Kicking-Off My Digital Nomad Journey in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

 In September 2020, after six months of working remotely from Florida, I decided it was time for a change. The world was still deep in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, and like a lot of people, I’d been rethinking how and where I wanted to live. I’d heard stories of people taking their laptops to tropical locations, working during the day and exploring new places in their downtime. That sounded a lot better than another six months of sitting at the same desk. So, I booked a flight to Costa Rica, ready to test the waters of being a digital nomad.

Traveling during COVID came with its own challenges. Airports were quiet, masks were mandatory, and I needed a negative COVID test to get into the country. But once I cleared customs in San José, the hardest part was over. From there, I hopped into a van for the six-hour ride to Puerto Viejo, a small town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

The drive took me through lush mountain landscapes, tiny roadside villages, and stretches of dense jungle. By the time we reached the coast, the air had shifted—warm, humid, and carrying the faint salty smell of the ocean. It was late when we pulled up to Villa Serenidad, the place I’d call home for the next few weeks.

Making friends over an Imperial
at Puerto Pirata.

The housekeeper was waiting at the gate to greet me. She helped me with my bags and gave me a quick tour of the villa. It was surrounded by gardens, with a path leading directly to Playa Negra, a black-sand beach just a short walk away. My room was on the ground floor, simple but comfortable. There was air conditioning, a large bathroom with hot water and good pressure, and a patio that opened right onto the garden. The villa also had an open-air living room shaded by the second story, a fully equipped kitchen, and a hammock strung up in just the right spot for lazy afternoons. Before heading out, the housekeeper even went to grab me a six-pack of Imperial beer, which felt like the perfect welcome.

I slept deeply that night, the sound of the ocean drifting in through the garden.

The next morning, I woke up early, just in time for sunrise. The sky was painted in shades of pink and orange, casting a golden glow over the garden and the black sands of Playa Negra. I stepped out onto the patio, ready to explore the beach and the grounds. But on my very first step off the patio, I twisted my ankle and hit the ground hard. For a moment, I thought I’d broken it, but after a few minutes of sitting there, I realized it was just a sprain. Still, it was bad enough to derail my plans for a morning run and swim.

Hobbling down the garden path, I made it just far enough to see the beach. The black sand stretched out in front of me, contrasting sharply with the turquoise water. Coconut palms swayed in the breeze, and the sound of the waves was steady and calming. Even from a distance, it was stunning. I spent most of that first day resting my foot, icing it, and rethinking my plans.

By the second day, the swelling had gone down enough for me to make the mile-long walk into town, though slowly. The road into Puerto Viejo passed small fruit stands and brightly painted houses, with the occasional cyclist zipping by. I stopped at a stand along the way and picked up fresh mangos, pineapples, and bananas, which the vendor loaded into a bag for me with a smile.

Puerto Viejo is small but vibrant. The streets are lined with colorful buildings, open-air cafés, and reggae music drifting from speakers. For lunch, I stopped at Lidia’s Place, a soda known for its Caribbean-style food. I ordered rice and beans cooked with coconut milk, served alongside perfectly grilled fish and a simple salad. The flavors were rich but fresh, and the portions were generous. Later in the week, I found another great soda, Restaurante Riquísimo, where the food felt like something you’d get in a friend’s kitchen—hearty, comforting, and made with care.

For breakfast and coffee, Café Rico became a favorite. Tucked away in a quiet part of town, it has a garden patio that feels like a little jungle retreat. The coffee was smooth and strong, and the breakfasts were big enough to fuel an entire day. The café even has a resident sloth that hangs out in the trees above, which felt like peak Costa Rica.

On days when my ankle felt better, I ventured farther out. Playa Cocles was a quick walk or bike ride from town, with soft golden sand and waves that drew surfers from all over. On a calmer day, I rented a kayak from a local surf school and paddled along the coast. Another highlight was Cahuita National Park, about 30 minutes away by taxi. The park’s jungle trails were alive with wildlife—monkeys swinging through the trees, sloths lounging on branches, and bright birds flitting through the canopy. Snorkeling near the park’s coral reefs was some of the best I’ve ever done, with shallow, clear water and vibrant marine life everywhere I looked.

Breakfast at my favorite coffee spot, Cafe Rico,
featuring a resident sloth with her baby :)

Evenings in Puerto Viejo were relaxed and unhurried. At Villa Serenidad, I’d often walk the garden path to Playa Negra to catch the sunset. The sky would turn brilliant shades of orange and purple, reflected on the black sand, while the sound of the waves filled the air. On nights when I ventured out, I’d stop by Banana Azul for a meal overlooking the beach. Their food was simple and fresh, and the ocean view was unbeatable. Another favorite was Puerto Pirata, a beachside café where I’d sip tropical drinks and unwind after a day of exploring.

Puerto Viejo didn’t demand a packed itinerary. It was a place that encouraged you to slow down, take each day as it came, and appreciate the natural beauty all around. Even with a sprained ankle, I settled into the rhythm of the town quickly. It was a place where the days felt full but unhurried, the perfect backdrop for my first steps into the digital nomad lifestyle.

Thanks for reading about how I became a digital nomad! Taking the leap into this lifestyle wasn’t without its challenges, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of working remotely or you’re already living the nomadic life, I hope my story gives you a glimpse of what’s possible.

If you’re looking for a place to find nomad-friendly accommodations, coworking spots, and local tips, check out Nomad Digs—a platform designed by nomads, for nomads. It’s a great resource for finding your next destination or long-term stay.

Have questions about becoming a digital nomad or want to share your own journey? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Safe travels and happy exploring!