 Location
Situated just south of the town of Cahuita, about 43 kilometers
south of Limón, along the Caribbean coastline, Cahuita
National Park has one of the most stunning and picturesque locales
in whole of the Costa Rica. The main entrance to the park is at
Puerto Vargas, located about 6 kilometers south from Cahuita along
the main road to Puerto Viejo, Cahuita.
Topography
The topography of Cahuita National Park is embedded with coral
reefs and coral mountains. Cahuita's primal landscape attractions,
besides coral reefs, are its white sandy beaches, miles of coconut
groves and tranquil clear seas. Further, the terrain is composed of
mostly marshy and swampy lowlands blended with an abundance of
coconut trees and the beach almond trees.
Key Feature
The most striking feature of Cahuita National Park is a shipwreck
located on the north of the entrance of the river Perezoso. It is
believed that this 18th century ship was used to transport slaves
during the colonial rule.
 Flora and Fauna
The fauna of Cahuita National Park, located along Cahuita Point and
spanning over 240 hectares, mostly comprises mature coral
formations. Major coral species thriving in the region include the
elkhorn, smooth brain along with Venus sea fans and sea urchins.
Besides, a number of species of fish also inhabit the waters of
Cahuita National Park that include French angelfish, blue
parrotfish, barracuda and queen angelfish. Other species present
are the sea cucumber, lobster, white shrimp, and green turtle,
apart from the crustaceans. The tourists can also enjoy some of
selected species of crabs.
The park is also a sanctuary to various species of howler
monkeys, raccoons and white-nosed coatis, besides several species
of swamp-forest birds, such as the green ibis, yellow-crowned night
heron and Northern boat-billed heron.
Key faunal species
The four-mile trail distinct region, which connects Cahuita and the
Puerto Vargas Ranger Station, is a house to white-faced monkeys,
sloths and large webbed spiders. Tourists can avail the opportunity
to swim and/or snorkel. Cahuita National Park also offers snorkel
equipments for the tourists on easy rental options.
Marshland Fauna
The tropical forest houses wide variety animal species that include
Northern tamanduas, opossums, coati-mundis, porcupines and capuchin
monkeys. The marshes in the park contain animals, like the green
iguanas, basilisks, gigantic blue crabs and many species of birds,
like green ibis, blue herons, gulls, kingfishers, besides other
species.
 Accessibility
Cahuita National Park is easily accessible by bus and other public
transport. Tourists opting for public transports can easily take
either a four hour direct bus from San José to Cahuita, or
take a direct bus to Limón and then a connecting bus to
Cahuita. The travel time for either is approximately the same.
Also, the condition of the buses to Limón is better than those
that travel directly to Cahuita.
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