Cahuita is a laid-back town on Costa Rica's sun-drenched Caribbean coast. A tropical paradise, the town combines a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture with beautiful beaches, lush jungle and abundant wildlife. Lively cafes, bars and restaurants serve mouthwatering local cuisine and offer an authentic taste of the Caribbean.
Things to do in Cahuita
Cahuita National Park protects a pristine strip of coastal rainforest as well as a vibrant coral reef. Trails wind through the park and immerse you in the ecosystem. Look for howler monkeys, sloths and toucans in the treetops. Break up your hike with a dip in the crystalline Caribbean Sea. Join a guided snorkelling tour to explore the coral gardens offshore, which are home to colourful fish, rays and nurse sharks.
The Afro-Caribbean culture is vibrant in Cahuita, and you'll see it reflected in the town's music, food, and art. Don't miss the opportunity to sample traditional dishes like jerk chicken, fried plantains and rice and beans cooked in coconut milk. Beaded jewellery, paintings and crafts sold by local artisans make great souvenirs.
Rolling waves make Playa Negra a favourite with local surfers. Rent boards from local outfitters or sign up for lessons with a surf school. Finish your surf session with an ice-cold Caribbean rum punch at a beachfront café. If you’d rather swim and sunbathe, uncrowded beaches like Playa Blanca and Playa Grande are ideal.
Cahuita is a gateway to the Tortuguero Canals, a network of winding waterways accessible only by boat or small plane. They’re set in Tortuguero National Park, a sanctuary for nesting marine turtles like leatherbacks, hawksbills and green sea turtles.
Getting around Cahuita
Cahuita is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. The town is a 20-minute drive from the neighbouring town of Puerto Viejo and 45 minutes from Limon. Bus services connect Cahuita with both Puerto Viejo and Limon. Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose is a four-hour drive away.