produce selection
• Locals do actual shopping here - not tourist performance

Old Harbor Art and Craft Market:

• Daily vendors near the main beach area
• Indigenous Bribri and Cabécar crafts mixed with tourist items
• Quality varies - examine items carefully
• Better prices than tourist shops in town

Individual Vendors:

• Women sell patí and ginger cakes near bus station
• Coconut water vendors with fresh pipas on beach road
• Roadside fruit stands between towns
• Quality generally excellent, prices negotiable for bulk

Supermarkets:

• Super Caribe: Largest grocery selection in town
• Smaller pulperías throughout for basics
• Imported goods expensive - local products affordable
• Stock up before heading to Punta Uva or Manzanillo where options limited

What to Buy:

• Bribri chocolate products (actual indigenous-made, not tourist chocolate)
• Local coconut oil and body products
• Caribbean spices and hot sauces
• Handmade jewelry from recycled materials
• Avoid mass-produced "Rasta" items - they're not local

Punta Uva Arrecife (Reef Point):

• Locals' favorite beach precisely because tourists often stop at the first Punta Uva beach
• Calm, reef-protected water perfect for swimming and snorkeling
• Bring everything you need - no vendors, no facilities, just beach
• Best visited mid-week when even fewer people appear

Playa Chiquita Tide Pools:

• Between Cocles and Punta Uva, small coves create natural pools
• Locals swim here rather than busier beaches
• No lifeguards or facilities - you're on your own
• Morning light makes the water glow turquoise

Manzanillo End of Road:

• Where pavement literally stops, crowds disappear
• Local families spend Sundays here rather than tourist-heavy northern beaches
• Combine with Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge trails for full-day exploration
• Food and drinks available in Manzanillo village
• For deeper exploration of Costa Rica's diverse regions, Manzanillo offers a glimpse of the country most visitors never see

Hammocks at Playa Negra:

• Dark sand beach closest to town, less dramatic than southern beaches
• Locals hang hammocks between palms and spend entire afternoons
• Sunset views toward town, breakfast spots walking distance
• The "locals' living room" more than tourist destination

Riverside Spots Near Bribri:

• The road to Bribri passes rivers with swimming holes
• Locals escape coast heat for freshwater dips
• Not marked or advertised - ask around or follow locals

Soda (SOH-dah):

• Small family-run restaurants serving traditional food
• Miss Dolly's, Miss Irma's, Miss Daisy's - named for the women who run them
• Cheapest authentic meals in town - casados (set meals) under ₡4,000 ($8)
• No menus at some sodas - just ask what's cooking

Caribbean Bar:

• Open-air structures with reggae playing, local rum, and conversation
• Very different vibe from Pacific beach bars - more community gathering than tourist party
• Chill atmosphere until late when things can get rowdier
• Hot Rocks and Salsa Brava bar draw mixed local/tourist crowds

Beach Shack:

• Temporary-looking structures on sand serving drinks and simple food
• Some have been "temporary" for decades
• Best for sunset beers and fresh coconut water
• Ownership fluid - whoever's running it that season

Pulpería:

• Small corner stores selling essentials, snacks, and cold drinks
• Locals buy on informal credit, tourists pay cash
• Hours vary by owner's mood - not posted anywhere
• Social hubs for neighborhood gossip and information

"Tico Time" vs "Caribbean Time":

• Costa Ricans joke about being late; Caribbean Coast takes it further
• "Soon come" can mean five minutes or five hours
• Locals laugh at tourists who expect schedules to mean anything

The Two Puerto Viejos Joke:

• Everyone has a story about someone (usually a tourist) ending up at the wrong Puerto Viejo
• Locals give deliberately vague directions just to see if people specify "Talamanca"
• The confusion is so common it's become community entertainment

Rental Car Suffering:

• Watching tourists navigate unpaved roads in sedans provides endless amusement
• The Manzanillo road during rainy season destroys vehicles while bikes sail past
• "Nice car" becomes sarcastic compliment for obviously inappropriate vehicles

Language Switching:

• Locals sometimes switch between Spanish, English, and Creole mid-sentence to confuse outsiders
• The ability to do this marks someone as truly local
• Tourists attempting Creole phrases get gentle mockery and genuine appreciation simultaneously

Pacific Coast Rivalry:

• Caribbean locals joke about Pacific beaches as "too developed" and "too dry"
• When Pacific tourists complain about rain, locals point out they chose the wrong coast
• The reversed rainy season becomes source of smug satisfaction

Walter "Gavitt" Ferguson:

• The "King of Calypso" was born in Cahuita (1919-2013) and defined Caribbean Costa Rican music
• His recordings preserved traditional calypso before it faded - locals play his songs constantly
• Credited with keeping Limonese music tradition alive through decades of government neglect
• Every local over 30 can tell you stories about seeing him perform

The Railroad Workers (Collective Memory):

• Jamaican workers who built the Atlantic Railroad in the late 1800s define the region's identity
• Locals trace family histories to specific parishes in Jamaica and Panama
• Their legacy isn't one famous person but an entire community's foundation
• The Mekatelyu language and Caribbean cuisine survive because they maintained their culture despite isolation

Bribri Awá (Shamans):

• Specific names aren't shared publicly out of respect, but Awá are community pillars
• They maintain oral traditions, medicinal plant knowledge, and spiritual practices
• Younger generation learning traditional ways represents hope for cultural continuity

Modern Community Leaders:

• ADEPA (Afro-Caribbean Development and Protection Association) leaders work to preserve heritage
• Local guides like those leading Bribri tours are cultural ambassadors, not just tourism workers
• Restaurant owners like Lidia (Lidia's Place) and Blanca (Selvin's) are institutions in themselves

Surfing Culture:

• Salsa Brava: Expert-only reef break, Costa Rica's most powerful Caribbean wave. January-April brings biggest swells. Locals-first lineup etiquette applies strictly.
• Playa Cocles: Beginner-friendly beach break with lifeguards. Community-supported lifeguard program funded by locals, not government. Board rentals $15-20/day, lessons $40-60.
• Sunset sessions at Cocles bring the community together regardless of skill level.

Beach Soccer & Volleyball:

• Informal games happen most evenings on Playa Cocles and Playa Negra
• No formal leagues - just show up and ask to join
• Locals play barefoot on sand

Cycling (Serious Transportation):

• Not recreational - bikes are how everyone moves
• Mountain bikes preferred for unpaved roads
• Unofficial races happen between Manzanillo and town

Snorkeling & Freediving:

• Punta Uva Arrecife offers reef snorkeling directly from beach
• Manzanillo's shallow reef accessible without boats
• Locals freedive for lobster and fish (in season) - tourists generally stick to snorkeling

Coconut Everything:

• Coconut milk appears in rice, beans, soups, sauces, and drinks
• Caribbean locals add coconut to dishes where Central Valley Costa Ricans never would
• Even "normal" Costa Rican dishes get coconut treatment here

Breadfruit as Staple:

• Roasted, boiled, or fried breadfruit appears as side dish
• Tourists often mistake it for potato - locals find this hilarious
• Brought from Jamaica generations ago, now grows wild everywhere

Ackee and Saltfish:

• Jamaican national dish survives here, though less common than decades ago
• The ackee fruit looks disturbing when prepared (yellow, lumpy) but tastes like scrambled eggs
• Only certain vendors prepare it correctly - improperly cooked ackee is actually toxic

Ginger Everything:

• Fresh ginger cookies, ginger beer (non-alcoholic), ginger in soups and stews
• Caribbean ginger use far exceeds mainland Costa Rica
• Street vendors sell ginger cakes for ₡500-800 ($1-1.50)

Chocolate as Drink:

• Traditional Bribri preparation creates thick, spiced drinking chocolate
• Not sweet like hot cocoa - earthy, slightly bitter, ceremonial
• Locals drink this the way others drink coffee - it's not dessert

Rastafari Spirituality: Rastafari isn't just aesthetics here - it's lived faith. The community follows dietary laws (avoiding pork, shellfish, and often all meat), respects the sacred nature of cannabis (which remains illegal in Costa Rica despite cultural significance), and practices meditation and reasoning sessions. Tourists treating Rastafari as costume rather than religion face polite but firm correction. Bribri Shamanic Traditions: The indigenous Bribri community maintains spiritual practices led by Awá (shamans) who preserve knowledge passed through generations. Their worldview centers on the sacred nature of cacao - not as commodity but as spiritual gift. Tours to Bribri communities include ceremonial chocolate preparation that's spiritual practice, not tourist cooking class. Catholic Influences: Most Ticos (Costa Ricans) identify as Catholic, and churches hold services throughout the area. However, the Caribbean coast's Catholicism blends with African spiritual traditions and indigenous beliefs, creating syncretic practices unique to Limón Province. Respect Guidelines: Photographing spiritual ceremonies without permission is deeply offensive regardless of tradition. When visiting Bribri communities, follow your guide's instructions precisely - some areas and practices are not for visitors. Rastafari colors and symbols deserve the same respect as any religious iconography.

Payment Methods:

• Cash preferred at small businesses, especially sodas and markets
• US dollars accepted most places but colones get better rates
• Credit cards at larger restaurants and hotels only
• ATMs in town center - Banco Nacional and BCR
• Withdraw in colones, not dollars, to avoid conversion fees

Bargaining Culture:

• Fixed prices in shops and restaurants - no negotiation
• Slight flexibility at Saturday market for produce
• Craft vendors may negotiate on multiple items
• Unlike Pacific tourist towns, aggressive bargaining considered rude

Shopping Hours:

• Most shops: 9 AM - 6 PM, some close for lunch
• Saturday market: 6 AM - noon (arrive early)
• Pulperías (corner stores): variable hours, often 7 AM - 9 PM
• Many businesses close Sunday or keep reduced hours
• Nothing predictable - hours change by season and owner's preference

Tax & Receipts:

• 13% IVA (sales tax) included in displayed prices
• Receipts available at registered businesses
• Small vendors operate cash-only without formal receipts
• No tourist tax refund program exists

Absolute Essentials:

• "Hola" (OH-lah) = hello
• "Gracias" (GRAH-see-ahs) = thank you
• "Por favor" (por fah-VOR) = please
• "Sí / No" (see / no) = yes / no
• "Pura vida" (POO-rah VEE-dah) = everything from hello to goodbye to "I'm good"
• "¿Cuánto?" (KWAN-toh) = how much?

Daily Greetings:

• "Buenos días" (BWAY-nohs DEE-ahs) = good morning
• "Buenas tardes" (BWAY-nahs TAR-days) = good afternoon
• "Buenas noches" (BWAY-nahs NO-chays) = good evening/night
• "¿Cómo está?" (KOH-moh eh-STAH) = how are you?
• "Muy bien" (mwee bee-EN) = very well

Numbers:

• "Uno, dos, tres" (OO-noh, dohs, trays) = one, two, three
• "Cuatro, cinco" (KWAH-troh, SEEN-koh) = four, five
• "Diez" (dee-EHS) = ten
• "Cien" (see-EN) = one hundred
• "Mil" (meel) = one thousand

Food & Dining:

• "La cuenta" (lah KWEN-tah) = the bill
• "Agua" (AH-gwah) = water
• "Cerveza" (sehr-VEH-sah) = beer
• "Sin carne" (seen KAR-nay) = without meat
• "Más picante" (mahs pee-KAHN-tay) = spicier
• "Delicioso" (day-lee-see-OH-soh) = delicious

Mekatelyu Phrases (Use Carefully):

• "Wha'appen?" = What's up?
• "Irie" = All good
• "Respect" = Thank you/acknowledgment
• Using Creole shows interest but mispronunciation gets gentle teasing

Authentic Local Products:

• Bribri chocolate: Handmade by indigenous families - ₡3,000-8,000 ($6-16) per bar or block
• Caribbean hot sauce: Scotch bonnet-based, local recipes - ₡2,000-4,000 ($4-8)
• Organic coconut oil: Local production, skin and cooking - ₡4,000-8,000 ($8-16)
• Local coffee: Tarrazu or Caribbean grown - ₡4,000-10,000 ($8-20) per pound

Handcrafted Items:

• Bribri and Cabécar beadwork: Authentic indigenous jewelry - ₡5,000-25,000 ($10-50)
• Carved masks and figures: From indigenous communities - ₡10,000-50,000 ($20-100)
• Recycled material jewelry: Local artisans - ₡3,000-15,000 ($6-30)
• Woven bags and baskets: Indigenous techniques - ₡8,000-30,000 ($16-60)

Edible Souvenirs:

• Ginger cookies and cakes: From Saturday market or street vendors - ₡1,000-3,000 ($2-6)
• Caribbean spice blends: Local mixes for rice and beans - ₡2,000-5,000 ($4-10)
• Pan bon (sweet bread): Doesn't travel well but worth trying - ₡1,500 ($3)
• Cacao nibs: From Bribri tours - ₡3,000-6,000 ($6-12)

Where Locals Actually Shop:

• Saturday market for produce and some crafts
• Passion Fruit store for curated local goods
• Directly from artisans at craft markets
• Bribri communities during tours (portion goes directly to families)

Avoid:

• Mass-produced Rasta merchandise (not local)
• "Made in Costa Rica" items actually from China
• Seashell products (environmental harm)
• Anything made from endangered species

Caribbean Family Culture:

• Children welcomed everywhere - restaurants, bars, beaches all family-friendly
• Extended families vacation together during Semana Santa and Christmas
• Multigenerational households common - grandparents actively parent
• Kids play freely while adults socialize - community watches everyone's children
• Beach time is family time - generations share shade and food

Traveling with Children:

• Punta Uva beach: Calm, reef-protected water safe for kids
• Jaguar Rescue Center: Educational wildlife experience kids love
• Bribri chocolate tours: Hands-on activity appropriate for ages 6+
• Cahuita National Park: Easy flat trails, likely wildlife sightings
• Sloth Sanctuary: Designed for all ages, educational programs available

Practical Considerations:

• Strollers impractical on unpaved roads - use carriers for babies
• Limited baby supply availability - bring what you need from San José
• Pharmacies carry basics but specialized items unavailable
• Mosquito protection essential for children - bring kid-safe repellent
• Reef shoes needed for rocky beaches and tide pools

Kid-Friendly Food:

• Patacones (fried plantains) universally loved by children
• Rice and beans mild enough for most kids (request "sin picante" - not spicy)
• Fresh fruit available everywhere - papaya, mango, pineapple
• Most restaurants accommodate children's portions on request

Safety Notes:

• Strong currents at some beaches - stick to lifeguarded Playa Cocles or calm Punta Uva
• Tap water not potable - supervise children's water consumption
• Wildlife viewing requires quiet behavior - prepare kids in advance
• Jellyfish occasional - locals know current conditions