Things to do in Cahuita
-
A
Restaurante Coral Reef
This place attracts fish-lovers, who arrive for steaming portions of seafood stew served in a pleasant 2nd-story balcony overlooking the main drag. The place gets packed, especially in high season (make a reservation). It is located right next to Coco’s Bar, putting post-dinner drinks within easy reach.
reviewed
-
B
Coco's Bar
reviewed
-
C
Willie's Tours
Willie’s signature tour takes visitors to visit a Bribrí family and a KéköLdi iguana farm (US$25/55). He’s in a new location these days, on the main drag next to Cocorico Pizzeria Bar.
reviewed
-
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 otter…
reviewed
-
D
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. Most importantly, it is generally never crowded. When the swells are big, this spot also has an excellent beach break. It is not one of the regular stops on the Costa Rica surfer circuit, which means more waves for you. Centro Turístico Brigitte in Playa Negra rents boards (half-day US$10) and offers lessons (two hours US$25).
reviewed
-
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
-
E
Roberto's Restaurant
Owned by one of the top fishing guides in the region, you know the seafood is going to be fresh at this charming candlelit spot. The restaurant uses organic ingredients whenever possible.
reviewed
-
F
Cha Cha Cha!
In a corner veranda of an old house, this attractive expat favorite offers recommended cuisine del mundo (cuisine of the world). Dishes range from Jamaican jerk chicken to Cuban specialties to plenty of vegetarian options, including a ‘zen salad’ crafted from mandarin oranges, basil, cashews and macadamia nuts.
reviewed
-
G
La Casa Creole
Set in the tropical gardens of the Magellan Inn, this candlelit restaurant serves some of Cahuita's finest fare. The French-fusion cuisine emphasizes seafood and Caribbean flavors. The house specialty is the shrimp Martinique (that's ginger and garlic sauce to make your mouth water). Reservations are required.
reviewed
-
H
Mariposario de Cahuita
On the highway, at the entrance to town, you’ll find this wonderful garden aflutter with lovely butterflies (great for kids). Stroll around the fountain-filled grounds and admire the local residents, including many friendly caterpillars. Descriptions are posted in several languages; guided tours are available.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Beach House
Beach House 'Eat, Drink and Go Surfing.' So implores Rennie Leone, owner of this expat hangout. By day, the place rents surfboards; by night, it serves sandwiches, quesadillas and cold beers at the cozy bar or on the breezy terrace. Live calypso music plays Thursday through Saturday.
reviewed
-
J
100% Natural Coffee Shop
There is no better place in Cahuita to greet the morning with a cup o’ joe or unwind in the afternoon with a refreshing jugo. A lunch menu has tapas and there is a pleasant bar. Try the waffles and ice cream – yum!
reviewed
-
K
Sobre Las Olas
Cahuita’s top option for waterfront dining (an ideal spot for a date) lies only a 100m walk out of town. It is owned by a lively Tico-Italian couple who serve a variety of Mediterranean-influenced specialties, such as Marco’s spaghetti pescatore, fresh pasta studded with fish and shrimp. There is a decent wine list and tiramisu (₡2400) for dessert.
reviewed
-
L
Restaurant El Palenque Luisa
Tree-trunk beams, bamboo roof and plant-filled interior create quite the jungle décor in this inviting open-air restaurant. It's an ideal spot to feast on tasty vegetarian fare, as well as fish and meat dishes cooked Caribbean Creole style.
reviewed
-
M
Reggae Restaurant
Exuding a friendly, laidback vibe, this soda serves Caribbean-style standards, from basic casados to the house specialty, shrimp in coconut milk. This place also has facilities for camping (per person US$3), plus some comfortable cabins (US$20 to US$30).
reviewed
-
N
Chao's Paradise
Follow the wafting smell of garlic and simmering sauces to this highly recommended Playa Negra outpost that serves fresh catches cooked up in spicy ‘Chao’ sauce. The open-air restaurant-bar has a pool table and live music some nights.
reviewed
-
O
Ricky's Bar
Opposite Coco's, Ricky's has a jungle vibe, outdoor seating and a nice dance floor. This place really gets hopping on Wednesday and Saturday nights, when live bands sometimes take the stage.
reviewed
-
P
Café del Parquecito
Early risers come for the coffee at this spot on Parque Central. Most of the menu is so-so, but you won’t be disappointed if you stick to the crepes stuffed full of fresh tropical fruit.
reviewed
-
Q
Centro Turístico Brigitte
Brigitte specializes in horseback-riding tours along the beach or to jungle waterfalls (per person three/five hours US$55/75). She also rents bikes (per day US$8).
reviewed
-
R
Restaurant Típico Cahuita
A spacious spot beneath a palm-thatched palapa has a wide-ranging menu, from casados to pricey lobster (₡25,000).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Soda Café Caribbean Flavor
Caribbean-style standards, fresh juices and gallo pinto (meal of blended rice and beans).
reviewed
-
T
Playa Blanca
reviewed
-
-
Mister Big J’s
reviewed
-
Brasserie Tygo’s
A surprising airy and attractive cafe with wicker furnishings overlooks the bus station. It serves pastries, cappuccino, light sandwiches and casados – and it even has wi-fi. It’s a perfect spot to wait for the bus.
reviewed
