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La Riviera Hotel
Belen, Costa Rica
Reservations phone:
(506) 2293 0909
How to Get
fax:
(506) 2293 2582
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Cahuita
National Park Costa Rica
Cahuita National Park was created on September 7,
1970, for the purpose of protecting the coast flora
and fauna, in addition to the coral reefs and marine
ecosystems. Cahuita's main attractions are its white
sandy beaches, miles of coconut groves, tranquil clear
seas and a coral reefs. Cahuita Point is mostly swamp,
with an abundance of coconut trees and the beach almond
trees.
The
reef sits off Cahuita Point and fans out over 240
hectares. It is the only mature coral formation found
along Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline. Among the
coral species are the elkhorn and smooth brain, with
Venus sea fans, sea urchins and numerous species of
fish also inhabiting the waters; french angelfish,
blue parrotfish, barracuda and queen angelfish. Other
species present are the sea cucumber, lobster, white
shrimp, green turtle and various crustaceans. The
four identified species of crabs are also very abundant.
The
howler monkey, raccoon and white-nosed coati are widely
found, as several species of swamp-forest birds, such
as the green ibis, yellow-crowned night heron and
Northern boat-billed heron.
Special
Considerations
The four mile trail which connects Cahuita and the
Puerto Vargas Ranger Station is well marked and maintained.
White-faced monkeys, sloths and large webbed spiders
are very common in this park. Along the path, numerous
possibilities exist to swim and/or snorkel. If you
need to rent snorkel equipment, Cahuita offers the
greatest number of possibilities.
How To Get There
By Bus - Cahuita National Park, approximately 45 km
south of Limon, is the most popular beach location
on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Those using public
transportation have two options. First, take a four
hour direct bus from San José to Cahuita, or
take a direct bus to Limón and then a connecting
bus to Cahuita. The travel time for either is approximately
the same, however, the direct buses to Limón
are usually newer and in better condition than those
which travel directly to Cahuita.
By
Car - From San Jose, your trip to Cahuita is fairly
direct. Take the Braulio Carrillo highway north of
the city towards the Atlantic coast city of Limón.
The trip takes approximately 2:15-2:30 to Limón.
The road through Braulio Carrillo National Park has
recently been improved, however, there are still an
enormous amount of huge potholes littering the highway.
It is unsual to find this road without cloud cover
on the upper region, particularly during the rainy
season.
That in combination with the potholes and steep decline
make this a very dangerous road. We do not recommend
that you make the trip at night. Once you arrive in
Limón, make a right at the first major intersection,
there will be a Texeco station on the right corner.
From this intersection stay on this road and follow
the signs for Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. The road which
separates Limón and Cahuita is in poor condition,
littered with potholes and single lane bridges; thus
proceed slowly.
It is approximately 42 km(26 miles) and takes around
50 minutes. The main road entering Cahuita is accompanied
by a large sign reading "Cahuita & Parque
National" on the left side. From this intersection
it is only 1 km (.6 miles) to the town of Cahuita;
the road to the beach is dirt and filled with potholes.
Upon entering there is a fork in the road, either
route takes you to town. |
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