5 BEST Cahuita National Park Tours: Which One to Choose
Looking for the best way to explore Cahuita National Park?
If you ask me, a tour is definitely the way to go. It just makes exploring the park so much easier! Plus, this park has a lot of rules and the area is quite underdeveloped, so having a tour ensures that your time in the park will go without a hitch.
We visited Cahuita National Park multiple times while living in Costa Rica, and after years of traveling around the country, we know a good tour when we see one. So we’ve rounded up our top 5 tours so that you can enjoy this park to the fullest!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this small group hiking tour from Puerto Viejo. You’ll start by exploring Cahuita and spotting TONS of wildlife with your guide and end the day by swimming in a secret waterfall deep in the jungle.
Tip: Book this tour in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Spot Wildlife In The Jungle
- Our Top Choice
- 1. Cahuita National Park Tour with Waterfall Visit from Puerto Viejo
- Book this tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- 2. Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon
- Dates are limited – book this top-rated tour in advance here!
- 3. Cahuita National Park Hiking Tour (Self-Drive)
- Check availability and book this tour before you go here!
- 4. Full Day Small Group Tour of Cahuita, Bri-Bri and Ma-Cu from Puerto Viejo
- Book this tour here with flexible payment and cancellation options!
- 5. Cahuita National Park and Tortuguero Canals Tour from Puerto Limon
- Check availability and book this tour with FREE cancellation options here!
- Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
1. Cahuita National Park Tour with Waterfall Visit from Puerto Viejo
Tour Details
Honestly, you will get so much more out of your visit to Cahuita National Park by booking this small-group tour! Our guide, Adrian, was just fantastic at spotting wildlife and he really helped us to appreciate the park on a deeper level. We learned a ton about the indigenous people who live in the national park, and its fascinating history and culture. We would have completely missed out on this had we just visited by ourselves!
The day is also planned perfectly to give a fantastic overview of Cahuita. We spent time exploring the lush rainforests and spotting a ton of wildlife, and I mean a TON of wildlife, as well as relaxing on the pristine beaches.
Not only did we have an amazing time exploring the park, but we also got to visit Bribri waterfall for a swim! This waterfall was hidden deep in the jungle so we would never have found it on our own. It was super quiet, too, so swimming here really ended the day on a high note.
For $90 USD, I really don’t think that you can go wrong with this tour. It’s all-around fantastic and is suitable for everyone from families and groups to couples and solo travelers. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now, as this tour often sells out!
2. Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon
Tour Details
This full-day tour is a fantastic Puerto Limon cruise excursion, but you don’t have to be a cruise passenger to enjoy it! If you’re staying in the city, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and enjoy the stunning surrounding areas without needing to hire your own car.
It kicks off with a city tour, which is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the Afro-Costa Rican culture of Puerto Limon and find some hidden gems that tourists usually miss out on. Then, it’s onto the Tortuguero Canals.
Now, when I say that a Tortuguero canal cruise is a must in Limon, I mean a MUST. These protected canals represent one of the most wildlife-dense areas in the whole of Costa Rica (which is really saying something) and you would not believe how much incredible wildlife we saw here whilst gliding along on our boat cruise.
And of course, there’s plenty of time to make the most of Cahuita National Park. With an expert local guide to help you find the wildlife hotspots and most beautiful hidden beaches, this is hands down the best way to explore the park for those who are short on time in Limon.
We absolutely love this tour and clearly, we’re not the only ones. You can read the dozens of positive reviews here! It runs during peak season and some dates are already sold out, so take advantage of their free cancellation policy and grab your spot today!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
3. Cahuita National Park Hiking Tour (Self-Drive)
Tour Details
If you love hiking, then don’t miss the opportunity to explore Cahuita National Park on this guided tour! Although this park is famous for its reef, I actually found that hiking was the highlight of my visit here. Going with a guide will help you get so much more out of the experience because these guys are trained to spot creatures that most people are unable to find.
Cahuita National Park is a true treasure trove of wildlife, so I think that booking this tour is a must. The guides have spotting scopes, so there’s no need to worry about bringing or hiring your own. And since there’s a maximum group size of 6, the tour can be adapted to suit you.
This tour is also wheelchair and stroller-friendly, which is quite unusual for a hiking tour. We love this because it means that families with young children and those with mobility issues can still explore the park to the fullest!
The tour ends on one of the park’s gorgeous beaches, so after all of that hiking, you’re free to relax and swim for as long as you please. Sounds like a perfect day to us!
At $55 USD, this is also the most budget-friendly tour on our list and for that price, you really can’t go wrong. It’s such an affordable way to enjoy a guided visit to the park, so don’t miss out.
4. Full Day Small Group Tour of Cahuita, Bri-Bri and Ma-Cu from Puerto Viejo
Tour Details
This full-day tour is a must for those who want to learn more about Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture! It’s a rare opportunity to visit a local indigenous community to learn about their way of life, and even participate in some of their most beloved traditions.
The day kicks off with a guided nature hike through Cahuita National Park, which is an unmissable chance to see tons of wildlife, from tropical birds to monkeys, sloths, and cute coatis!
However, what really sets this tour apart for us is the fact that it includes a visit to a Bri-Bri tribe. Learning about the history and culture of the Bri-Bri is so interesting. We find their way of life fascinating because it’s so in tune with nature, and we love learning about their traditional uses of plants.
Best of all, the visit includes a cacao preparation demo! This means that you get the rare chance to sample what has to be the most authentic and delicious chocolate that I have ever tasted.
This tour also includes a delicious local lunch, which our wonderful Bri-Bri hosts cooked for us over an open fire. It was so good, and then we ended the day with a visit to a stunning hidden waterfall deep in the jungle. This was such a magical spot and the perfect place to wrap up this incredible experience!
So if you’re looking for a well-rounded tour that includes culture, wildlife, natural beauty, and amazing food, then there’s really no better choice than this tour. Plus, Viator offers the chance to reserve your spot now and pay later, so what have you got to lose?
Related Read: If you’re staying in Puerto Viejo, check out these other can’t-miss experiences!
5. Cahuita National Park and Tortuguero Canals Tour from Puerto Limon
Tour Details
If you’re looking for a jam-packed tour that gives you incredible value for money, you’ll definitely want to book this full-day tour.
It’s the ideal choice for those who are looking to squeeze the most out of their time and budget in Puerto Limon. From learning about the city’s fascinating heritage and visiting historic landmarks to a bucket list worthy Tortuguero canal cruise and a banana plantation visit, this tour offers an epic day out.
The wildlife walk in Cahuita is absolutely fascinating and showcases why this National Park is one of Costa Rica’s true treasures. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in the whole country, and we always think that it’s so much better to go with a guide. There’s so much rare flora and fauna to see here, and having a knowledgeable guide to teach you about it all really does enhance the experience a lot.
Plus, with fruit and chocolate tastings and even more wildlife spotting as you glide along the Tortuguero canals, we really think that this tour sums up pura vida perfectly! We’re also just so impressed by the price. Given everything it includes, I really don’t see how you could do this any cheaper by yourself, especially given the cost of hiring a car. So make sure that you book it soon because tours that offer this kind of value for money tend to sell out fast!
Related Read: For more ideas on what to do in Puerto Limon, check out our 5 favorite activities here!
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is the most popular sizeable town near Cahuita National Park. While this is a smaller center, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a budget traveler looking for a chill hostel or craving a bit of resort luxury, there’s something for you. Check out our top picks for all price ranges.
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort – $$
If you are looking for an affordable luxury stay, this is the place for you. At the Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort, you’ll stay in your own private bungalow in the heart of the jungle. Lounge by the infinity pool, pamper yourself at the spa, and enjoy the convenience of being directly across from Playa Cocles.
Every room comes with a terrace overlooking the gardens! Expect to pay between $110-200 USD per night, depending on the size of the room you choose, but they are all pretty large! Book a room here on Booking.com.
Saranda Boutique Hotel – $$
Tucked near Playa Negra, Saranda Boutique Hotel delivers cozy, quirky charm without breaking the bank. The rooms are unique—small pod-style designs that feel compact yet comfortable. Despite the creative layout, everything feels thoughtful and well-maintained, from the cozy beds to the spotless spaces. The property also features a lovely outdoor pool and relaxing terrace space. Plus, we loved the free bike rentals to get around and the delicious included breakfast!
You can check availability and reserve your stay here on booking.com.
Playa 506 Beachfront Hostel – $
For a relaxing stay, check into the chill vibe of Playa 506 where you can listen to the ocean as you dream in a hammock. This property walks right out onto the beautiful sandy beachfront of Playa Cocles. With clean rooms and friendly staff who are always willing to help, this is a place where I felt right at home.
This hostel offers convenient group living accommodations including shared kitchen and hangout areas while having a more low-key vibe. Things really quiet down after dinner time here, so if you want to party, you’ll have to head into town. Expect to spend around $27 USD per night when you book a stay here on Booking.com or here on Hostelworld.com.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
Visiting Cahulita National Park is an absolute can’t-miss experience while in Costa Rica! It boasts all of our favorite parts of this country: the natural outdoor beauty, unique wildlife, and friendly culture. No matter which tour you go on, I know you’ll have a great time!
For further travel inspiration and tips, check out our other Costa Rica blogs. We’ve lived and traveled all over the country and love sharing our experiences. Here are a few related posts that I think you’ll find helpful:
7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica!
15 Fun Things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
25 EPIC Things to do in Puerto Viejo: Beaches, Wildlife, and More!
