Why Cahuita Costa Rica Is A Hidden Gem You Need To Visit

Many vacation spots claim to be the best place to spend your precious time off. But in Cahuita Costa Rica, you’ll find an escape like no other. Leave behind crowded beaches and chain hotels, and let us show you why the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a hidden gem. We have something everyone can enjoy!

Cahuita Costa Rica: A Hidden Gem

#1: Cahuita Costa Rica is in the Caribbean!

I don’t know about you, but when I think vacation, I think sandy beaches, hammocks and a constant, summery breeze. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Cahuita Costa Rica. The Caribbean Sea affords our locals and visitors warm water, crystal-clear turquoise surf, and year-round balmy weather. This is truly paradise!

#2: The Rainforest Is Majestic

Cahuita Costa Rica has no shortage of rainforests to explore. With two national parks in the area, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and zip lining, taking in all the jungle has to offer. The local flora and fauna are sure to excite. Sloths, poison dart frogs, monkeys, jaguars, agouti, dozens of species of birds, and countless other exotic animals call this place home.

#3: You Choose Your Own Adventure!

Whether your vacation vibe is laid back or adventure-focused, Cahuita Costa Rica has the best of both worlds. You can find yourself chilling seaside in a hammock, walking the beach at sunset, wandering through the jungle, or living it up in the ocean. There truly is something for everyone!

Since we have the rainforest, there is so much to see and so many ways to see it. The plants and animals here are out-of-this-world beautiful. Our beaches range from gorgeous beige to volcano black to exposed rock.

We’ve already mentioned that the water is warm and colorful, but the number of things to do in it is unparalleled. Swimming is the obvious activity to do here, but there’s also amazing snorkeling and diving. Cahuita National Park protects 600 acres of coral reef to explore! If being on the water is more your cup of Costa Rican coffee, you can kayak, seek out dolphins on a boat tour, go paddle boarding, or learn how to surf.

#4: We Are Passionate About Nature

It’s no wonder that since Costa Rica holds so much beauty and charm that we want to protect it and keep it pure. Costa Rica contains 27 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, many forest and biological reserves, and 12 other conservation regions.

From Cahuita Costa Rica, guests can access 2 different national parks and visit the Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Center and a jaguar rescue center near Puerto Viejo. Costa Rica is famous for sea turtles, and there are countless efforts here to help them nest and release, protecting them from poachers and predators.

We also pride ourselves on being forerunners in energy conservation. Nearly 93 percent of our electricity comes from renewable resources, and we are shooting for complete carbon neutrality by 2020. Eco-tourists can rest easy knowing their visit supports our mutual love for the natural wonders of our planet.

#5: The People Are The Nicest

Think Rastafarian meets indigenous tribes meets Tico, and that’s what you’ll get in Cahuita Costa Rica. Pura Vida is the unofficial catch phrase country-wide, and it literally means, “Pure Life.” This translates to an optimistic, sort of “Hakuna Matata” way of looking at things. Couple this with the laid-back, beachy attitude of the Afro-Caribbean people who are descendants of mostly Jamaican origin, and you get basically the happiest people on the planet.

It’s not surprising, then, that Costa Rica frequently rates very high on the Happy Planet Index (it’s currently #1)! This makes for a safe, welcoming place where locals will help with your Spanish, show you how to make traditional treatments out of native herbs, ask you to dance and make sure you have an all-around great time!

#6: The Food Is Tops

Because of the Caribbean influence in and around Cahuita Costa Rica, the food here is unique. Costa Rica is definitely famous for fresh, locally sourced fruits and veggies, but there is a decidedly creole twist to the cuisine in the region. Caribbean chicken is popular, and coconut milk is a regular addition to many classic Costa Rican dishes. And of course, the seafood is to die for.

#7: Did We Mention There’s Chocolate?

Oh yeah, there’s chocolate. Cacao forests abound in the area around Cahuita Costa Rica. You can take tours of cacao farms, see how the indigenous tribes traditionally used it, and even learn to make your own chocolate. What better way to sate your sweet tooth?

#8: We Have Yoga

We think the best way to make your Pura Vida experience complete is with peace and tranquility at a place like the Goddess Garden. Costa Rica is becoming a popular destination for yogis, and it’s not hard to see why. We make it easy for you to plan your whole trip through our resort, and everything this stunning area has to offer is right in our back yard. Spa treatments, intentional living and yoga classes in open-air yoga decks with an ocean view? What’s not to love!

#9: It’s Steeped in History and Culture

Cahuita Costa Rica and the surrounding area is often called a melting pot of people, which makes the area rich in different cultures. The region is home to several indigenous tribes, such as the Bribri, Boruca and Maleku people. Later, an Afro-Caribbean population made their homes and actually founded Puerto Viejo. Of course in the mix, we have the Latin Costa Rican influence from the central valleys.

This all culminates in a diverse sensory experience in language, music, art and food. Local artisans sell their wares in open-air markets. Folks can be heard speaking Costa Rican Spanish, English, and Patois: a unique blend of Spanish, French and Jamaican English. Exposure to different types of music is also likely, as marimba, calypso, reggae, and Latin pop music are all popular.

#10: Our Vibe is the Chillest

All of the above culminates in one big fact about our region: we have the best vibe around. You can’t top hanging out by the ocean, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Outdoor markets, yoga, and living in your bikini are the way to go when you’re on vacation!

So what are you waiting for? Adventure, relaxation, culture and good times await you in Cahuita Costa Rica. Check out our accommodations here, and find out everything you need to know about travel here. We hope to see you soon! Our only advice: be careful, or you might never go home!