| The
tiny village of Cahuita, 43km southeast of Limón,
is reached on the paved Hwy-36 which runs from Limón to
Sixaola on the Panamanian border. Like other villages on the
Talamanca coast, especially Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Manzanillo,
it has become increasingly popular with backpackers and surfers
for its laid-back atmosphere and walking opportunities, along
with the added appeal of great Afro-Caribbean food. Near the
village, the Parque Nacional Cahuita was formed mainly to protect
one of the only living coral reefs in Costa Rica; many people
come here to snorkel and take rides in glass-bottomed boats.
Though it's mainly wet all year round, the local "dry" season
is between March and April, and from September to October.
While tourism has undoubtedly brought prosperity to the village,
it has also created problems in its wake - at one point
Cahuita was known for its drugs scene and bouts of opportunistic
theft,
and it's worth being cautious: lock your door and windows,
never leave anything on the beach and avoid walking alone
in unlit places at night. Nude or topless bathing is definitely
unacceptable, as is wandering though the village in just
a
bathing suit. With a bit of common sense, though, most
travellers really enjoy the community and atmosphere here. Hostels in Cahuita |
ROOMS COSTA RICA
