Looking for a slice of nature to explore in Costa Rica? You gotta check out Cahuita National Park! Located between Limon and Puerto Viejo, the Cahuita National Park hike is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. You can even hike from one entrance to the other, through lush rainforest and along pristine sandy beaches. If you get too hot, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Caribbean Sea!
I love exploring parks around the world, and last week in Puerto Viejo was the perfect time to visit one the of best national parks in Costa Rica. The Cahuita National Park hike is only a 20-minute drive (about 17 km) from downtown Puerto Viejo by tuk tuk. For a more adventurous trip, you could catch the bus between Puerto Viejo and Limon and hop off at Cahuita. Tuk tuk was a bit quicker — and I couldn’t wait to get there!
Unlike other popular attractions, Cahuita National Park didn’t feel overly touristy. There were moments when I was completely alone, without anyone else around. I was struck (and a bit distracted) by the park’s biodiversity and lush green wilderness. While enjoying a bite by the sea, a crafty raccoon came out of nowhere (literally… like a ninja!) while my back was turned and swiped my patty (Costa Rican beef turnover). So I packed up and continued on with an empty belly. Learn from me: remember to keep a close eye on your snacks.
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Table of Contents
About Cahuita National Park Hike
Location: Cahuita National Park (near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica)
Distance: 10 km point to point
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation: Minimal elevation gain
Time: 2 – 3 hours. Open from 8 am to 4 pm.
Fee: 3,000 colones / $7.60 CAD
Reservation: Not required.
Dog-friendly: Pets are not permitted.
Features: The Cahuita National Park hike is well-maintained and stretches through the tropical forest and along the Caribbean coastline. The park features a rich diversity of wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, northern tamanduas, and opossums, along with green iguanas and basilisk lizards in their natural habitat. Cahuita National Park has two entrances that allow visitors the chance to hike from one end of the park to the other, all the while enjoying the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Cahuita National Park Map
Cahuita National Park Hiking
Starting off at the Puerto Vargas entrance, I was all set for a new hiking adventure. I paid the entrance fee and made my way to the washroom by the trailhead. Then it was time to hit the boardwalk, motoring by two tour groups from Europe. I stumbled upon a troop of capuchin monkeys not too high above our heads, and of course snapped some photos while watching these feisty little creatures. When the monkeys wandered off, I continued on to find the pristine sandy beach at Puerto Vargas. I wasn’t in the mood for a swim, but that beach was pristine.
You’ll want to take your time in Cahuita National Park. If you’re like me, constantly scouting for wildlife sightings, you could easily spend several hours here. I continued on toward Punta Cahuita, with several species of lizard and sea birds capturing my attention. Apparently, Cahuita Park has impressive coral reefs and some of the best snorkelling around. You can’t bring your own snorkel gear, but you can book a tour with a guide. I crossed paths with a group gearing up to snorkel at Punta Cahuita. Then I kept going to find Playa Blanca. I walked barefoot along the beach all the way to Cahuita town (Kelly Creek entrance). It was lovely.
The trail is officially 8 km, but I clocked closer to 10 km. Give yourself at least 2 hours for the hiking, but you may need more time if you plan to swim. Don’t forget to bring everything you need to have a safe and fun time (including drinking water).
Read next: How To Make Your Outdoor Adventures More Sustainable
How To Get To Cahuita National Park
If you’re hanging out in Puerto Viejo, visiting Cahuita National Park isn’t very difficult. As I mentioned, the cheapest option is the local bus between Puerto Viejo and Limon. However, if you want your own schedule, taking a taxi or tuk tuk is an easy option (a bit pricey). I took a Tuk Tuk from Puerto Viejo to the Puerto Vargas entrance, which cost 8,000 colones ($20 CAD). Cahuita town is much quieter than the bustling Puerto Viejo if you’re looking for a more relaxed place to stay.
Cahuita National Park Entrance Fee
Yes, there was an entry fee for Cahuita National Park. At the Puerto Vargas entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee to support conservation efforts. I paid 3,000 colones ($7.60 CAD). However, you will not need to pay a fee if you enter the park from Cahuita town (Kelly Creek entrance). Nevertheless, donations are requested to support the vitality of this beautiful national treasure.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to Hiking the West Coast Trail
Cahuita National Park Beaches
Cahuita National Park is home to two stunning beaches — Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas. These two beaches are known as some of the most pristine in Costa Rica. With swaying palm trees, soft white sand, and the vibrant blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, it’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially “Costa Rican” place! I was impressed and thankful to find clean beaches, without obvious signs of litter or negative human impacts.
Did you know that Cahuita National Park is an expansive protected area? The park encompasses 2,639 acres of land and 55,351 acres of ocean territory, including forests, mangroves, beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. These habitats support a rich biodiversity in Cahuita National Park; a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike!
Cahuita National Park Animals
Cahuita National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. As you explore the park, you’re likely to find monkeys, sloths, toucans and other bird species, and many other animals. I had a blast hiking along and looking for animals near the trail. What a great place to explore, especially for families and anyone who loves wildlife. You’ll definitely want your camera to capture some memories here.
Remember the raccoon that nabbed my snack? Sadly, I likely wasn’t the first visitor to feed him. As a rule, I never intentionally feed wild animals; but unfortunately that ninja raccoon was particularly stealthy. I learnt another harsh lesson when a very aggressive capuchin monkey wouldn’t let me pass. He was angry, likely wanting food from me. Monkeys and other wild animals can become aggressive toward humans after they taste human food. Please don’t feed animals in the wild (and watch out for the ninjas).
Read next: 2-Day Glacier Lake Hike in Banff National Park
Know Before You Go
Entrance Fee: Visitors will need to pay an entrance fee or give a donation, depending on the entrance you start at. You can use credit card or cash for payment.
Trails: Overall, the trails are well-maintained and very enjoyable. A long section of the trail is boardwalk and a significant portion is along the Caribbean coastline. The trail can become pretty muddy, especially after rain. Most people will be happy with trail runners or sturdy sandals; hiking boots would be overkill (and quite hot).
Navigation: You shouldn’t have any trouble with navigation in Cahuita National Park. Stick to the main trail (there’s really only one), and pay attention to the signs.
Wildlife: As I’ve mentioned, you’re bound to see a variety of animal species in the park. Respect these animals by keeping a safe distance. Do not feed animals in the park.
Beach / Snorkelling: Cahuita’s beaches are pristine and beautiful, but you’ll want to be cautious in the waves and tides. Many visitors plan to snorkel, but you must use a tour guide. Caribe Fun Tours seems to be a good option.
Weather: Welcome to Costa Rica — it can be very hot and sunny here! Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Don’t forget a bottle of water —- I love my Nalgene water bottle.
Day Pack: Bring hiking essentials with you. I carried my Osprey Hikelite 18 with water, snacks, and my lightweight hammock. You’ll find a tap with drinking water at Puerto Vargas, but you might want to bring your own.
Leave No Trace: Help preserve this beautiful national park by following Leave No Trace principles. If you pack it in, remember to pack it out. Don’t leave anything behind.
Toilets: Visitors can use the toilets, showers, and picnic tables at the Kelly Creek entrance in Cahuita town. You’ll also find toilets and drinking water at Puerto Vargas.
Parking: Parking is available at both entrances, but you should avoid leaving valuables in your car.
Have you visited Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica? Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica soon? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
