Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is in eastern Costa Rica, along the Caribbean coast. The park is known for its pristine coral reef, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and inland forests teeming with wildlife.

Understand
The park's forests are coastal rainforest with plenty of monkeys, reptiles and birds. Cahuita National Park is a must-see for any traveller in the area.

Flora and fauna
Cahuita National Park encompasses a surface area of 24,392 hectares. The park's two main ecosystems are the offshore reef and the rainforests on shore.

The forests are home to a variety of species including raccoons, coatis, sloths, iguanas, snakes and lizards. Snakes include the eyelash viper, the rainforest hog-nosed pit viper, and the fearsome fer-de-lance (the deadliest snake in Central America).

Climate
Tropical rainforest.

By bus
Buses from San José heading in the direction of Puerto Viejo stop in Cahuita. From Limón there are frequent buses until 18:00.

By car
From San José, take highway 32 toward Limón, passing through the Zurquí tunnel. When you reach the outskirts of Puerto Limón, turn right at the petrol station towards the community of Cahuita. The park entrance is about 5 km south in the sector of Puerto Vargas.

Fees and permits
The park is open from 8AM to 4PM daily. Entrance into the national park is by donation. It is a great place, so make a fair donation. The park is closed the first Monday of each month.

Get around
By foot. The park is not very big and can be circled within a few hours. There are several guides but use them to point out nature attractions since there is only one very well marked trail.

Do

 * Swimming
 * Sunbathing
 * Hiking - there is 2.1 km well-marked trail with boardwalks in wet areas
 * Snorkeling

Drink
Coco´s Bar right in the center. Sunday- Karaoke night!

Lodging
There are plenty of cabinas and rooms for rent.

The Atlantida has friendly staff and beautiful landscaping. Quaint, steps from the beach.

Camping
There is no official camping but it is allowed to camp on "Playa Negra" (Black Beach) for one night.

Backcountry
Yes!

Stay safe
Don't swim on beaches with red flags.

Go next
Before dark. You wouldn't want to be lost in the jungle at night. Don't forget: it gets dark early.