Cahuita, the pearl of the Caribbean
The village of Cahuita: what to see, what to do, how to get there and what's on offer? Cahuita is a picturesque, colorful little village that attracts attention for its tranquility, gentle way of life and proximity to the national park of the same name. An Afro-Caribbean ambience reigns here, and strolling through the narrow streets to the sound of Calypso Limonense (music invented right here) will give a special charm to this off-the-beaten-track destination.
What to see in Cahuita
Cahuita is a small beachside village on the southern Caribbean coast. Its original inhabitants were Jamaicans, and although many expatriates now make their home here too, the atmosphere remains relaxed and typically Caribbean. The village center has become very touristy, with many hotels and restaurants where you can sample the often spicy local food. Small footpaths lead from the center to the surrounding beaches, where everything is much quieter. There are very few cars and everything is accessible on foot, or by bike if you prefer. It's easy to rent a bike for the day right on site. If you like, you can even take your bike to the nearby village of Puerto Viejo. The ride along the beaches is well worth it, but you'll need a whole day to do it.
The village's main attraction is Cahuita National Park. It's open every day from 6am to 5pm. You can enter the park from either side. The first entrance is from the village of Cahuita, where you will be asked to make a donation of your choice before starting your tour. The second entrance is at Puerto Varguas and costs $10 per person. From each entrance, a 4km trail takes you from the point to the jungle. You can choose to turn back at the end of the path or walk a further 4km to reach the other entrance.
The park, with its white sandy beaches and coconut palms sloping towards the sea, is a true paradise. It's also famous for its coral reef, now unfortunately threatened. Accompanied by a guide, you can snorkel here with fins and snorkel to observe the sea urchins and other colorful fish. Swimming is also permitted in certain areas, but beware of the sometimes powerful currents.
The park's forest is just as impressive, with its lush flora and wildlife. While enjoying the sounds of the jungle, crickets and howler monkeys, you may encounter squirrels, raccoons, toucans, crabs and many lizards along the way. It's best to get to the park early in the morning to maximize your chances of coming face to face with the animals.
What to do in Cahuita
The most popular activities in the Cahuita region, apart from its national park, are visits to the indigenous people. Bribri or Keköldi. With a population of just over 200, the Keköldi reserve, located on the border with Panama, offers a superb view along the Yorkin River. Don't hesitate to visit your hosts, who will be delighted to welcome you, show you their daily routine and make you feel at home, right there in the heart of the rainforest of the Talamanca mountain range. Want to enjoy the clear waters of Cahuita National Park? What better way to explore than with mask and snorkel ? Only accessible with a guided tour, you can swim among 2.5 km² of coral reef. This marine treasure was the reason for the creation of Cahuita National Park. The Sloth Sanctuary This refuge for sloths (but not only), closed on Mondays, gives you the chance to get up close and personal with these enigmatic Bradypus mammals. Free admission for children under 5, 15$ for children 5 to 12, rising to 30$ over 12. The center also offers internships and volunteer work for enthusiasts and volunteers.Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park covers some 1,100 ha of land and 23,000 ha of sea. To get there, you have two options:
- The main entrance at Kelly Creek substation (voluntary donation)
- Entry via the Puerto Vargas post, located about 1 km south of Cahuita. Entry here costs 5$ per person.
The national park has several interesting features:
. The first part, along the coast, allows you to appreciate the beauty of the white sandy beaches characteristic of the Caribbean. The trail also gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the many two-toed and three-toed sloths found in the trees along the way.
. After crossing the mouth of a small river, you enter the rainforest.
Beware: mosquitoes have not adopted the Caribbean way of life, and are very aggressive, so a good mosquito repellent is highly recommended.
The path takes you past a number of small, almost private beaches, where coconut palms tumble down into the sea, providing photographs to make your work colleagues swoon.
In addition to sloths, the animal species most frequently seen by visitors are raccoons, coatis, howler monkeys, crabs and numerous species of birds such as herons, toucans, egrets and many other colorful birds.
