**Hello from Meg & Raina**

As long-time residents of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and the proud owners of My Puerto Viejo Realtor, we’re passionate about helping others discover this incredible corner of the world. We’ve put together a handy guide of 20 Things to Know Before visiting Cahuita National Park, filled with common questions and advice to make your visit unforgettable. Let’s dive in.

1. What’s so special about Cahuita National Park?

We think Cahuita National Park is a special place on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast - and it’s one of our favorite places to recommend. We often hear feedback from visiting friends and clients that they see more wildlife here in the Caribbean than anywhere else in Costa Rica. This makes us proud to live in an area that has been able to preserve the jungle and protect the animals. This park offers something for everyone—pristine white-sand beaches, abundant wildlife, and a lush coastal hiking trail that winds through vibrant tropical forests. It is one of the most spacious and least crowded National Parks in all of Costa Rica.

While the reef faces challenges from environmental impacts, guided snorkeling tours allow visitors to witness its underwater beauty responsibly. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a hiker, or someone seeking tranquil coastal views, Cahuita National Park can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family that we wholeheartedly recommend you take the time to experience.

2. Where is Cahuita National Park?

Cahuita National Park is nestled on Costa Rica's stunning Caribbean coast in the Limón province, just outside the peaceful town of Cahuita. Only a 20-minute drive north of Puerto Viejo, it’s a perfect day trip for those exploring the area. Unlike the busier Puerto Viejo, Cahuita offers a quieter village vibe with a mix of locals, expats, and a few charming accommodations and restaurants. Visitors often stay here to enjoy yoga classes, relax, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty before heading to the park.

3. When is the Best Time to Visit Cahuita National Park?

Timing your visit to Cahuita National Park can enhance your experience. The peak tourist season aligns with Costa Rica’s dry season, from late November to March, making it a busy but fantastic time to visit. The Caribbean coast, however, has its weather patterns, with February to April and August to October usually offering ideal conditions. These months are great for snorkeling since the water tends to be clearer.

Please note - typical weather patterns have changed greatly in the past couple of years, where we will have a lot of rain in the dry season and vice versa. The best weather App we have found is this Accuweather App, even so, the Caribbean is notorious for being unpredictable with rain one moment and sun the next.

If you prefer fewer crowds and aren’t snorkeling, consider the rainy season (May to early November) for a quieter experience. Arriving early (around 8 am) ensures you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy the park’s serene beauty.

Locals enjoying Playa Blanca outside Cahuita National Park.

4. Cahuita National Park Entrance fee.

Cahuita National Park operates on a unique donation-based entrance system at its Kelly Creek entrance in Cahuita town. The Puerto Vargas entrance charges a fixed fee of 1,130 colones for locals and $5.65 USD for foreigners. If you'd like, you can donate more to help preserve the fragile reef ecosystem. Both entrances accept either Costa Rican colones or USD and you can pay with a card, but the card machines don't always work. It's better to have cash on hand to cover the entrance fee without any hassle.

5. Do You Need to Book Tickets to Cahuita National Park in Advance?

No, you do not. Unlike some of Costa Rica’s busier national parks, Cahuita doesn’t require advance booking. Tickets or donations can be paid at the entrance, making it an easy and stress-free experience. This laid-back approach is just another reason we love visiting this park.

6. Where Are the Entrances to Cahuita National Park?

Understanding and planning the logistics of your visit is key to having the best experience. If you want to walk through the whole park (8 kilometers or 5 miles) Meg and Raina recommend starting early at Puerto Vargas (catch a tuk-tuk or cab from town) and ending your adventure beachside near the town of Cahuita knowing you can wrap up with a refreshing drink or meal at (insert your favorite restaurant here)—makes the day extra special!

Cahuita National Park has two entrances:

Kelly Creek Cahuita Station Entrance:

Located in Cahuita town, Kelly Creek Station (Cahuita Town) is the most popular entrance.
No fixed fee, but a donation (around $5 USD) is highly encouraged.
You’ll find more tourists and beachgoers here, heading to nearby Playa Blanca.
Wildlife is often concentrated near the entrance, attracted by snacks from visitors.
Exiting here after starting at Puerto Vargas? Perfect for a celebratory drink!

Puerto Vargas Entrance:

Puerto Vargas Entrance is quieter, with fewer crowds—great for peaceful hikers.
Entry requires a $5.65 USD fee, though it’s worth every penny.
Dedicated bus stop for a bus back to Cahuita or Puerto Viejo
The boardwalk section of the trail (about 2 km/1.2 miles) is breathtaking.
Ending in Cahuita town means easy access to transport or a well-earned meal to celebrate your adventure.

The entrances are connected by an 8-kilometer (5-mile) coastal trail. A round trip covers 16 kilometers (10 miles), which can take an entire day. Many visitors hike one way and return by taxi for a more relaxed experience.

Start your day right, end it on a high note, and make the most of this spectacular park!

7. What are Cahuita National Park Hours?

Cahuita National Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but key areas like Punta Cahuita (Cahuita Point) close at 2:00 PM. Rangers begin moving visitors along from this midpoint to ensure there’s enough time to reach either exit by 4:00 PM. To fully enjoy the park, it’s best to plan your visit early in the day.

8. Is There Parking at Cahuita National Park?

Yes! Both park entrances have guarded parking lots available for about 3,000 colones ($5.65 USD) per day. The Kelly Creek Station parking lot is conveniently located near Cahuita town’s center, while the Puerto Vargas entrance parking is closer to the ranger station. While the lots are secure, we recommend not leaving valuables in your vehicle for added peace of mind.

9. How Long Is the Hike Through Cahuita National Park?

The main trail runs 5 miles (8 kilometers) from one park entrance to the other. It’s not a loop, so hiking back doubles the distance to 10 miles (16 kilometers). Many visitors hike one way and take a taxi back. Even hiking just part of the trail offers beautiful views and a rewarding experience.

The boardwalk section which makes up 2 km/1.2 miles is breathtaking and is located in the ___ section

The rest of the trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, but rain can make some sections muddy. We recommend good sturdy walking shoes—be ready for them to get dirty!

10. What Are the Tour Guide Options for Cahuita National Park?

Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for an enhanced experience at Cahuita National Park. Expert guides like those from Exploradores Tours or Marco’s Tours Cahuita National Park can help you spot elusive wildlife, such as sloths and rare birds, while also offering snorkeling adventures to explore the vibrant coral reefs.

Here is a site with multiple tour guide opportunities and customer ratings; choose carefully. A guided tour not only allows you to see more animals and provides deeper insights into the park’s unique biodiversity and ecosystem.

If you’re on a budget, exploring on your own is still rewarding, but take your time for better chances to spot wildlife. For those keen on a guided experience, check out options like the half-day tour for $85 USD.

11. Should You Hire a Guide to Explore the Park?

Hiring a guide can enhance your experience, as they’re skilled at spotting wildlife and sharing fascinating information. We’ve found guided tours invaluable for seeing hard-to-spot animals. If you’re on a budget, exploring on your own is still rewarding, but take your time for better chances to spot wildlife. For those keen on a guided experience, check out options like the half-day tour for $85 USD.

12. How Long Does it Take to Explore Cahuita National Park?

To truly enjoy Cahuita National Park, plan for at least 3 to 4 hours. Many visitors spend an entire day exploring its hiking trails, relaxing on pristine beaches, and marveling at the wildlife. We’ve spent around 5 hours in the park, and it was well worth every moment. Give yourself time to soak in the scenery, and don’t forget to pause and relax on the gorgeous white sand beaches.

13. What Wildlife Can You See in Cahuita National Park?

One of the things we love about the Caribbean coast—and why so many people are drawn to it—is the incredible wildlife. Cahuita National Park is hands down one of the best places in Costa Rica to see animals, thanks to its year-round tropical climate, lush rainforest, and minimal development.

Despite the park's compact size, it’s packed with opportunities to spot amazing creatures in a concentrated area. Cahuita never disappoints. It’s like stepping into a wildlife wonderland! If this is the only Park you will visit while in Costa Rica or if you want to be sure to see all the wildlife possible, we recommend you consider booking a tour guide to make the most of your time. Sometimes the wildlife is hard to see with the untrained eye.

Here are some creatures you’re likely to encounter:

Sloths: Two and three toed sloths live here.
Monkeys: Howler and white-faced capuchins are common—watch your snacks!
Birds: Toucans, macaws, and sea birds abound.
Reptiles and amphibians: Lizards, poison dart frogs, and even snakes like the yellow pit viper.
Aquatic life: Crocodiles & caimans, and vibrant fish species along the reef.

14. What Should I Bring to Cahuita National Park?

Pack light but smart! Essentials include:

Plenty of water in reusable water containers.
Bug spray
Reef-safe sunscreen
Cash
Consider bringing toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Snacks or a Picnic? If you're bringing snacks or planning a picnic, be aware that raccoons and monkeys might try to snag a bite! These animals have become increasingly curious and bold. Avoid feeding them, as it disrupts their natural behavior and diet.
Swimsuit and towel
Lightweight rain jacket
Comfortable shoes for walking
Sunglasses, a camera, and binoculars

What not to pack:

Plastic bags are not allowed in Cahuita National Park, and we’ve been told that the staff is now checking bags at the entrance to enforce this rule. While we initially found this inconvenient, we appreciated the park’s cleanliness compared to other areas. This policy also helps protect wildlife, like raccoons, which have become notorious for snatching food from unattended bags.

15. Can You Snorkel in Cahuita National Park?

Yes! Cahuita is famous for its vibrant coral reef ecosystem. Snorkeling is permitted in designated areas and only with a guide. Tours often include gear rental and a guided swim, allowing you to see brain coral, elkhorn coral, French angelfish, queen angelfish, blue angelfish, sea cucumber, lobsters, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.

For the protection of the reefs, snorkeling is only allowed with a guide

Guided Tours Only: Snorkeling on the reef is restricted to protect it. Costs range from $30 to $200 USD depending on the package. You can go here for multiple tour options.
Be sure to check and ask about sea conditions when booking your tour.

16. Can You Swim in Cahuita National Park?

Yes, you can! Cahuita National Park boasts two stunning beaches, Playa Blanca and Puerto Vargas, with calm, bright Caribbean-blue waters perfect for swimming. The soft white sand and palm trees add to the charm. Swimming is only permitted at the beaches, and snorkeling is permitted only with a guide to protect the fragile reef.

17. Is Cahuita National Park Suitable for Kids?

Absolutely! The park offers calm, safe beaches and relatively flat trails which are great for families. While hiking the entire trail might be too much for little ones, shorter hikes are enjoyable. Be mindful of wildlife; supervise children closely to ensure safe interactions.

18. What Amenities Are Available in Cahuita National Park?

Toilets are only available at the entrances. For Kelly Creek entrance make sure to use the facilities before heading onto the trails, as there are no bathrooms along the way. At Vargas, you’ll find bathrooms just after the entrance before the wooden bridge. Note: toilet paper is not always provided, so plan accordingly!

Other amenities include picnic areas, shaded rest stops at both entrances, and of course, the park’s stunning natural beauty.

Tip: We strongly recommend you bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Now that you’ve made it through your visit to Cahuita National Park, you may want to check out the other things to do in Cahuita with our Best Cahuita Experience (2025) blog.

Alright, go have fun now! With its lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife, Cahuita National Park is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re hiking, snorkeling, or just soaking up the scenery, we hope you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy every moment!