Costa Rica's Caribbean town of Cahuita hosts a 5 day “mini-Carnival” - Carnavalitos Cahuita in early December. It’s the time when theater comes to town, the calypso and reggae is cranked up, and local Costa Ricans and tourists let their hair down. At other times, there’s plenty of night action in Cahuita.

Partying

One of the hot spots is Cahuita's "Ricky’s Bar" with a Tropical Key West feel.
Jungle vibe, outdoor seating and a nice dance floor with live bands Wednesday and Saturday nights at 9pm
Open: 1 p.m. - midnight
Phone: 506-755-0228 or 755-0185

Rosa’s: a laid-back option for beer and music

Chau’s Paradise offers live Costa Rica calypso music and good seafood in their local restaurant

“Jenny”, an English woman, serves more than 30 great cocktails and has happy hour nightly 8 - 9 p.m. This tastefully decorated, hassle-free log and palm-thatch bar, has live music on Wednesday (Party Night) and Saturday (Caribbean Night).

Coco’s Bar, across the street, is another lively spot. This laid-back reggae bar has colorful Rastafarian decor and draws dreadlocked Rastas; it has a plank-floored disco complete with flashing lights to the rear and a terrace to the front with chess boards. The Costa Rica bar has a TV, and the cocktails are powerful. Thursday is cocktail night, Friday it has live calypso, Saturday is party night, and Sunday is ladies night. Unfortunately, it attracts a few drug dealers and leeches who try to hit clientele up for a free drink. Located across from the Cahuita bus station.

More sedate bars include Bar Hannia and Jardín Tropical, which has pool tables.

From Cahuita national park area, take a day trip to lively town of Puerto Viejo and Surf Costa Rica's famous Salsa Bravas! Visit the neighboring Caribbean Beaches such as Uva, Chiquita or Manzanillo Beach.