Cahuita National Park
At 2,711 acres (1,097 ha), Cahuita National Park is small in size compared to its counterparts, yet up to par in terms of its animal, plant, and marine biodiversity. The park is much more regarded for its underwater portion than it is for its land attractions, which are certainly stunning in their own right. This national park enables visitors the ability to explore Cahuita's aquamarine costal waters complete with Costa Rica's largest costal reef.
The immense 600 acre (242 ha) protected reef off the coast is home to 35 species of coral which in turn sustain a variety of marine species, including: barracudas, urchins, octopi, crustaceans, over 125 species of fish and a variety of sharks. During the 1991 earthquake that shook the region, parts of the reef suffered moderate damage when suddenly exposed to the air, yet the coral is making a comeback. Another popular sea attraction is a run down eighteenth century slave ship. Bound for the coast of Limon, the ship didn't quite make it, and now sits at the mouth of the Perezoso River, encapsulated in marine life. February through April is the best time for viewing underwater habitats.
On land, Cahuita National Park is equal in stature to its marine counterpart. Wildlife includes several types of monkeys, rodents and reptiles. Birdlife is plentiful, including herons, toucans, macaws and parrots. The leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles use the park's beaches for arribadas, coming ashore to lay their eggs. Both of the beaches that line the park are made of lovely white sand. Swimming, however, is dangerous at certain locations, though signs warn visitors of dangers.
Because of the park's proximity to the village of Cahuita, facilities and roads are well developed. Kelly Creek, south of Cahuita, provides an access point to those who choose to enter the park on foot. Vargas Point (Punta Vargas), at the park's south end, is preferred by those staying in Puerto Viejo or anywhere south of the park. Roads access the park from both directions.
Both Cahuita and Puerto Viejo offer an array of accommodations to visitors looking to spend time exploring all that Parque Nacional Cahuita has to offer.
Cahuita National Park itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Cahuita National Park itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
Costa Rica
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.
Costa Rica
A Coast to Coast Family Adventure
Our trip went very smoothly with all of our pick ups on time. The hotels, destinations and tours recommended by Roy Soto, our tour organiser were all of an excellent standard. For future reference, a lot of our trips were very early so we often missed breakfast at our hotels. It may be useful for fellow travelers to have a list of local cafes/hotels in each location that open early for breakfast. All in all our trip was very enjoyable, the scenery is suberb, the beaches beautiful and unspoiled, the wildlife abundant and incredibly diverse, and the people of Costa Rica are friendly and very hospitable. I would recommend a trip to Costa Rica for an unforgettable experience and I'd recommend Anywhere as a fantastic way to organise the trip of a lifetime, tailored specifically for you.
Costa Rica
Caribbean, Cloud Forests, & Pacific Beaches
It was a beautiful holiday; we had a lot of fun and relaxation. There are a lot of things you can do in Costa Rica –– we never got tired. We saw amazing sights and animals, the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle is unforgettable!
Costa Rica
Senior Couple Nature Explorer
We had a wonderful trip. All arrangements were handled promptly and on time. With howler monkeys outside our windows and being able to walk right onto the beach, it doesn’t get better than this.
Costa Rica
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Costa Rica has really got itself well organised for tourism, the service was spot on, the travel timing accurate ( although some of the roads were really poor, pot holed). Hotels and activities are really geared for tourists and they made us feel welcome.
Costa Rica
New Adventures with Old Friends
This Signature Trip is designed for adventurers who also have a fondness for history and culture. Grab your passport, your bag, and your friends as you explore Costa Rica.
Costa Rica
Rainforest Canopies to Beaches
From rainforest excursions to actually seeing sloths in the wild, this had been the most exciting trip we’ve been on. We were looking for adventure, and we got it!
Costa Rica
Rainforest and Caribbean Explorer
Costa Rica is amazing! We both tried rafting for the first time and had such a wonderful time. The chocolate was the best I've ever had. This was the tropical getaway we needed!
Costa Rica
A Mother Daughter Epic Journey
Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. When talking about Costa Rica with my mom/travel partner, she said "Is that someplace people go?". After our first day there all her worries were alleviated by all of the wonderful and helpful people we met.
Costa Rica
Experiences in Cahuita National Park
Explore hand-picked Cahuita National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Where to stay in Cahuita National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Cahuita National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
El Encanto Bed & Breakfast
El Encanto Bed & Breakfast is located in the Caribbean town of Cahuita. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, El Encanto is made up of an assortment of cozy, well-equipped bungalows. Cahuita is a small beachside town with a distinct Afro-Caribbean feel.
Atlantida Lodge
Atlantida Lodge is located on the laid back Caribbean coast, in the town of Cahuita. Cahuita is a small village with a beautiful beach that is calm and ideal for swimming. You can also find white and black sand beaches lined with coconut palms, making for a picturesque setting. The town itself is small, yet offers a variety of restaurants, bars and is renowned for its breathtaking national park.
Playa Negra Guesthouse
The Playa Negra Guesthouse is found in the small town of Cahuita along Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Cahuita is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches and spectacular offshore coral reef.
Hotel La Diosa
Hotel La Diosa is located within Cahuita, a small beach town set along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Cahuita has excellent beaches and is near the Cahuita National Park.
Banana Azul
The Banana Azul hotel is located along the Caribbean Coast in the town of Puerto Viejo, part of the Limon region. Puerto Viejo has a reputation for being beautiful, entertaining, and relaxing.
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Hotel Cariblue
Hotel Cariblue is found on the Caribbean coast, in the village of Puerto Viejo. This region offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a completely different side of Costa Rica. You will find a beautiful mixture of indigenous, afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican cultures, expressed in the way of life, speech and food.
Azania Bungalows
Azania Bungalows is an exotically designed jungle’s edge hotel located at Cocles Beach in the South Caribbean Region. Visitors will be charmed when relaxing poolside or eating delicious Argentinian style food next to the tropical gardens and thatched roof buildings of Azania Bungalows.
Le Cameleon
Tropical forest encircles Le Cameleon, placing the 58-room hotel within a short walking distance of the sands at Cocles Beach in Costa Rica. The grounds feature three outdoor swimming pools, an on-site spa, and direct access to a private beach area.
La Costa de Papito
La Costa de Papito puts you right between some of the best destinations that Talamanca has to offer. Staying here you can walk to Caribbean beaches, and take a short drive to the nearby wildlife refuge.
Tierra de Sueños
On the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the Tierra de Sueños ecotourism resort is in Playa Chiquita, which is 3.7 miles (6 km) south of Puerto Viejo. The hotel offers comfortable hardwood bungalows in a jungle setting that is just a short walk from the pristine beaches of Playa Chiquita. The Tierra de Sueños staff, an international, multilingual team, is ready to introduce visitors to Playa Chiquita and a memorable vacation.
Shawandha Lodge
Shawandha Lodge is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in the town of Puerto Viejo. The southern Caribbean coast masterfully blends wilderness and beautiful coastline. You will find a world of beautiful exotic birds, playful animals and smiling people. Puerto Viejo is a laid back beach town, offering a selection of restaurants, gift stores and live entertainment.
Hotel Almendros y Corales
Hotel Almendros y Corales is situated on the breathtaking Caribbean coast, in the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The Caribbean coast presents a unique blend of Afro Caribbean, Indigenous and Costa Rican cultures. These mixtures are all noted in the cuisine, lifestyle, and the sounds of reggae and calypso music filling the air, making the Caribbean a truly unique side of Costa Rica.
Flora & fauna in Cahuita National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Cahuita National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan
Flora & Fauna
Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari
Flora & Fauna
House Gecko
Flora & Fauna
Keel-billed Toucan
Flora & Fauna
Orca, Killer Whale
Flora & Fauna
Common Tink Frog
Flora & Fauna
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
