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Cahuita National Park (Kelly Creek)

Trail · Caribbean Coast

The donation-only entrance to Cahuita National Park at the edge of town: a flat beachside trail through the forest where sloths, howler monkeys and raccoons are very likely sightings.

Cost
about $2
Time there
3 h
Best time
morning
Kids
8 / 10
View
8 / 10
Crowds
6 / 10
Swimming
7 / 10
Effort
2 / 10
Location
9.7363, -82.839 — Google Maps

Tip

Walk the 3 km to Punta Cahuita and back before the midday heat. Bring cash for the donation plus your own water and snacks; there are no services inside.

Be careful

Monkeys and raccoons snatch food, so keep bags zipped. Single-use plastic isn't allowed, and the trail to Punta Cahuita closes around 2 pm.

Places nearby

  • Soda KaweSodas & Local FoodBudget-friendly soda right by the Cahuita National Park entrance, good for gallo pinto and fruit plates before a hike or a casado after it.
  • DelRita PattyFood & CoffeeTiny family stand on Cahuita's main road selling Caribbean patís, baked pastries with beef or sweet pineapple filling, until they sell out; visitors say it is worth going early.
  • Aroma Coffee Bar & BreakfastFood & CoffeeCozy coffee bar in the middle of Cahuita serving brewed coffee and breakfast, with a mix of classic plates and local twists; a good first stop before the national park.
  • Jungle Night Walk CahuitaParks & WildlifeSmall guided night walk near Cahuita led by a naturalist guide who finds frogs, snakes and tarantulas along the trail, including a river crossing in places.
  • Cahuita ToursParks & Wildlife · from $55Local operator in Cahuita running snorkeling, wildlife hikes and cultural tours with the Bribri community, built around Cahuita National Park and the Afro-Caribbean history of the town.
  • Cahuita's Taste Caribbean Soul FoodFood & CoffeeChef Doria Sequeira Sellers cooks Afro-Caribbean home food in Cahuita: coconut-braised rice and beans with seafood, marlin in her own Caribbean sauce and Caribbean meat pies.

Sources: OpenStreetMap node/5636207121 · https://jameskaiser.com/costa-rica-guide/parks/cahuita/ · https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-national-park/cahuita-national-park-costa-rica/ · https://www.costaricavibes.com/complete-guide-cahuita-national-park/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/5636207121