Sights in Cahuita
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Avarios del Caribe & Buttercup Center
About 10km north of Cahuita, this small wildlife sanctuary sits on an 88-hectare island in the delta of the Río Estrella. The now-famous orphaned sloth named Buttercup reigns over the grounds, ever since she was adopted by owners Luis and Judy at the age of five weeks.
Their passion for these funny creatures is contagious; informative guided tours (US$20 to US$30) allow visitors to meet some of the resident sloths. The center also offers a variety of excursions through the canals and lagoons of the Estrella delta, where 312 (and counting!) species of birds have been recorded. Besides the prolific birdlife, this lowland rain forest is home to monkeys, caimans, river…
reviewed
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A
Playa Negra
At the northwest end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates the beach is kept to the highest ecological standards. This is undoubtedly Cahuita’s top spot for swimming and is never crowded. When the swells are big, this spot also has an excellent beach break for beginners.
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Cacao Trails
Visit this exquisite new botanical garden and outdoor museum, where educational tours demonstrate the various uses of medicinal plants and the workings of a cacao plantation (plus you can see and sample the final product), with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way.
An additional expedition allows further exploration by kayak. It's midway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo; any bus between the two can drop you at the entrance. This is a great outing for kids.
reviewed
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B
Mariposario de Cahuita
Stroll around the fountain-filled grounds of this butterfly farm and admire the local residents, including many friendly caterpillars. Descriptions are posted in several languages; guided tours are available. It's located just off of Hwy 36.
reviewed
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C
Tree of Life
This wildlife center and botanical garden 2km west of town on the Playa Negra road rescues and rehabilitates animals, while also promoting conservation through education. Among the animals in residence, there's a kinkajou, a pair of peccaries, sloths and monkeys. It's possible to volunteer here; see the website for information.
reviewed
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D
Ranario
This new greenhouse space is filled with a lush garden and has 14 species of native frog hopping around on the loose. (No cages here.) Admission includes a guided tour – a necessity, since guides know where the frogs like to hide.
reviewed