Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for the jungle heat. Bring cash for donations, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and start early to beat the crowds.
Cahuita National Park
Playa Blanca Entrance (Kelly Creek) or Puerto Vargas Entrance, Cahuita
GPS 9.7366, -82.8393
Open directionsGetting there
The park is 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) north of Puerto Viejo.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Take the MEPE bus from Puerto Viejo heading towards Limón or San José, and get off in Cahuita town. The Playa Blanca entrance is a short walk from the stop. | 20-30 minutes | ~$1.50 USD | Buses leave Puerto Viejo roughly every hour or two. Have small colones ready. |
| Car: Drive north from Puerto Viejo on Route 256 and Route 36 to either the Puerto Vargas entrance or Cahuita town. | 20 minutes | ~$5.65 USD for parking | Parking is available at both entrances. A 4x4 vehicle is not required. |
| Tour: Book a guided snorkeling and hiking tour with a local operator in Puerto Viejo or Cahuita. | Half day | $30 - $60 USD | Mandatory if you want to snorkel the reef. Often includes boat transport and gear. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. Official operating hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. The best months for snorkeling visibility and dry weather are February to April and August to October.
What to bring
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The Punta Cahuita sector closes at 2:00 PM.
All hikers must pass this halfway point before the rangers sweep the area.
How the day runs
Follow the trail from town to the southern gate.
Walk the entire coastal trail from Cahuita town to Puerto Vargas.
- Enter at Playa Blanca
Make a voluntary donation at the Kelly Creek entrance in Cahuita town.
- Swim at Playa Blanca
Cool off in the water. Do not leave your bag unattended.
- Cross Punta Cahuita
Pass the midpoint before it closes at 2:00 PM.
- Puerto Vargas Boardwalk
Walk the elevated wooden path through the swampy lowland forest.
Focus on the marine life with a required boat tour, followed by a beach walk.
- Meet your guide
Join your certified guide at the dock for your boat ride.
- Snorkel the Reef
Explore the 35 coral species in the protected marine area.
- Beach Drop-off
Many tours drop you at Punta Cahuita to hike back.
- Walk to Cahuita Town
Hike the northern section back to the Playa Blanca exit.
Practical rules and packing
Do not feed the wildlife. Capuchin monkeys and raccoons are highly opportunistic and will steal food from unattended bags on the beach. Stay on the designated trails to protect the flora and avoid venomous snakes like the eyelash viper.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring plenty of drinking water, as none is available on the trail. You will also need cash (Colones or small USD bills) for donations and bus fare. Drones, loud music, and pets are not permitted.
Easiest way to do it
Cahuita National Park Tour and Water Experience in Puerto Viejo
5 h to 6 h 4.9 (163)
- Private transportation
- Delicious fruit snack
From$90per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How to get to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Viejo?
Take the MEPE bus heading towards Limón or San José. The ride takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs about $1.50 USD. Alternatively, drive north on Route 256 and Route 36 for 20 minutes.
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Cahuita?
No. The roads to both Cahuita town and the Puerto Vargas entrance are paved and accessible by standard vehicles.
What are the opening hours for Cahuita National Park?
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Punta Cahuita sector closes at 2:00 PM, and the Rio Suarez crossing closes at 3:00 PM.