photo credit: Armando Maynez

One of the best little parks in Costa Rica is on the Caribbean coast, just a short 20 minute bus ride from this little village we call Puerto Viejo. The park is Cahuita National Park, a small but diverse park perfect for hiking, snorkeling or just lounging on the beautiful white or black sand beaches.  The hike through this park is a fairly light one, is approximately 9 km, and can be started either at the main park entrance, near Punta
Vargas, or at the beach entrance, located a 5 minute walk from the bus terminal in the town of Cahuita. Along this path you’ll see two species of monkey, the white-faced capuchin and the black howler, three-toed sloths, both green and black basilisk lizards, iguanas, leaf-cutter ants, coatis, raccoons, eyelash vipers, boas, several bird, butterfly and skink species, and even tiny hermit crabs. Normally, the hike takes a few hours, but it’s best to always check the trail conditions, as heavy rains leave not only long stretches of mud, but also raise the small streams in the park to rivers, making it impossible to cross without getting soaked, so it’s best to bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

The real treasure to this park, however, is its living, protected Caribbean coral reef. Snorkeling in the park is amazing, as you will see not only several species of coral,  including brain and   flame corals, but there are virtually thousands upon thousands of species of tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflies, tangs, nurse sharks, stingrays, blennies, snapper, grouper and jacks. Also to be seen there, as a good guide will be sure to point out, are octopus, eels, and the rare scorpion fish, which, if touched, is toxic. These non aggressive fish, however, are fine if left alone, and have beautiful fins looking like scallop shells and bodies that resemble the surrounding rock. Snorkeling here requires a guide, however, as it is one of the best protected reefs in the world, and planning, as it is only as good as the conditions, so it’s best to check the day before going and have the trip arranged.

So, whether it’s a lazy day of relaxing in the sun on the crescent shaped white sand beach, or a day of jungle/reef adventure seeing hundreds of local species of flora/fauna, Cahuita is a beautiful, quiet, and inexpensive way to see the natural diversity and beauty that the South Caribbean side of Costa Rica has to offer.

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