|
| |
|
CAHUITA |
| |
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
The village
Cahuita proper comprises just two puddle-dotted, gravel-and-sand streets
running parallel to the sea, intersected by a few cross-streets. Though
it seems like anything nailed down has been turned into some kind of
small business, you'll still see a couple...
|
| |
|
