Puerto Viejo is a mecca for backpackers and free-spirited travelers. Travelers are drawn to this tiny town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica for beautiful beaches, surfing, charming restaurants and plenty of things to do and terrain to explore. If you're interested in learning about and experiencing the jungle, Puerto Viejo is an ideal addition to your Costa Rica itinerary.
Pachamama Jungle River Lodge, a charming boutique hotel in Punta Uva, is typical of hotels in the Puerto Viejo area. With only five rooms, this hotel offers everything you could need for a home base for your family in Puerto Viejo. Their Villa Los Monos unit includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen, and a large outdoor patio space. And like most hotels in Central America, breakfast is included daily.
You'll see signs for plenty of eco-resorts along the main road that stretches south out of Puerto Viejo. Here, "eco" usually means no air conditioning and you can't throw toilet paper in the toilet. They are often minimalist in design, with a focus on spending as much time as possible outside.
As I've written about extensively, when traveling with kids it's always best to book a place to stay that includes a kitchen. Pachamama is one of the few hotels in Puerto Viejo that includes a kitchen and two separate sleeping rooms.
Here's why Pachamama is one of the ideal family hotels in Puerto Viejo.
Fully equipped kitchen makes cooking meals simple
In Costa Rica, restaurants aren't cheap. I guess we expected to be able to find food in restaurants less expensive than what we pay in the United States, but across the country (including Puerto Viejo), expect to pay US prices.
Which is all the more reason to ensure you're staying someplace that has a kitchen. Food from grocery stores is typically less expensive than what you would pay in the US, and is by far the most economical way to go.
The grocery stories in Puerto Viejo stock most everything, albeit in small quantities.
The kitchen at Pachamama includes everything you need to make a meal. Cooking pots and pans, silverware, plates and a gas-powered stove. A large jug of drinking water is also included, which is a very nice touch so you don't have to worry about drinking water.
What to expect from the bathrooms
The bathrooms at Pachamama are clean and well maintained. Towels and toiletries are also provided.
It's important to note, however, that you can't flush the toilet paper. This will clog the system, which is not meant for heavy use.
But one silver lining to this? This is also one of the reasons large scale development likely won't happen here, at least not any time soon. It's clear to me that Puerto Viejo is going to stay sleepy and pristine for some time to come.
Breakfast delivered to your room every morning!
My personal favorite part of Pachamama in Puerto Viejo was the complimentary breakfast. Every morning, the delightful owner, Estelle, brought breakfast to our family on trays and we dined al fresco while listening to the jungle noises surrounding us.
Everything from French crepes to ham and cheese omelets appeared, and were devoured in full!
If you're heading to Puerto Viejo with your family, be sure to consider booking Pachamama for a charming place to stay in an ideal location.