Cahuita

Incredible Beaches, Snorkeling & Culture!

CostaRica.Org Explore Vacation Options Instituto Costarricense de Turismo

Visiting Cahuita

Cahuita Costa Rica is a National Park apart of the best Costa Rica beaches on the Caribbean Coast. It’s located south of the city of Limon and on the road to Puerto Viejo. Although the little town of Cahuita has changed over the last two decades, the beach and National Park remain the same! As a result, the park’s conservation efforts have maintained its pristine beauty. Cahuita is known for its untouched coral reef, one of the best and largest reefs of Costa Rica. There are fantastic restaurants and bars in Cahuita. You will like the atmosphere and laid-back attitude the Caribbean locals. The cuisine is the traditional coconut rice and beans and chicken curries. Sweet and delicious!

Highlights

Enjoy Caribbean life

Caribbean Night LifeThe Caribbean atmosphere of Cahuita is very distinct from the rest of Costa Rica. It’s complete with Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, Rum and Coke, dreadlocks and jerked chicken, is simply irresistible. The motto of Cahuita enjoys you, relax, and have a good time. The lazy, laid-back atmosphere along with the vast array of wildlife is the perfect recipe for a splendid holiday in paradise. Cahuita is the perfect choice for a holiday in the Province of Limon. It’s another example of the magnificent diversity one can only find in Costa Rica. In contrast with the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the exuberance of the Caribbean will win you over!

Snorkeling

Cahuita National Park Variety of FishSnorkeling is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Cahuita’s coral reef and underwater life. Amidst the multicolored coral, you will more than 500 different species of fish. The list of marine wildlife includes turtles, parrot fish, lobsters, small sharks, sea urchins and an abundance of sea anemones. Another attraction is the two sunken ships, an excellent place to explore if you want a little more adventure!

Hike

Cahuita National Park SlothIf you want to take a Tour of Cahuita National Park, there is great hiking on the trail between Kelly Creek in the center of the village to Puerto Vargas. This trail is best for spotting yellow crowned herons, Swainson’s toucans; keel-billed toucans and Central American curassows and rufous kingfishers. While walking along the shore, you may come across a few sloths, agoutis, coatis, pacas and tamanduas. Small wild cats like the ocelots are present in the area but very hard to spot.

Limon

Carnival LimonLimon is the capital of the province of Limon and is a great place to soak up some local culture. The museums and gorgeous architecture will draw you in but the everyday life and its people will make you want to stay. Here you can best experience the Afro-Caribbean culture that so strongly defines these parts of Costa Rica. If you want to experience this unique blend of cultures, you can so at the annual Carnival. It takes place in mid-October and lasts for 12 days.

Tortuguero

TortugueroWhen visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, you can’t pass down a chance to visit Tortuguero. This national park can be visited like the feral, Costa Rican version of Venice. By cruising the canals structuring the park, you can spot the creature this park is so famous; the turtle!

 

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto ViejoPuerto Viejo de Talamanca is more of a party town but has a stunning coastline as well. You can try local, Caribbean cuisine and simply relax. It is also close to the Panama border so you can make a stop here before heading further south.

Tips

Visit between February-March or September-October: The rainy and dry seasons in Caribbean province of Costa Rica is different than the Pacific Side. Limon’s dry season is between February-March and September-October. However, Cahuita and its surrounding area is hot and humid all year round, so anytime is a good time to visit. If hiking is your focus, you should visit during the dry season.

Visit Limon and attend the carnival: At the end of the second dry season, you can attend the annual carnival that celebrates the Afro-Caribbean culture. A Must see!

Cross the border: With its close vicinity to Panama, why not relax at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and then hop across the border? You can visit amazing places like Bocas del Toro and Panama City.

Getting there

Closest International Airport:Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

private transfer busesCahuita is located at around 200 km east from San Jose. You can take private as well as shared shuttles. Your best option, however, would be to rent a car. This way you get the freedom to explore the whole of the Caribbean side and even its more remote locations.

Dining

Costa Rican Cuisine Rice EggsVilla Amapola has it all. Seafood, Mediterranean, South American and vegetarian friendly cuisine. But if you want to try the local variation of rice and beans, head to El Rincon del Amor. Enjoy those Caribbean flavors with the coconut rice and beans and chicken curries!

Where to stay

the goddess garden yogaFor those of you looking or ultimate relaxation, visit The Goddess Garden. Here you can combine Cahuita’s natural beauty with a stunning yoga retreat. The Kenaki Lodge is a beachfront hotel with a charming, Balinese style. Perfect for the guest who want to take full advantage of Cahuita’s amazing coastline.

Cahuita - Get Info

Cahuita Map

Click to Enlarge Costa Rica Map

Cahuita Vacation Packages

Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour

Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour

11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Eco-Adventure

Caribbean Eco-Adventure

8
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Caribbean Fusion – A Costa Rica Caribbean Vacation

Caribbean Fusion – A Costa Rica Caribbean Vacation

8
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Yoga in the Caribbean

Yoga in the Caribbean

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.

Cahuita Hotels

Selva Bananito Lodge

Selva Bananito Lodge

3
5
From: $125 - $200
Ciudad Perdida Ecolodge

Ciudad Perdida Ecolodge

3
From: Under $125
Kenaki Lodge

Kenaki Lodge

3
From: Under $125

Cahuita Tours

Misha Yorkin Indigenous Community Cahuita

Misha Yorkin Indigenous Community Cahuita

From: Over $100
Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Bribri Indigenous Reserve Tour with Willie’s Tours

Bribri Indigenous Reserve Tour with Willie’s Tours

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour with Willie’s Tours

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour with Willie’s Tours

Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate House & Waterfall Tour with Willie’s Tours

Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate House & Waterfall Tour with Willie’s Tours

Hike to Cahuita National Park with Cahuita Tours

Hike to Cahuita National Park with Cahuita Tours

Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center Tour with Cahuita Tours

Sloth Sanctuary & Rescue Center Tour with Cahuita Tours

BriBri  Indigenous Reserve

BriBri Indigenous Reserve

From: $50 - $75
Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

Hike Cahuita National Park Tour

From: Under $50
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

From: $50 - $75
© Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours.
Read our Privacy Policy - Sitemap.