Manzanillo: The little town of Manzanillo is the last stop on the scenic, coastal road from Puerto Viejo. Here is where the pavement ends, blending into unspoiled beaches, turquoise waters and sandy footpaths.

Manzanillo is a traditional Caribbean town: stilt homes are painted in bright colors, lunch simmers in coconut milk over a hot stove. The town’s friendly residents speak both Spanish and Patois English.

The village is located within the Gandoca - Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and is surrounded by tropical humid forest. Thanks to involved locals and national laws, the wildlife refuge protects the area’s white-sand beaches, coral reefs, nesting leatherback turtles and twisting canals. When visiting Manzanillo, visitors can choose from activities that include snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, swimming, and guided turtle tours within the refuge.

Note that wildlife, not nightlife, is Manzanillo’s claim to fame. The town and its surroundings are beyond beautiful.

Puerto Viejo: The town is located in southeastern Costa Rica, just 7.5 miles from Congo Bongo.

It is a popular destination for tourists and is known for surfing, great beaches, and reggae music. Some of Costa Rica's most spectacular beaches can be found between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, which is 13 km (8 mi) south along the beach.

At market stands on the streets necklaces and earrings made of shells and handbags made of coconuts are sold.

Surfers come to Puerto Viejo to surf Salsa Brava. This town is the surf capital of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Often smaller waves can be surfed in near by Playa Cocles.