Costa Rica Area Info: Caribbean Coast: Cahuita

Costa Rica Destination - Cahuita

Cahuita was baptized by the Misquitos indigenous, which, in their tongue, means “place where sangrillos grow,” a type of tree that has yellow flowers and is very common in this Costa Rica region.

Cahuita is a very unique destination on the Costa Rican touristy circuit, not only by its incomparable scenic beauty, but also for being the town which best represents the Afro-Caribbean culture in the country.

When walking its streets, you can perceive the colour, the taste, and rhythms inherited from Africa and the Antilles.

You will be able to see the typical multi-coloured Caribbean buildings which give the Costa Rica town a characteristic look of a community who resists losing its identity. You can taste Rice and Beans or a Rondon, and even enjoy the reggae and calypso always present in this town.

Cahuita is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful National Parks, unique for its biological richness.

You’ll be delighted by its amazing beauty, its white sand beaches, its coral reef and its majestic tropical forest with abundant wildlife.

The 7 kilometres trail goes along the coast between Cahuita and Puerto Vargas. You can find information offices in both areas. There is a bus service which runs along the highway and connects the two areas. You can choose to enter the national park in one area such as Cahuita and then go out through the other.

It’s amazing to see the diversity of tropical plants and abundant birdlife and wildlife in the park. Tune in your senses and appreciate this entire environment because you will very likely to come across monkeys, agoutis, numerous birds. If you are a beach lover, the most popular swimming beaches are Playa Blanca and Playa Puerto Vargas, both awarded the Blue Ecological Flag.

The coral reef is the most representative eco-system of the National Park. It is located in front of Cahuita’s point and it isn’t very deep, around one meter near the coastline up to 15 meters on its external zone. They have identified 35 coral species, 128 seaweed species, 140 mollusk species, 44 crustacean species, and 123 species of colorful fish.

For many years, tourism has become the primary income source of Cahuita. Here, you will find all the necessary services, such as groceries, souvenir shops, internet services, and many tour operators. Enjoy this privileged natural paradise, and get the most out your Costa Rica vacation.

While on Costa Rica Caribbean Coast, be sure to go south and visit fun and lively Puerto Viejo, as well as tranquil Manzanillo, and the many beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Coast.