Cahuita National Park

A jewel on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast

Discover one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and biodiverse national parks.

Costa Rica is world-renowned for its efforts to conserve and preserve biodiversity. Among Costa Rica’s 26 national parks, Cahuita National Park is the perfect embodiment of this commitment. Its white sandy beaches, coral reefs and lush forests are a true natural treasure. Cahuita National Park takes its name from the indigenous language: CAWI, meaning mahogany, a widespread local tree, and TA, meaning Point. Literally: mahogany point.

Overview of Cahuita National Park

The park is located around 42 kilometers from the city of Limón. Easily accessible, Cahuita is a popular destination for local tourists and international travellers alike. The park owes its name to the village of Cahuita, a charming Caribbean village that forms the park’s main gateway. The atmosphere here, day and night, is quite different from the rest of Costa Rica. Cahuita is inseparable from Puerto Viejo, 16 km to the south. The two villages have different faces, but are equally charming and natural.

An exceptional ecosystem

Created in 1970, Cahuita National Park covers more than 1,106 hectares of land and 22,500 hectares of sea. This vast expanse is home to exceptional biodiversity:

Rainforest: Cahuita National Park also protects a vast area of rainforest with vegetation including towering trees, lianas, ferns and a multitude of epiphytic plants. The tropical vegetation of Cahuita National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, from mammals to reptiles and an incredible variety of insects.
Coral reef: one of the most emblematic features of Cahuita National Park is its coral reef. This reef is one of the few coral reef systems in Costa Rica, extending over some 600 hectares. It is home to a great diversity of corals, such as brain coral and finger coral, as well as hundreds of tropical fish, molluscs and crustaceans. The reef is essential for protecting the coast from erosion and is a crucial habitat for many marine species.
Mangroves: the mangrove areas and lagoons of Cahuita National Park play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem. Costa Rica’s mangroves serve as nursery grounds for many types of fish and provide protection against storms and coastal erosion. The lagoons, meanwhile, are home to a rich biodiversity of aquatic birds, amphibians and reptiles.

The flora of Cahuita Park

The park’s flora is incredibly varied. In the tropical rainforest, you’ll find a wide variety of tree species, some reaching impressive heights. Among the most notable trees are tropical cedar, kapok and guayacán. Epiphytic plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, thrive in the tree branches, adding a splash of color to the canopy. Mangroves, which grow along the coast, are dominated by species such as red mangrove and black mangrove, which are essential for the stability of the coastal ecosystem. The region is home to over 551 plant species, some of them endemic. Cahuita is home to a range of plants of great interest, particularly as medicinal and edible plants. Take advantage of your trip to this area to discover unusual fruits and flowers such as the caimito (caimitier), corrosol (Annona muricata), Jack Fruit, guava, breadfruit, Icaquier, cat’s claw, tamarind, vanilla…

The fauna of Cahuita Park

The park is a veritable sanctuary for wildlife:

Primates: kings of the canopy

Howler monkeys: the undisputed kings of the forest, recognizable by their powerful cries and imposing size.
Capuchin monkeys: smaller and more agile, they are often seen in groups, exploring the forest in search of food.
Sloths: these slow, endearing animals spend most of their time sleeping, hanging from branches. There are two species in Costa Rica: the two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloth.

Reptiles and amphibians

Green lizards: these large lizards are easy to spot, especially on beaches where they come to bask in the sun.
Basilisk: these lizards sport an erectile crest on their heads, giving them a prehistoric look.
Snakes: although less conspicuous, the park is home to several species of snake, some of which are venomous. It is therefore important to be vigilant and not to handle the animals.
Frogs and toads: at night, the forest resounds with the songs of many amphibian species. Here, blue-jean frogs and tree frogs can be seen all year round.

Birds: a permanent concert

Toucans: with their colorful beaks, toucans are among Costa Rica’s most emblematic birds.
Hummingbirds: these tiny, brightly-colored birds feed on flower nectar.
Macaws: these large blue and yellow parrots are easily recognized by their piercing cries. A sanctuary is dedicated to them further south, near Puerto Viejo.
NB: Unlike Carara National Park, where you’ll see red macaws (Ara Macao), blue and yellow macaws (Ara Ararauna) can be seen in Cahuita Park and Puerto Viejo.
Birds of prey: several species of birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons, fly over the park.

Marine Life

- Tropical fish: Cahuita’s coral reef is home to a multitude of colorful fish, including clownfish, angelfish and butterflyfish.
- Sea turtles: several species of sea turtle lay their eggs on the white sandy beaches of the national park and the coast as far as the Manzanillo reserve. Leatherbacks and green turtles lay their eggs on the park’s wild beaches, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness this natural spectacle.
- Rays: eagle rays and manta rays are sometimes seen in the park’s waters.
  Marine mammals: dolphins and manatees can be seen off the coast.

Activities to not miss

Cahuita National Park offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes:

Hiking: numerous footpaths take you through the rainforest, coral reef and beaches.
Scuba diving and snorkeling: explore the seabed and discover the wealth of marine life.
Animal watching: observe monkeys, sloths and birds in their natural environment.
Swimming: Cahuita’s beaches are ideal for relaxing and cooling off. Playa Blanca is located at the entrance to the park, in the village sector. Another, less-frequented entrance, Puerto Vargas, gives access by car to an immense bay lined with white sand. Admission is paid directly on site. The sea here is calm and warm almost all year round.
Kayaking: explore the mangroves by kayak.

Practical tips for visiting the park

Best period: the dry season on the Caribbean side runs from August to November, unlike on the Pacific side. This is the ideal time to visit the park.
Equipment: bring hiking boots, swimsuit, hat, sun cream and water.
Respect for the environment: leave no trace of your passage and respect the flora and fauna.
Local guides: for a more enriching experience, don’t hesitate to call on one of our local French-speaking guides who know Cahuita Park like the back of their hand.

Surroundings of Cahuita National Park

Visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo, about 16 km south of Cahuita, is a seaside village famous for its idyllic beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Here you’ll find restaurants, craft stores and a vibrant nightlife. The beaches of Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita are popular destinations for surfing and swimming.

Discover the Bribri indigenous reserve

The Bribri communities, located inland near Puerto Viejo, offer a glimpse of Costa Rica’s indigenous culture. Guided excursions allow you to visit different Bribri communities, where you can learn about their traditions, lifestyle and farming practices. Departing from Puerto Viejo, we offer our customers a tour in French to share a magical experience with an indigenous people.

Scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking in Manzanillo

The Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge, located approximately 20 km south of Cahuita and 10 km south of Puerto Viejo, is another incredible spot for scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking enthusiasts. The refuge protects coral reefs, mangroves and secluded beaches. Marine biodiversity is abundant, with species such as rays, turtles and a variety of tropical fish.

Caribbean cooking classes

During your stay in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, take part in a Caribbean cooking class for an enriching cultural experience. These classes will introduce you to local ingredients such as coconuts, manioc and fresh fish, while learning how to prepare traditional dishes such as “rice and beans”, “patí” and coconut fish stew.

Horseback riding on the beach

Horseback riding is available along the region’s wild beaches and forests. These rides allow you to explore the beaches and rainforest at a leisurely pace, while enjoying spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. If you’re a horse lover, we offer more complete days with bareback swimming in the sea.

Relaxation and well-being

For those seeking relaxation, many wellness centers around Cahuita and Puerto Viejo offer massages, yoga and other holistic therapies. Enjoy a massage or take part in a yoga session to recharge your batteries in this serene tropical environment.

Surf at playa Negra

Playa Negra, south of Cahuita, is a popular beach for surfers. The waves here are ideal for beginners and intermediates. You can rent surfboards or take lessons from local surf schools to improve your skills or simply get started.

To sum up, planning a stopover in Cahuita during a Costa Rica self-drive tour is a chance to discover a different side of the country. A different atmosphere, to the rhythm of reggae and coconut flavors.