Cahuita
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Costa Rica
Did you know?
- The town's main street runs from the highway to the ocean.
- A park walk leads to the Puerto Vargas ranger station.
- Playa Negra pairs dark sand with waves suited to beginner surfers.
See also
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Costa Rica9.66°N 82.75°W · 4 m
Bocas del Toro
Panama9.33°N 82.25°W · 10 m
Overview
Cahuita has contrasting beaches within walking distance of town. Playa Negra brings dark sand and beginner surf, while Playa Blanco lies within the national park.
Languages: Spanish
Why Go
Cahuita is a rustic alternative to the more touristic spots found further south along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. The town consists of a main street that runs off the highway and goes all the way to the ocean, with dusty dirt roads leading to guesthouses and local residents. It offers two distinct beaches within walking distance: Playa Negra with dark sand and good waves for beginner surfers, and Playa Blanco within the picturesque Cahuita National Park. The pace is slower and less chaotic than busier destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Buses to Cahuita depart from Puerto Limon and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The Terminal de Buses MEPE is close to the center, so no need to head to the highway. All buses that go by Cahuita stop here. Several buses daily continue to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Limon, Sixaola, and San Jose.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The town is fairly small and can easily be navigated by foot. For getting to the beaches and your accommodation, you may prefer to rent a bicycle. Playa Negra is a ten minute walk north of town on the main road.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
There is lodging of all price ranges in Cahuita. On Playa Negra you can camp for free right on the beach for one night, or ask in the hostels if they allow you to pitch your tent in the yard for a couple of dollars. In exchange you can use their showers and restrooms. Budget options include Secret Garden (US$9 per person), La Piscina Natural (double US$35), and El Encanto Bed & Breakfast (double US$60). Mid-range options include Hotel Magellan Inn (from US$50 with breakfast and pool) and Hotel Jaguar near the ocean with restaurant and free WiFi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Restaurants are pretty expensive for Latin America, with prices in line with those in the US: budget US$15-20 for a meal. Many serve good local fish. There is a popular and inexpensive soda about 300m before the entrance to the national park. The small shopping strip next to the main bus station has a fruit and vegetable shop, butcher, and small supermarket for self-catering.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
The main draw is Cahuita National Park (entrance south of town), one of the best in Costa Rica with beach, jungle, and numerous wildlife species. A donation of US$5 is recommended, but paying only 1000-2000 colones is acceptable. Walk from the entrance to the Puerto Vargas ranger station (about 9 km, 3-4 hours) and catch a public bus back (400 colones). Go around 7AM when no one is there to see animals normally hiding after the park gets busy. Nearby attractions include Aviarios del Caribe (Sloth Sanctuary, 10km north, US$25), Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center (2km north on Big Beach, US$12), and Playa Negra beach for swimming.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Cahuita is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night near bars. The town is small and community-oriented, which adds to the sense of security.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Most hotels and even the soda have Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is available through local providers. Power plugs use the standard US two-pin type common in Costa Rica.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Several buses daily head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (popular surf town with more amenities), Puerto Limon (major port city), Sixaola (border town for Panama), and San Jose (capital). The MEPE bus terminal is the main departure point.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
El Encanto Bed & Breakfast
Small, high quality hotel 5 minutes walking from the village and close to the Cahuita National Park where sloths, monkeys, birds and other types of wildlife can be seen. The beach is 100 m away.
Recorded price: Double for US$60
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Jaguar
This hotel has many rooms 100 m from the ocean, a restaurant with great food, and free WiFi. There is no air conditioning, but rooms are quite well ventilated and large.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Magellan Inn
Comfortable, clean rooms with air condition, wi-fi, coffee makers, hot running water, big out door terraces over-looking beautiful exotic gardens and swimming pool settled in an ancient coral reef. Breakfast included.
Recorded price: From US$50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
La Piscina Natural
Small hotel with five comfortable rooms with fans, hot water, and mosquito nets. Some units offer three beds. The garden is wonderfully landscaped with gorgeous views of the Caribbean. There is also a lovely, natural swimming pool on the property for which the hotel is named. Numerous hammocks hang from sprawling walnut trees which are inhabited by two tree sloths. Accepts cash only, colones or dollars. There is free coffee and use of community kitchen 06:00-11:00 every morning.
Recorded price: Double US$35, triple $45
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Secret Garden
Nice Dutch owned hostel. Clean rooms. Good location.
Recorded price: US$9 per person
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Local soda near national park entrance
Popular inexpensive soda 300m before the national park entrance.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Restaurants on main street
Selection of restaurants serving good local fish. Expect US prices.
Recorded price: US$15-20 per meal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Aviarios del Caribe Wildlife Refuge
The worlds only sloth rehabilitation center. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close to one of the world's least understood creatures. A tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a boat tour. Groups welcome. Drinks available in shop, but no food. You can also stay over night in big, clean rooms with or without A/C and have breakfast with the baby sloths. A double room without A/C costs US$96 (May 2009) including breakfast and a shorter tour (without the boat tour, which is US$20 extra).
Recorded price: Tour/entrance fee is US$25 pp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Options for all budgets. Free beach camping possible at Playa Negra. Hostels from US$9. Double rooms range US$35-60. La Piscina Natural accepts cash only (colones or dollars).
Connectivity
WiFi available in most hotels and some restaurants. Coverage decent for basic needs. Bring universal adapter if needed.
Food
Restaurant prices are high for Latin America (US$15-20 per meal). Local sodas offer better value. Self-catering possible with supermarket and shops near bus station.
Money
US dollars widely accepted. ATMs available at the bank in town. Credit cards accepted in mid-range hotels and restaurants but cash preferred for budget establishments and local sodas. Prices often quoted in USD.
Safety
Generally safe small town. Standard urban precautions apply. Beach camping should be done responsibly. Wildlife in national park is habituated but maintain distance.
Transport
Buses are the main public transport. MEPE terminal near center handles all regional routes. Taxis available but no Uber. Bicycle rentals useful for beach access.