Searching for someplace to relax but a more authentic experience than the typical resort vacation? Look no further than Cahuita. This tropical destination is home to pristine beaches, a charming small-town feel, and the Afro-Caribbean spirit that distinguishes Costa Rica’s eastern coast from other parts of the country. Cahuita is the smaller neighbor of Limón and Puerto Viejo—perfect for the laid-back traveler seeking a peaceful, secluded retreat with easy access to other destinations. Although it is best known for a national park of the same name bordering the town, Cahuita offers more than ecotourism. You might come for the natural beauty, but unique cultural experiences will resonate in your mind long after you’ve left.
The details:
LAND
Beautiful black-sand beaches (relatively deserted, too) and the colorful architecture of a classic Afro-Caribbean town sit next to one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica: Cahuita National Park. Filled with rich biodiversity, wildlife, and activities the park spans nearly 55,000 acres of protected marine and land environments. This includes 600 acres of coral reef, making Cahuita one of only two national parks on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast where you can visit a protected reef. You can also visit shipwrecks and sea turtle nesting grounds. In 2019, the park’s Playa Blanca became the second wheelchair-accessible beach in Costa Rica. It’s a step forward to making the area more accessible for everyone. All in all, we think Cahuita is a pretty perfect place to combine relaxation with adventure.
PEOPLE
Cahuita is home to approximately 8,000 residents. Much like neighboring Puerto Viejo, modern-day Cahuita is a reflection of its multicultural past. The earliest inhabitants of the Caribbean coastal region were the Bribri and Cabecar indigenous peoples. Black fishermen and farmers from neighboring Nicaragua and Panama started to settle the area in the early 1700s, eventually resulting in a relationship that combined cultural elements from peoples of African and Indigenous descent. Afro-Jamaican immigrants later joined them, arriving primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in railroad construction and the banana industry. Today most of Cahuita’s local population is of Jamaican descent. The community’s ancestral roots influence local cuisine, spirituality, language, ways of life, art, and more. The most widely spoken languages are English, Spanish, and a dialect of Jamaican Patois.
FOOD
In Cahuita, you’ll find a variety of cuisine. In addition to flavors of the Caribbean and African diaspora, you can taste other traditional Costa Rican specialties seen more often on the other side of the country (and there are plenty of international offerings as well). Of course, seafood is a staple. Fresh fish are complemented by local produce and West Indian flavors like coconut, ginger, curry, and jerk. Recent immigrants from Europe and the U.S. have added their traditional dishes to the mix. Don’t be surprised to find Italian carpaccio on the menu: marlin, seabass, or another catch-of-the-day marinated in lemandarin juice with red onion, capers, and olive oil and served with toasted bread. After dinner, we recommend a cold beer (try Imperial, a Costa Rican classic) and live Afro-Caribbean music at the beachside Reggae Bar. What more could you ask for?
ACTIVITIES
- Wildlife sanctuaries (butterflies, iguanas, sloths, and more!)
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Boat tours
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Swimming and canoeing
- Beaches
- Tours: chocolate, ancestral plant medicine, crafts
SAFETY AND ACCESS
Cahuita is quite safe. The most common crime, as with basically any beach town, is petty theft. As long as you aren’t leaving valuables unattended you shouldn’t encounter any problems. Just use common sense and street smarts as you would anywhere else. Cahuita is located 3-4 hours from San José and 45 minutes south of Limón. It’s accessible via bus and shuttle from these cities, both of which have international airports. Cahuita’s neighborhood vibe makes it an easy and fun place to explore solo, with friends, or as a family. It’s not the place for a lively night on the town or a luxe, 5-star resort vacation. Instead, there are plenty of quiet beaches and quaint yet comfortable accommodations to choose from. Almost everything you’ll need or want during your visit is within walking distance of the town center!
We’re thrilled you’re considering a trip to Cahuita. The Caribbean Coast has long been Costa Rica’s forgotten corner. For example, until 1948 the Costa Rican government did not even recognize Afro-Caribbeans as citizens and forbade them from traveling outside of the region. As a side-effect of racial discrimination and prejudice, the area has developed its distinct culture. It is a true gem that’s finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Check out one of our itineraries to get started!
