Costa Rica

Cahuita Attractions

Beaches: 

A series of picturesque beaches line the coast from the black sands of Playa Negra in the north to the fine, white sands of Cahuita Point in the south. All beaches are easily accessed either on foot or by bicycle.

Playa Negra

Located just north of downtown Cahuita, this black sand beach stretches for several miles along quiet, almost deserted coastline. In addition to its striking beauty, Playa Negra promises  big waves for surfers and quiet waters for swimmers – just ask at one of the beachfront restaurants or tour operators about current conditions. Horseback riding tours are common along the wide beach.

Playa Blanca 

Cahuita’s most famous beach, Playa Blanca, offers fine white sand flanked by coconut palms and sea almond trees. The beautiful, mile-long beach begins at the Kelly Creek entrance to Cahuita National Park and continues south to Cahuita Point – the Cahuita National Park trail parallels the beach’s curves and bends. Riptides are common for the first quarter mile after entering the park, but beyond that, the beach has good swimming conditions.

Cahuita Point / Playa Vargas 

Playa Blanca ends at Cahuita Point, a rocky headland that juts into the Caribbean Sea, pointing at Cahuita’s living coral reef, which lies just off the coast. Here, white-faced monkeys charm tourists, snorkelers discover the colorful beauty beneath the ocean’s surface, and swimmers enjoy the gentle waters protected by the coral reef. To the south of Cahuita Point, Vargas Beach stretches down the coastline, ending at the Puerto Vargas Ranger Station, about three miles south of Cahuita. Camping is permitted at Playa Vargas and potable water is available.

National Parks & Private Refuges:

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is a beautiful coastal park known for its living coral reefs, abundant marine life and white-faced monkeys that guard the noni trees at Cahuita Point. Coral reefs, mangrove forests and white sand beaches provide habitats for the variety of wildlife that live in Cahuita National Park. Please note that, though the seaside walking trails are mostly sandy, it is recommended to hike in closed-toed shoes.

The Sloth Rescue Center (Aviarios del Caribe)

The Sloth Rescue Center is a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary in the Estrella River delta near Cahuita. Several sloths, most rescued as babies, live in the educational facility, where visitors can learn about them. The main objective of Aviarios del Caribe, in addition to caring for a growing number of resident sloths and educating the public about these mammals, is to research, rehabilitate, and release healthy sloths back into the wild. The Sloth Rescue Center is located approximately three miles north of Cahuita, a 10-minute drive. ( Opens at 8:00 a.m.; 2750-0775.)

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge protects almost 70% of the southern Caribbean coast and includes some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge officially begins at the Cocles River (10 miles south of Cahuita) and extends 19 miles south to the Sixaola River at the Panamanian border. The refuge protects beautiful beaches, coral reefs, lowland tropical forests and several of the country’s most endangered habitats including the only jolillo palm swamp in Costa Rica.

Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve & Iguana Farm

The Kekoldi were once a part of the Bribri, but split from the larger group many years ago. Today, their village, located just 40 minutes from downtown Cahuita, is home to the area’s famous iguana farm. Here, tourists learn about Kekoldi history, folklore and lands before visiting the research and reproduction facilities for the protected green iguana.

Bocuare Jungle 

Located in the Estrella Valley, Bocuare Jungle features an exciting combination of cultural and adventure tourism. The company provides tours to the local Cabecar Indigenous Reserve, whitewater tubing down the Estrella River, birdwatching, hanging bridges, and natural history tours to the Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve. They also have cozy cabins and other facilities, which include a restaurant, swimming pool, miles of hiking trails, ponds, botanical gardens and other natural attractions. (60 minutes northwest of Cahuita. 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 2759-1344 or 8704-1813)

Bribri Indigenous Reserve and Volio Waterfall

This waterfall and hike are often part of the Bribri Reservation tour offered by several of Cahuita’s tour companies. The hike is fairly easy, though recommended only for sunny days, and includes several stream crossings (be prepared for wet feet). The trip leads to a lovely waterfall and swimming hole. The falls plummet from 50 feet above, cascading over rocks along the way. The hike takes less than 30 minutes each way with several steep ascents and descents. The Bribri Indigenous Reserve is several miles southwest of Cahuita, approximately a 25-minute drive.

Veragua Rainforest Reserve

The reserve is home to a reptile house, ranarium, hummingbird garden, insectarium, butterfly garden, treetop aerial tram, waterfall and numerous hikes. Enthusiastic guides make the educational tours fun, and guests will likely see many species of birds, insects and other fauna while out walking. Veragua's rainforest trails are wheelchair-accessible. The Original Canopy Tour is also located onsite. (60 minutes northwest of downtown Cahuita. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2296-5056)

Museums, Gardens & Chocolate Plantations:

Cacao Trails

A combination of chocolate museum, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuary, indigenous museum, canoe canals and organic medicinal herb farm, this unique park offers a little something for everyone, including guided tours, a beautiful pool and restaurant boasting tasty Caribbean dishes. 2-6 hour tours are available by reservation. (Puerto Viejo. 2756-8186)

Cahuita Butterfly Garden

Home to over 15 species of butterflies, this center provides an excellent opportunity to observe exotic butterfly species while learning about their life cycles and habitats. (Cahuita. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sat; call Sun. $10 adult; 2755-0361)

ChocoRart Cacao Plantation

To experience chocolate in its purest form, visit the ChocoRart organic cacao farm and chocolate factory in Playa Chiquita, just south of Puerto Viejo. Owned and operated by a Swiss couple who harvest, ferment and cook cacao in the same traditional manner that the Mayan Indians used for thousands of years. Sugar is added to the chocolate as are natural ingredients such as ginger, coconut, vanilla and nuts. Tours are offered by reservation only and chocolate tasting is included. (Playa Chiquita. Reservation required; 2750-0075)

El Yue Eco-Tourism Farm

This women's group initiative, located just a few miles south of Cahuita, is a study in eco-friendly living. A biodigestor creates natural gas for cooking; an organic greenhouse produces food for the community; and medical plants serve many health needs. Tours to El Yue introduce visitors to the farm's pioneering women, and also take guests on a forest hike and waterfall trek. Two-day visits are available for tourists interested in learning more about the community.

Finca La Isla Botanical Garden

Open since 1987, this permaculture farm raises organic black pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, bananas, and many other fruits, spices, bromeliads and edible plants for export. Guided tours are highly recommended, and take visitors through a tasty, interesting tour of their grounds. Highlights include tapping a rubber tree, discovering where mace comes from and sampling the farm’s sweet, organic bananas. (Puerto Viejo. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2750-0046)

Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue

This 10-acre park provides a safe haven for injured animals, illegal pets, and other wildlife suffering from habitat loss or injury. The refuge has also developed breeding programs for iguanas and turtles; after breeding or rehabilitation, Tree of Life releases the animals back into the wild. Rescue center tours offer interactions with rescued animals and a guided hike through the grounds, which are home to heliconia, palms, bromeliads and other exotic flora. (Cahuita. $15 guided tour. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday from November-April; 11:00 a.m. guided tour July-August. 8610-0490 / 2755-0014)

Yorkin (Alta-Talamanca Indigenous Territory)

A branch of the Bribri indigenous, the small community of Yorkin is known for its natural wonders and thriving women's cooperative. Located in the mountains near the Panama border, this farming community is accessible only by dugout canoe. One and two-day tours explore organic cocoa and banana plantations, medicinal plants, the Casa de Mujeres (Women's House), local hot springs, the Panama Waterfall, and other local riches.

Shops and Markets:

The center of Cahuita boasts many markets and souvenir shops where visitors can buy indigenous crafts, sarongs, handmade jewelry and clothing.  Street vendors line up along the beachside and at the entrance to Cahuita National Park to sell jewelry, T-shirts and souvenirs.

Family Art

On the road to Bribri, just a few miles southwest of Cahuita, the Family Art shop is owned by a Bribri-Costa Rican family. Using “forest trash,” including discarded seed shells, fallen branches and natural dyes, the husband-and-wife team produces exquisite carvings, beautiful paintings and natural jewelry.

Cahuita Travel Guide