Cahuita National Park
★★★ Coral Reefs & Sloths
The Cahuita National Park is the jewel of the southern Caribbean — and one of the few national parks in Costa Rica that does not have a fixed entrance fee (relying on voluntary donations, Puerto Vargas entrance: 5 USD). The park protects one of the last living coral reefs on the Caribbean coast with over 500 fish species and 35 coral species.
An 8 km long coastal trail leads through dense tropical forest directly along the beach. The wildlife density is impressive:
- Three-toed sloths: Hanging in the trees directly above the path — slow and photogenic
- Capuchin monkeys: Curious and always on the lookout for snacks
- Howler monkeys: You hear them before you see them — their roar is audible for kilometers
- Raccoons & Coatis: Foraging on the beach
- Snakes: The yellow eyelash viper is common — beautiful but venomous. Stay on the path!
Snorkeling
The Cahuita coral reef is the largest in Costa Rica. From the beach, it's only a few meters to the first corals. In calm waters (best conditions: September–October and February–March), you can see tropical fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, and with luck, sea turtles. Guided snorkeling tours from Cahuita village cost 25–35 USD including equipment.
Cahuita, 13 km north of Puerto Viejo. Main entrance "Kelly Creek": donation-based. Entrance "Puerto Vargas": 5 USD. Daily 8:00–16:00. Open on Mondays!
Cahuita Village — Pure Caribbean Charm
The village of Cahuita is smaller and quieter than Puerto Viejo — and that's exactly its charm. Colorful wooden houses, a few sodas, a handful of bars, and a tranquility that is remarkable even by Caribbean standards. There is no ATM here (the nearest is in Puerto Viejo!), no nightlife, and no rush.
Dining in Cahuita
Miss Edith's · Main Street — The most famous soda on the Caribbean coast, run by Miss Edith and her family since the 1960s. The Caribbean Chicken in coconut milk sauce with Rice and Beans is legendary — travelers come from afar for it. 5,000–8,000 CRC. It can take a while (Pura Vida pace!), but it's worth the wait.
Sobre las Olas · On the beach — Restaurant on stilts directly over the sea. Fresh fish, Caribbean cocktails, and the sound of the waves. The best atmosphere in Cahuita. 6,000–12,000 CRC.
Café Chocolatte · Main Street — Breakfast and pastries, run by a friendly Argentine-Costa Rican couple. The crepes and coffee are excellent. 3,000–6,000 CRC.
Accommodation
Playa Negra Guesthouse — Directly on the black volcanic beach (Playa Negra), overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Simple, clean rooms in a tropical garden. Double rooms from 50 USD.
El Encanto B&B — Charming B&B in the village with a tropical garden, hummingbirds, and a sensational breakfast. Double rooms from 75 USD.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
★★ The Wild End of the Coast
South of Puerto Viejo, the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo stretches over 9,449 hectares of land and sea. It is one of the least visited protected areas in Costa Rica — and one of the most biodiverse.
The refuge protects:
- Coral reefs: The best on the Caribbean coast, with over 100 fish species and 40 coral species
- Mangroves: Habitat for caimans, crabs, and juvenile fish
- Rainforest: With jaguar population, tapirs, and all four monkey species
- Swamp areas: Nesting sites for leatherback and hawksbill turtles (March–July)
- The only natural manatee habitat in Costa Rica: With luck, you might see the gentle sea cows in the Gandoca lagoon
Guided hikes and snorkeling tours from Manzanillo: 25–40 USD. The kayak trip through the Gandoca lagoon (35 USD) offers the best chances of seeing manatees.