Cahuita travel guide
Cahuita, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
One of our top five spots in the country and one of the most underrated. Cahuita has fewer tourists than the Pacific coast, an incredible national park right in the heart of town, some of the best Caribbean food in Costa Rica, and a vibe that is completely its own. Don’t tell everyone.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Aug to Dec
From San José
~4 hours
Airport
SJO
Temperature
75 to 90°F
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Our take
Why we love Cahuita
We come to Cahuita often, and it’s our favorite national park in the country. We see so much wildlife here, and it’s way more relaxed than Manuel Antonio. The whole town has a chill, Rasta vibe, and it’s a great place to eat fresh fish. It’s especially nice if you’re traveling in rainy season, since the Caribbean often has the opposite weather.
Keep in mind that September and October usually have great weather here, but on the rare occasion a tropical storm reaches Costa Rica, this is where it hits.
How long to stay: Three nights is more than enough, with one day in the national park and one day exploring around. It’s a long drive from San José, so make it at least three nights to be worth it. To stay longer and just chill, head down to the little beach villages between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, or continue on to Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Getting there
How to get to Cahuita
Cahuita is a Caribbean coast destination. Fly into San José (SJO). Liberia doesn’t make sense for this route.
Our favorite option is to rent a car and drive to Cahuita from San José. The drive is not too bad for first-time Costa Rica drivers, just be prepared for a bit of navigating through San José at the start, which can feel daunting.
Once you’re through the city you’ll drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is beautiful and feels like entering Jurassic Park. The roads are well-maintained through the park but very curvy, and there’s been significant road widening work in recent years that can cause backups.
From there it’s a straight road to Limón and then south along the coast. The coastal stretch is stunning and the roads are in good condition. You do not need a 4×4 for this route.
For more info: San Jose to Cahuita: Transportation Options
Where it is
Cahuita sits on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in Limón Province. It’s a good stopping point if you’re heading toward Panama. The border crossing at Sixaola is about 45 minutes further south.
Puerto Viejo is just south of Cahuita and has a similar Caribbean vibe with a livelier scene. Many visitors combine both towns on the same trip.
Good to know: The national park’s Kelly Creek entrance is right at the edge of downtown. You can walk straight in from the center of town.
Weather
Cahuita weather and best time to visit
Dry season (Aug: Dec)
The Caribbean’s dry season is flipped from the Pacific. August through December brings the sunniest, driest weather. This is the best time to visit. However, on the off chance there is a tropical storm, it would likely hit during this time of year.
Rainy season (Jan: Jul)
This time of year has more frequent rain, but it often comes at night. We’ve had great rain-free trips here even when it’s peak rainy time. The Caribbean coast is completely unpredictable. You just never really know.
Daytime high
75 to 90°F
Humidity
High year-round
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:45 PM
Our tip
Pro tip: The Caribbean coast follows opposite weather patterns from the Pacific. When the rest of Costa Rica is deep in rainy season, Cahuita may be perfectly sunny and vice versa. Also, ignore the forecasts. If they say rain all day, it is usually not true.
Check out the complete guide to Costa Rica weather by month →
Where to stay
Where to stay in Cahuita
Hotel El Encanto
Our pick · Top rated
Really nice rooms, great pools, and outstanding staff. One of our favorite places in Cahuita. We stayed here with a bunch of our family after our wedding, and it was a really nice spot for everyone to gather.
Oasi
Luxury · Highest rated in Cahuita
Modern, high-spec bungalows just a 5-minute walk from the national park entrance. The owners go above and beyond. We stayed here last time and really, really liked it. It’s very calm, and our room had a big hot tub outside.
Casa Marcellino
Mid-range · Best for self-caterers
Peaceful wooden cabins set in a beautiful tropical garden near Playa Negra. Each cabin has a full kitchen, hammock on the balcony, and its own secluded feel.
Playa Negra Guesthouse
Mid-range · Beachfront area
Relaxed bungalow-style guesthouse near the black sand beach at Playa Negra, away from the main town buzz. A solid choice if you want to be closer to the beach and a quieter atmosphere.
Downtown is walkable and the national park is right there. Staying near the center is easy.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Cahuita rentals on VRBO →
See all of our favorite Cahuita hotels →
Cahuita or Puerto Viejo?
Choose Cahuita if…
You want somewhere relaxed, with the national park right in town. We tend to prefer staying in Cahuita, because if we’re here, it’s usually for the park.
Good to know
Besides the national park, there isn’t a ton to do in Cahuita itself, so plan day trips for the rest.
Cahuita or Puerto Viejo?
Choose Puerto Viejo if…
You want nightlife, a backpacker scene and tons of restaurants. Puerto Viejo is the bigger, livelier town, just south of Cahuita.
Can’t decide?
Stay in Cahuita and visit Puerto Viejo for a day. They’re close enough to combine on the same trip.
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Things to do
Things to do in Cahuita
Cahuita National Park
Our favorite national park in all of Costa Rica. A flat jungle trail runs parallel to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you’ll ever see, plus it’s packed with wildlife. Sloths, monkeys, snakes, coatis, and more. The Kelly Creek entrance is donation-only, so there is no fixed admission.
Snorkeling the Coral Reef
Cahuita has one of the largest coral reefs on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. The reefs are best accessed with a local guide on a short boat tour rather than swimming from the park beach.
Watch the Sunrise
Set your alarm for 5am and walk to the beach. The Caribbean sunrise in Cahuita is one of the most peaceful things you can do in Costa Rica. Almost nobody else is around, the light is incredible, and it’s completely free.
Sloth Sanctuary
A rescue sanctuary for injured sloths and former pets located about 15 minutes from Cahuita. Here you can see sloths up close in a responsible, conservation-focused setting.
Downtown and Local Shops
The downtown is small but has charming artsy shops that are good for non-mass-produced souvenirs. Take an afternoon to wander and absorb the Afro-Caribbean atmosphere.
Wildlife
Wildlife you might spot
Cahuita National Park is packed with wildlife: sloths, monkeys, snakes, coatis and more. These are all from our walks along the park trail. Go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting them.
Monkeys
Often in the trees right above the trail.
Sloths
Look up. They’re easy to miss, so a guide helps.
Raccoons
Curious and not shy. Keep your snacks zipped up.
Poison dart frogs
Tiny and bright. Watch the ground near the trail.
Yellow eyelash viper
Beautiful but venomous. Look, don’t touch, and stay on the trail.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Cahuita
Restaurante Las Olas
Best Fish Restaurant
From the original owners of Sobre las Olas, the longtime best seafood spot in Cahuita. Fresh catches, big shrimp, and a lovely outdoor atmosphere right in the town center.
Pizzeria Cahuita
Best Italian Restaurant
If you need a break from rice and beans, this is the place. The pizza is excellent, but we’d go back for the pasta and the sunset view on the patio.
Rincón del Amor
Best for Traditional Caribbean
4.8 stars and one of the most beloved spots in town. Go for the ceviche, the jumbo prawns, and the lobster. A local institution.
Restaurante Éwa and Lounge Bar
Best Caribbean Cuisine
Currently the #1 rated restaurant in Cahuita on TripAdvisor at 4.9 stars. Caribbean dishes, great cocktails, and a fantastic atmosphere. Don’t miss the mariscos.
Cahuita’s Taste
Best for Something Different
An unassuming little soda serving excellent Caribbean specialties. Also now home to a tropical cider company making pineapple and passion fruit ciders.
Ranchón del Negro
New Favorite
A newer addition with a beautiful open-air setup and a great selection of Caribbean dishes. 4.8 stars and already earning rave reviews.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Town essentials
Grocery stores
Super Vaz #2, located right next to the national park entrance. Well-stocked for a town this size.
Banks
Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is within walking distance of downtown. Carry some cash, not all places take cards.
Gas
Gas stations are along the highway into town. Fill up before arriving. All are full-service. Stay in your car.
Good to know
Safety
Cahuita is generally very safe and has a very relaxed feel. Your main concern is standard petty theft, the same as anywhere in Costa Rica.
Getting around
Getting around Cahuita
Downtown Cahuita and the national park entrance are completely walkable. You only really need a car if you want to explore further afield such as Puerto Viejo, the Sloth Sanctuary, or day trips along the coast.
Rental car
Most flexible. Adobe’s Puerto Viejo office delivers for free to Cahuita hotels within 10 miles.
Taxis
Available in town. Use only registered red taxis with a yellow triangle on the door or drivers that your hotel specifically recommends.
On foot
The downtown, beaches, and national park entrance are all walkable. You may not need a car at all if you plan to just stay within the town.
FAQ
Cahuita FAQ: your questions
How do I get to Cahuita?
Fly into San José (SJO). Liberia doesn’t make sense for this route. We like to rent a car and drive: through Braulio Carrillo National Park, straight to Limón, then south along the coast. You don’t need a 4×4. See all the options in our San José to Cahuita guide.
How many days do you need in Cahuita?
Three nights is more than enough: one day in the national park and one day exploring around. It’s a long drive from San José, so it’s worth staying at least three nights.
When is the best time to visit Cahuita?
August through December brings the sunniest, driest weather. The Caribbean coast is flipped from the Pacific, so when the rest of Costa Rica is in rainy season, Cahuita may be perfectly sunny. Rain often comes at night, and forecasts are usually wrong.
How much does Cahuita National Park cost?
The Kelly Creek entrance, right at the edge of downtown, is donation-only, so there’s no fixed admission. Read our Cahuita National Park guide for more.
Can you snorkel in Cahuita?
Yes. Cahuita has one of the largest coral reefs on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with tropical fish, rays and sea turtles. The reef is best reached with a local guide on a short boat tour rather than by swimming from the park beach.
Do I need a car in Cahuita?
Not for the town itself. Downtown and the national park entrance are completely walkable. A car is handy for Puerto Viejo, the Sloth Sanctuary and day trips along the coast, and Adobe’s Puerto Viejo office delivers for free to Cahuita hotels within 10 miles.
Should I stay in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo?
Puerto Viejo is just south, and it’s the bigger town with nightlife, a backpacker scene and tons of restaurants. Cahuita is the more relaxed choice, with the national park right in town. We usually stay in Cahuita, since if we’re here it’s mostly for the park.
Is Cahuita safe?
Cahuita is generally very safe and has a very relaxed feel. Your main concern is standard petty theft, the same as anywhere in Costa Rica.
Every guide
All our Cahuita guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Caribbean Coast
Planning more of the region? See our full Caribbean Coast guide.
