Parque Nacional Cahuita — Attraction in Cahuita

We started our hike from Cahuita. Park somewhere in town, no need to pay for parking.

The admission fee is a donation, so pay what you can, it supports the park. We were being told we would see nothing without a guide, but we took the risk and ventured in unaccompanied.

There are several maps along the way, so you know where you are. The trail is long. Over 6.2 miles from end to end.

If you are starting from this direction, you are the adventurist. You will experience the trail right up to the oceans edge and the surf tends to wash over the trail, so time your crossing just right if you want to stay dry.

The trail meanders in and out of the rainforest along the waters edge for about 4 miles. We felt that this side of the park is great for birds, snakes, hermit crabs and raccoons. The two snakes we encountered were very different. One, an eyelash viper who was thankfully sleeping and another very long white snake near the waters edge. Diamond shaped head means venom. Stay away. The raccoons could have cared less we were there and probably would have eaten right out of our hands, but don’t feed them, they are wild animals.

Once we passed through the entrance to Puerta Vargas, that all changed. The last two miles on this side are all on a raised platform trail as it is a marsh below. On this side, we saw a sloth and multiple monkeys. You just have to be looking up and be patient. The trees move and you can see dark spots. Before you know it, the shapes of them appear and you can watch them moving around in the canopy of the trees. So cool.

The facilities near the Puerta Vargas entrance were the beat we’ve had on our whole trip. Very clean restrooms and well maintained. We also saw an entire family of howler monkeys in the trees as we started making our way out of the park.

Butterflies are beautiful and colorful.

You can stop at the local bar as you leave the park and catch a bus back to Cahuita or walk the two miles along the highway, which is what we chose to do.

We definitely earned a big meal at the end. It was about 8 miles total. What a great day and worth the...

This was the first National Park we visited independently in Costa Rica. (We visited Tortuguero as part of a tour) . Having visited Manuel Antonio and Monteverde since, I feel able to give a more accurate review.

This is a much less busy National Park than Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. This probably reflects the more laid-back and "back-packy" vibe of the Cahuita area, where there seemed to be fewer tourists and a few more independent travellers.

There is a voluntary donation to enter the park from Cahuita. At the entrance, local guides will ask if you need a guide. You don't, and if you say "No thanks," they will not hassle you and politely wish you a good day. We donated 5000 Colones.

The park itself is very well signed with clear footpaths, and it is crawling with wildlife. We saw a sloth, three types of monkeys, Coates and a huge crocodile (not in the sea, in a lagoon!)

There is a reef next to the park and beautiful shady, sandy beaches. The weather had been a little stormy so visibility in the sea wasn't good. You are not allowed to snorkel without a guide because the National Park is trying to protect the reef from further damage.

We had a picnic by the sea during which we had to shoo away Racoons and monkeys, who managed to steal a sandwich and banana ( the banana was silently and swiftly taken from my wife's hand!)

The Park is a beautiful place to spend a day and a great place to meet the local wildlife. One of our best experiences during a month in Costa Rica. It's well managed but has avoided the over-touristed feeling that some of the other...

Amazing beaches and jungle walks. You can enter from the ranger station south of Cahuita or in the town it's self. The cost is $5 US per person but residents get a big discount I think it was 1,000 colones for adults and $500 for children. There are toilets and showers here as well. Gates close at 4. Great to walk with some food and drinks and find your very own beach! Be careful not to sit under coconut trees however there are some really good shady spots along the way you can post up at. Looked great for snorkeling at the point. We saw some cool fish and armies of hermit crabs! Try to find an empty shell for them to move into. Please remember their is no fishing or collecting of shells at this national Park so just come and enjoy the beauty. Please don't feed the local animals as some of them have become a little too comfortable with humans and will actually approach you and try to take your food. Help keep it clean and maybe consider picking up any trash you may see. It is possible to park outside the gate at the southern ranger station and walk in after they close for a nice sunset Beach mission. There is a bus that will take you from the top back down to the southern ranger station road but it is a little bit difficult to navigate if your Spanish is mediocre or less. There is an elevated walkway that goes through the jungle about a 2k walk that keeps you away from the creepy crawlies but still able to view the jungle if you're a little squeamish about those things. Enjoy...