Region

Playa Negra Guesthouse is located at Playa Negra (Black Beach), Cahuita, Limon on the southern part of the Caribbean sea. Cahuita is a small town and its laid back atmosphere, beaches, cultural mix and proximity to Cahuita National Park make it a popular destination for visitors to the region.

The Atlantic coast offers unspoiled beaches, forested mountains, coconut palms and pineapple and banana plantations. The wild beauty of the area and cultural diversity make the Caribbean an alternative destination for those wishing to avoid the more touristy areas of the country. Limon is the least populated province of Costa Rica and the slow pace makes this a great place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and snorkel off beautiful white and black sand beaches. The ethnic mix of the Limon province is comprised of African Caribbeans who make up one third of the population and the indigenous communities of the Bribi living in the foothills of the Talamanca mountains. There is also a large Chinese population. It is the cultural influence of these ethnic groups which adds to the flavour of the Caribbean zone.

Cahuita National Park is the primary destination for the majority of visitors who come to enjoy the tropical vegetation, coral reef, and the white sand beaches of the park or to hike the 7 kilometre (4 mile) nature trail. The park is teeming with wildlife including monkeys, sloths, armadillos, caimans and iguanas. Bird life abounds and hikers may spot green ibis, herons, kingfishers and toucans.

Cahuita is all about eco-tourism. Your hosts can direct you to trustworthy local agents who can provide snorkelling tours off the coral reefs, horseback riding, surfing lessons, kayaking, fishing expeditions, dolphin tours, visits to Indian reserves and a sloth sanctuary and nature walks in the national park.

Directions

If you are driving to Playa Negra Guesthouse you should take the Limon highway #32 from downtown San José. The drive takes approximately 3½ to 4 hours, depending on weather conditions and traffic.

The first part of the trip takes you through the mountains of the Braulio Carrillo National Park which offers stunning vistas but can often be rainy or foggy so drive with caution.

The second part of the trip is through scenic lowlands where you will see banana and pineapple plantations. At the outskirts of Limon you will see a sign for Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

Turn right at the Texaco station and continue for 45 minutes heading south along a scenic route That runs adjacent to the Caribbean Sea.

Turn left at the main entrance to Cahuita. At the corner of the “CoCo’s bar”, turn left onto Cahuita’s main street. Continue for three blocks. At the Police Station turn left and drive for one kilometre. After the football field and the Atlantida hotel you will see the Playa Negra Guesthouse facing the beach.

On arrival give us a call on the intercom located at the central gate where we have our sign.

How To Get There

There are various ways of getting to Cahuita. You may rent a car from one of the major international car rental agencies, either from San José International Airport or one of their downtown locations. Bookings may be made on-line through the agency reservation system.

The most economical way of getting from San José to Cahuita is by bus departing from the “Caribe Sur” bus station daily at 6:00, 10:00, noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The trip takes about four hours. You should buy your ticket in advance if travelling on the weekend, holiday or during the peak tourist season.

There is also a shuttle bus service which provides shared scheduled service by van which will pick you up at your hotel in San José and take you directly to the Playa Negra Guesthouse. There is a fixed schedule departing San José every day at 7:50 and the fare costs US $ 39 one way. Reserve here for your shared ride van transportation to and from Playa Negra Guesthouse

Another hassle-free alternative is to have a private driver pick you up at San José airport and take you directly to Playa Negra Guesthouse. This service allows you to avoid spending the night in San José and provides a large ten passenger van with no luggage restrictions. The cost is $ 150 one way. Reserve here for private driver transportation option from the airport to Playa Negra Guesthouse.

It is also possible to fly to Limon and take a taxi from the airport to Playa Negra Guesthouse. Nature Air flies from San José Pavas airport. Check with Nature Air’s website to confirm schedules at: www.natureair.com

Cahuita National Park

A visit to Cahuita national Park is a must for travellers coming to Costa Rica.

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