4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
Four hours by bus from San José
When to go
From November to April
Minimum stay
One day
Parque Nacional de Cahuita (Costa Rica)
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Sonia Goupil
Practical information on Parque Nacional de Cahuita
Reviews of Parque Nacional de Cahuita
Famous park on the Caribbean side, between the sea and the land, where nature is at her most beautiful.
My suggestion:
It's free to get in. The community that manages the park established this rule so that they would get enough tourists and could optimize the park's conservation. So please bear that in mind when you are giving them a contribution!
My review
Cahuita National Park will definitely be one of the most beautiful places that you'll see during your trip to Costa Rica, and that's in the face of strong competition!
You need to make sure you arrive early in order to make the most of the path that takes you through the tropical forest to a series of white sand beaches lined with coconut trees for as far as the eye can see. The high point of the walk is the coral reef of Punta Cahuita, the biggest in the country. It's absolutely magical and on no account to be missed.
With or without a guide you'll find yourself face to face with loads of animals, sloths, brightly colored birds, reptiles, electric blue butterflies...totally wonderful! The advantage of going with a guide is that you find out about the countless medicinal plants which make Cahuita National Park a real natural sanctuary.
And, in order to protect the coral, which has suffered from the effects of pollution, deforestation and uncontrolled tourism, you can only go snorkeling accompanied by a guide.
To sum up, not only is this National Park an unmissable site if you decide to go over to the Caribbean side, it's also a very good reason to include the east coast in your trip to begin with!
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Roel van Deursen
Cahuita National Park is located in Limón Province. It provides opportunities to see sloths and monkeys, as well as other wild animals.
My suggestion:
Don't forget sun cream and insect repellent. Take a tour accompanied by a forest guide if you are not very observant. If you have a good eye, however, you can visit without a guide!
My review
This is a park that's fine to visit either on your own or with friends/family, and it's ideal for children as the paths are well marked out and well maintained. The Congo (howler) monkeys, which are the black ones, can easily be seen without the help of a guide. Sloths, snakes and certain insects, however, are more difficult to find, and you may find the help of a forest guide useful for these.
The park's beaches are very beautiful, and it's possible to go snorkeling by arranging it through an agency (it's best to go on days when the sky is clear). There are some very beautiful underwater sites with numerous fish and marine species to be seen.
This is a very attractive, clean park and a nice place to visit. It provides opportunities to observe many animals at close quarter. However, it's a place to visit only if you have quite a bit of time available whenvisiting Costa Rica (even with no money, because entry is free; though a small donation will be appreciated all the same: give 1000 colóns, which is equivalent to about $2).
This park is ideal for occasional adventurers as well as those of a more timid disposition and less sporting types: the paths and trails are well marked out and well maintained, and the going is always flat.
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Sonia Goupil
138 travelers' photos
