Cahuita National Park was set aside in 1.970 as a National Monument by Decree No. 1.236-A. On april 27 th 1.978 it became National Park by Executive Decree No. 8.986-A.
The park involves 1.067,9 hectares of continental area, 600 hectares of coral reefs area and 22.400 hectares of marine area. It protects one of the most important reefs of the country and the most developed reef of the Caribbean coast. Within the Park, there are also important sections of wetlands and swamps, mostly dominated by the "yolillo" palm and the "sangrillo" tree.
The golden- sand beaches that border the coastal area of the Park are extraordinally beatiful.

Did you know that

The word Cahuita comes from the two words "kawe" that means "sangrillo" and "ta" which means "point": "sangrillo point"
Cahuita's first settlers were fishermen from the Caribbean Islands. They owned the land of what today is the National Park.

The Puerto Vargas sector used to have a pier which was built in 1.921 in order to transport people and merchandise (mainly timber) to Limón.
En 1.930 the Municipality of Limón built another pier close to the Perezoso River for transporting agricultural products to Limón. The Cahuita National Park won the awar "Bandera Azul (1996)". In Puerto Vargas and Playa Blanca sectors.

What can you do at Cahuita National Park?

There are many activities you can enjoy at the Park such as:

• More than 50 Camping area
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Tanning

Nature observation

What kind of animals can you find?

• Howler monkeys
• White-faced monkeys
• Sloths
• Squirrels
• Coatimundis
• Hummingbirds
• Toucans
• Herons
• Hawks
• and thousands of insects.

What can you see at the coral reef?

You can find 35 species of coral, being the most common ones: Agaricia agaricites, Siderastrea radians and Porites porites. More than 300 species of mollusks, lobsters, three species of turtles and thousands of colorful fish such as: the French Angel, Isabelita and Queen Angel fish.
According to the Environmental Organic Law, where it stipulates that civil society must be incorporated in the planning and development of Cahuita National Park, the Cahuita National Park Management Committee was created as a body by executive decree, to share the decision-making process with the State and civil society, and have a series of functions besides regulating the services and activities developed within this protected wildlife area.

Regulations

• Fire guns are not allowed in the Park
• You must not collect plants and animals within the Park's limits
• Do not hunt, hurt or disturb the animals
• Any pollutant is completely prohibited
• Do not exceed the 25 kph speed limit
• Pets of any kind or size are strictly forbidden
• Camp fires are allowed only at designated grilling areas
• Use only lines and hooks for fishing. Any other technique is prohibited
• Personal belongings are your sole responsibility
• Keep out of the areas signed as dangerous for swimming
• Garbage is not part of the environment; please place it in the provided receptacles or take it back with you