Puerto Viejo lies about twenty miles south of Puerto Limon, and is legendary among surfing afficionados of the world, who come for an outrageous storm-generated wave called La Salsa Brava, that runs up over fifteen feet high, only for the highly skilled and highly adventurous. In November and December are supposed to be the best months for top surfing on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, but all the way to March outstanding surf can be found on the beaches in and around Puerto Viejo. November through April, Puerto Viejo is crowded with surfers.

Puerto Viejo offers an array of activities for visitors, mostly during the high season when the surf is strong and the town is full. Known for a lively night life, people come from as far away as Limon to dance and enjoy the live music in Puerto Viejo. The annual South Caribbean Music Festival runs late February and early March, with performers spanning the spectrum from classical to calypso and reggae.

Excursions into the indigenous reserves are a notable attraction to be found in Puerto Viejo, as well as a visit to the notable local botanical garden, or travel to the popular Bocas del Toro off the coast of Panama. Hiking, rafting, surfing lessons, quad rentals, rapelling, horseback riding, as well as snorkeling, dolphin watching tours, and diving excursions can all be arranged for this spectacular crystalled water destination.

Expat transplants residing in the area provide variety and flavor to the town with their local bistros and delis that sit alongside the typical Costa Rican moderately priced restaurants along the main road and beachfront. There's accomodations for every price range in Puerto Viejo, with a wide range of cabinas, lodges, guest houses, and hotels to choose from. On peak weekends, accomodations are impossible to find due to the crowds that throng there to party.