Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park, on the southern Caribbean coast, protects one of the largest coral reefs in Costa Rica along with beaches and coastal forest. It has two entrance sectors, with different payment methods between them — it is the only national park in the country that still operates partially on voluntary donation.

Hours: both sectors open every day of the year, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Entrance fees (including VAT):

• Playa Blanca Sector: entrance by voluntary donation, with a suggested minimum of $5 per person.
• Puerto Vargas Sector: fixed fee — $5.65 non-resident visitors (adult and child), ₡1,130 national/resident adults, ₡565 national/ resident children.

Payment method: at both sectors, entrance is purchased directly at the park ticket office on the same day, in cash or by card — no advance online reservation is required, unlike most national parks in the country.

Note: as no advance reservation is required, this is one of the most accessible parks for a spontaneous visit — but check sinac.go.cr in case this policy has changed.