Kenaki Lodge
On the beach at Playa Grande, about 3.5 km north of Cahuita, where leatherback turtles can nest in front of the lodge from March to August, and the bungalows have full kitchens.
3-starView hotel
Cahuita
A small, easy-going town on the south Caribbean coast, beside Cahuita National Park and one of the largest coral reefs in Costa Rica. About 200 km east of San José.
- Fly into
- SJO
- Then about 200 km by road
- Best months
- Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct
- The Caribbean's drier spells
- Region
- Caribbean
- South of Limón, on the road to Puerto Viejo
- The reef
- 500+ fish species
- In Cahuita National Park
- Pairs with
- Tortuguero
- Boat, shuttle and road by way of Guápiles
Why go
A reef, a shore trail and Caribbean life
Cahuita sits south of Limón on the road to Puerto Viejo, with Cahuita National Park and its reef just south of town. A trail runs from Kelly Creek, in the centre of the village, through the forest along the shore to Puerto Vargas, where you may see sloths, coatis and toucans. Offshore is one of the largest coral reefs in Costa Rica, home to more than 500 species of fish, with two sunken ships to explore. In town the food is Afro-Caribbean: rice and beans cooked in coconut, and chicken curries.
SnorkellingThe reef in Cahuita National Park
The park trailKelly Creek to Puerto Vargas, along the shore
Caribbean foodCoconut rice and beans, chicken curries
Hotels we know personally
3-star and above only, chosen by our team in Costa Rica.
When to go
Drier February to March and September to October
The Caribbean runs on its own calendar: its drier months are February and March, and September and October. Cahuita is hot and humid all year, so any month works, but for hiking the park trail the drier months are best. Bring rain gear in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Drier monthsRain showers, hot all yearSemana Santa, 21 to 28 March 2027: plan early
On the road to Puerto Viejo
From San José (SJO)about 200 kmPrivate transfer east to the Caribbean coast
From Tortugueroabout 3 hours from GuápilesBoat and shuttle to Guápiles, then a private transfer
On to Arenalabout 6 hoursShared shuttle, with stops along the way
Where to go next
Where our clients go after Cahuita
Good to know
Cahuita questions we answer every week
Can I snorkel in Cahuita?
Yes. Cahuita National Park protects one of the largest coral reefs in Costa Rica, with more than 500 species of fish, turtles, parrotfish and lobsters, and two sunken ships. We book a guided snorkelling tour in the park: a professional guide knows the currents and the reef.
When is the best time to visit Cahuita?
February to March and September to October are the drier months on the Caribbean. It is hot and humid all year, so any month works, but the drier months are best for hiking.
How do I get to Cahuita?
Cahuita is about 200 km east of San José by private transfer. Coming from Tortuguero, a boat and a shuttle take you to Guápiles, then it is about 3 hours by road.
Can I visit Puerto Viejo from Cahuita?
Yes. Cahuita is on the road south to Puerto Viejo, and we arrange a day there and on the beaches further south.
Where can I stay in Cahuita?
Our favourite is Kenaki Lodge, on the beach at Playa Grande, about 3.5 km north of the village, with garden bungalows that have their own kitchens. From March to August, leatherback turtles can nest on the beach in front.
Your Costa Rica, planned by people who live here
Tell us what you love. A Costa Rica Specialist builds a custom itinerary around it, with private transfers, hotels we know and our team on call 24/7 while you travel.
Since 2004 in Costa RicaOver 25,000 clients1,200+ five-star reviewsICT licensed, Declaratoria Turística