Cahuita National Park

A Caribbean Paradise of Biodiversity and Culture

Cahuita National Park, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, is a unique destination that combines pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and abundant marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Established in 1970, this park is of special significance both for ecological conservation and Afro-Caribbean culture, as it lies in one of the country's most diverse and least exploited regions. While the park is renowned for its natural beauty, Cahuita National Park also stands out for its proximity to local communities that have preserved their traditions and customs, making it an ideal location for those seeking a holistic experience of nature, history, and culture.

History and Creation of the Park

Cahuita National Park was established in 1970 with the primary goal of protecting one of the most valuable areas on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, which boasts a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna, as well as vital marine ecosystems. The park was created after a local initiative, alongside government efforts, to preserve the Cahuita Coral Reef, one of the most important and healthy reefs in the Caribbean region.

Since its creation, the park has become a significant ecotourism destination, attracting nature lovers, biologists, and researchers interested in the area’s unique ecology, including its mangrove ecosystems, tropical rainforests, and stunning coral reefs. Over the years, the park has become a reference point for marine conservation, especially in the protection of its coral ecosystems.

Location and Accessibility

Cahuita National Park is located in the Talamanca canton, in the province of Limón, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. The park is situated approximately 11 km south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and about 70 km (45 miles) from the city of Limón, the provincial capital.

The park is easily accessible, with visitors able to reach it via car from Puerto Viejo. The journey is straightforward, especially via Route 36, which connects Puerto Viejo to the park. The park's entrance is well-marked, making it easy for both national and international visitors to find their way.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Cahuita National Park was established in 1970 with the primary goal of protecting one of the most valuable areas on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, which boasts a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna, as well as vital marine ecosystems. The park was created after a local initiative, alongside government efforts, to preserve the Cahuita Coral Reef, one of the most important and healthy reefs in the Caribbean region.

Since its creation, the park has become a significant ecotourism destination, attracting nature lovers, biologists, and researchers interested in the area’s unique ecology, including its mangrove ecosystems, tropical rainforests, and stunning coral reefs. Over the years, the park has become a reference point for marine conservation, especially in the protection of its coral ecosystems.

Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Cahuita National Park encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, making it one of the most biodiverse parks in Costa Rica. The park can be divided into two main areas: the tropical rainforest zone and the marine zone, which includes the coral reef.

Tropical Rainforest Zone

The park's terrestrial section is covered by tropical rainforests, which house a variety of plant and animal species. The dominant trees in this area include guarumo, cedar, pine, ceiba, and numerous species of palms and ferns. This type of forest is also home to animals like the howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), the spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and several species of sloths (Bradypus spp.), along with snakes, rodents, and birds such as trogons and woodpeckers.

Marine Zone and Coral Reef

One of the park’s most distinctive features is its marine zone, which includes the Cahuita Coral Reef, one of the largest and healthiest in the Caribbean. This reef is home to an incredible variety of marine species, including tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, moray eels, and sea turtles.

The marine area is also ideal for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the clarity of the water and the richness of its marine life. Visitors can explore the coral banks, sandy bottom areas, and seagrass meadows, which provide crucial habitats for numerous marine species.

Mangroves

Cahuita National Park also contains important mangrove ecosystems, located at the mouths of rivers and in areas sheltered from the sea. These coastal ecosystems serve as refuge for many bird, reptile, and fish species. Mangroves are also crucial for protecting coastlines and help in nutrient cycling in the surrounding ecosystem.

Fauna in Cahuita National Park

Cahuita is famous for its biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. Some of the park's most notable species include:

Mammals: The howler monkey and the spider monkey are two of the most iconic mammals in the park. Other mammals include sloths, agoutis, ocelots, and peccaries.
Birds: Cahuita is a paradise for birdwatchers, with species such as the trogon, heron, woodpecker, and a wide variety of hummingbirds.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Reptiles and amphibians in the park include the boa constrictor, several species of lizards, and the famous red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas).
Marine Species: The park’s waters are home to reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezii), hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), rays (Dasyatis), and a variety of tropical fish and corals.

Read more about Cahuita National Park on the SINAC site: Read more