Some places are a “once in a lifetime” trip. Others are the kind of destination you keep coming back to—because each visit gives you something new. According to Time Out, Costa Rica tops the list of countries travelers most want to revisit, and it’s easy to understand why.

On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, that feeling becomes even stronger. Puerto Viejo blends jungle and beach, culture and cuisine, adventure and slow living—an energy that shifts your pace within hours. If you’re planning your next trip (or already dreaming of returning), this short guide will help you experience Puerto Viejo the right way.

The Southern Caribbean is not only synonymous with paradise beaches, vibrant cuisine, and Afro-Caribbean culture; it is also one of Costa Rica’s most valuable conservation destinations.

In this region, national parks, wildlife refuges, Indigenous communities, and unique ecosystems coexist. Their protection has made it possible to preserve one of the country’s greatest sources of biological richness.

Skyscanner’s 2026 travel trend report spotlighted Limón as a must-visit destination, and Travel + Leisure highlights the region’s perfect mix of rainforest, wildlife, and Caribbean beaches. From Tortuguero’s waterways to Cahuita National Park’s coral reefs and jungle trails, Puerto Viejo—home of Le Cameleon—stands out as the ideal laid-back, surf-centric base to explore it all.

The Caribbean province of Limón is experiencing a wave of transformation. Large-scale projects such as a cruise terminal, a world-class marina, and the potential for an international airport are reshaping the northern coastline around Puerto Limón and Moín—positioning the region for increased global attention.

Yet, in the southern part of the province, Puerto Viejo remains true to its roots: a vibrant, culturally rich town where nature thrives and authenticity endures.

We’re proud to share that Playa Cocles, located just steps from Le Cameleon Hotel, has been selected as one of the 100 best beaches in the world by Corona, the iconic beer brand, as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.

The list, titled Corona Beach 100, brings together coastal destinations that offer outstanding natural beauty, local culture, and authentic beach experiences. Out of the entire Central American region, only eight beaches were featured, and Playa Cocles is one of them — proudly representing Costa Rica.

This past June, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca became the vibrant setting for a historic moment: the visit of twelve representatives of African royalty who traveled to Costa Rica’s Caribbean region to deepen cultural connections and celebrate the legacy of Afro-descendant communities.