Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita

The Caribbean of Costa Rica

Countries
Costa Rica

Zones
South

Themes
Culture, Nature

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita are two towns located in the Caribbean area of the country, and are clearly identified by their cultural richness, full of Afro-descendant and indigenous nuances that form a unique blend in the country.

Its gastronomy, music, and customs make this area a wonderful attraction for both national and foreign visitors. Its beaches, both volcanic black sand, and clear sand, keep visitors delighted while enjoying the sun and the rainforest that reaches the seashore.

Its natural wealth is very well represented in the Cahuita National Park and in the live coral reefs (35 coral species) that surround Punta Cahuita. The Cahuita National Park was created in the year 1970 with the purpose of protecting the most important coral reef in the country, and is located within the tropical humid forest’s life zone. It has an extension of 22,400 hectares of territorial sea, 1,067 hectares of terrestrial, and 600 hectares of coral reef.

The park protects and preserves a variety of species of marine flora and fauna, as well as white sandy beaches of great scenic beauty. Also, visitors can experience extraordinary moments observing the flora and fauna, taking pictures and learning about the different species such as the red, howler, and white-faced monkeys, sloths of two and three fingers, squirrels, hummingbirds, toucans, night herons, coatis, hawks, tree and rain frogs, hundreds of insects, and turtles such as leatherback, green and hawksbill.

Given the pleasant temperature and the wonderful places offered, the visitor can practice numerous activities such as swimming, walking in the middle of the forest, diving in the marine paths, surfing, playing soccer or beach volleyball, or exercising on the beach. For lovers of surfing and snorkeling, the Caribbean is one of the most beautiful options.