Hot Spots:
Cahuita National Park
Located only a minute or two from downtown, Cahuita National Park is a beautiful coastal park known for its living coral reefs, abundant marine life and white-faced monkeys that guard the noni trees at Cahuita Point. Coral reefs, mangrove forests and white sand beaches provide habitats for the variety of wildlife that live in Cahuita National Park. Please note that, though the seaside walking trails are mostly sandy, it is recommended to hike in closed-toed shoes.
Aviarios del Caribe (The Sloth Rescue Center) 
The Sloth Rescue Center is a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary in the Estrella River delta near Cahuita. Several sloths, most rescued as babies, live in the educational facility, where visitors can closely observe and learn about them.
The main objective of Aviarios del Caribe Wildlife Refuge, in addition to caring for a growing number of resident sloths (currently more than 75), is to educate the public about sloth habitats, life cycles and conservation. The Sloth Rescue Center is located approximately three miles north of Cahuita, a 10 minute drive.
Beaches:
A series of picturesque beaches line the coast from the black sands of Playa Negra in the north to the fine, white sands of Cahuita Point in the south. All beaches are easily accessed either on foot or by bicycle. Several area beaches are recipients of the ecological blue flag award, including Playa Negra.
 Playa Negra
Located just north of downtown Cahuita, this black sand beach stretches for several miles along quiet, almost deserted coastline. In addition to its striking beauty, Black Beach promises both big waves for surfers and quiet waters for swimmers – just ask at one of the beachfront restaurants or tour operators about current conditions. Horseback riding tours are common along the wide beach. Playa Negra has been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag several times, an honor that cites the beach’s clean waters and proper administration.
Playa Blanca
Cahuita’s most famous beach, Playa Blanca, offers fine white sand flanked by towering coconut palms and sea almond trees. The beautiful, mile-long beach begins at the Kelly Creek entrance to Cahuita National Park and continues south to Cahuita Point – the Cahuita National Park trail parallels the beach’s curves and bends. Riptides are common for the first quarter mile after entering the park, but beyond that, White Beach offers wonderful swimming conditions. Playa Blanca is a recipient of the Ecological Blue Flag award.
Cahuita Point / Playa Vargas 
Playa Blanca ends at Cahuita Point, a rocky headland that juts into the Caribbean Sea, pointing at Cahuita’s living coral reef, which lies just off the coast. Here, devious white-faced monkeys charm tourists while stealing their bags and food, snorkelers discover the colorful beauty beneath the ocean’s surface, and swimmers enjoy the gentle waters protected by the coral reef. To the south of Cahuita Point, Vargas Beach stretches down the coastline, ending at the Puerto Vargas Ranger Station, about three miles south of Cahuita. Camping is permitted at Playa Vargas and potable water is available.
For more swimming and surfing beaches, see Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo
National Parks & Private Refuges:
 Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge protects almost 70% of the southern Caribbean coast and includes some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
officially begins at the Cocles River (10 miles south of Cahuita) and extends 19 miles south to the Sixaola River at the Panamanian border. The refuge protects beautiful beaches, coral reefs, lowland tropical forests and several of the country’s most endangered habitats including the only jolillo palm swamp in Costa Rica.
Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve & Iguana Farm
The Kekoldi were once a part of the Bribri, but split from the larger group many years ago. Today, their village, located just 40 minutes from downtown Cahuita, is home to the area’s famous iguana farm. Here, tourists learn about Kekoldi history, folklore and lands before visiting the research and reproduction facilities for the protected green iguana.
 Bocuare Jungle
Located in the Estrella Valley, Bocuare Jungle offers an exciting combination of cultural and adventure tourism. The company offers indigenous tours to the local Cabecar Indigenous Reserve, white water tubing down the Estrella River and tours to the Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve. They also offer cozy cabins and other on-site facilities, which include a typical restaurant, swimming pool, miles of hiking trails, ponds, botanical gardens and other natural attractions. (60 minutes northwest of Cahuita. 9 a.m. to whenever you’d like to leave. $5 self-guided tour. 2759-1344.)
Bribri Indigenous Reserve and Volio Waterfall
This waterfall and hike are often part of the Bribri Reservation tour offered by several of Cahuita’s tour companies. The hike is fairly easy, though recommended only for sunny days, and includes several stream crossings (be prepared for wet feet). The trip leads to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. The falls plummet from 50 feet above, cascading over rocks along the way. The hike takes less than 30 minutes each way with several steep ascents and descents. The Bribri Indigenous Reserve is several miles southwest of Cahuita, approximately a 25-minute drive.
 Veragua Rain Forest Reserve
Opened in 2008, this brand new facility is home to a reptile house, interactive ranarium, hummingbird garden, insectarium (coming in 2009), butterfly garden, treetop aerial tram, rushing waterfall and numerous hikes. Enthusiastic guides make the educational tours fun, and guests will likely see many species of birds, insects and other fauna while out walking. The Original Canopy Tour is also located onsite. (75 minutes northwest of downtown Puerto Viejo. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues-Sun. Entrance to all attractions: $55 adult, $45 student or child. 2296-5056)
Museums, Gardens & Chocolate Plantations:
Cacao Trails 
A combination of chocolate museum, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuary, indigenous museum, canoe canals and organic medicinal herb farm, this unique park offers a little something for everyone, including guided tours, a beautiful pool and on-site restaurant boasting tasty Caribbean dishes. 2-6 hour tours are available by reservation. (Between Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. $20-$47; 2756-8186)
Cahuita Butterfly Garden
Home to over 15 species of butterflies, this center provides an excellent opportunity to observe exotic butterfly species while learning about their life cycles and habitats. (Cahuita. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sat; call Sun. $10 adult; 2755-0361)
 ChocoRart Cacao Plantation
To experience chocolate in its purest form, visit the ChocoRart organic cacao farm and chocolate factory in Playa Chiquita, just south of Puerto Viejo. Owned and operated by a Swiss couple who harvest, ferment and cook cacao in the same traditional manner that the Mayan Indians used for thousands of years. Sugar is added to the chocolate as are natural ingredients such as ginger, coconut, vanilla and nuts. Tours are offered by reservation only and chocolate tasting is included. (Playa Chiquita. Reservation required; $15 adult; 2750-0075)
Finca La Isla Botanical Garden
Open since 1987, this permaculture farm raises organic black pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, bananas, and many other fruits, spices, bromeliads and edible plants for export. Guided tours are highly recommended, and take visitors through a tasty, interesting tour of their grounds. Highlights include tapping a rubber tree, discovering where mace comes from and sampling the farm’s sweet, organic bananas. (Puerto Viejo. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $5 adult, $2.50 children under 12, self-guide booklet $1; $10 per person guided tour with $30 minimum; $8 short guided tour with $24 minimum. 2750-0046.)
Shops and Markets: 
The center of Cahuita boasts many markets and souvenir shops where visitors can buy indigenous Indian crafts, sarongs, handmade jewelry and clothing. Street vendors line up along the beachside and at the entrance to Cahuita National Park to sell jewelry, T-shirts and souvenirs.
Family Art
On the road to Bribri, just a few miles southwest of Cahuita, the Family Art shop is owned by a Bribri-Costa Rican family. Using “forest trash,” including discarded seed shells, fallen branches and natural dyes, the husband-and-wife team produces exquisite carvings, beautiful paintings and natural jewelry.
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