Cahuita, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2066
9.73848, -82.840762
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cahuita is a small coastal village located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, known for its vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 620 CRC; major banks include Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Kolbi and Movistar offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted, Cash is also frequently used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hostels like Cahuita Cabins. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Cahuita offers dorms starting from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cahuita doesn’t have established coworking spaces, but many cafes offer work-friendly environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Soda La Playa is a great spot for working with a good wifi connection. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community events are periodically organized; check Facebook Groups like 'Expats in Cahuita' for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly market on Saturdays often serves as a gathering point for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local taxis are readily available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cahuita has local rental shops like Cahuita Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Cahuita, located right in the village, is famous for its calm waters and coral reefs. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air operates flights from the nearest airport in Limon. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and American Airlines connect through San Jose. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 36, which connects Cahuita to Puerto Viejo and further south. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains, but you can find bus stations serving regional routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis with no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from San José to Cahuita take around 4-6 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest major hospital is Hospital Dr. Antonio V. Orozzco, about 30 minutes away in Puerto Viejo. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local centers offer yoga classes; one option is the Namaste Cafe. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There's a small gym called Body Fusion in Puerto Viejo. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at places like Wash & Dry in Cahuita. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No widespread delivery apps; check local restaurants directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rondon, a traditional seafood soup, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café El Sol has fantastic vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Cafe offers a variety of homemade ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets hold fresh produce every Saturday at the Cahuita town center. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores may not have e-commerce, but many use Instagram for orders. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major grocery delivery services; local grocery shops offer pick-up. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bar El Cocodrilo is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal is a local brewery known for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café del Mar offers a modest selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous local vendors sell empanadas and fresh coconuts throughout the village. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tasty Asian food can be found at Foods of Asia. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cahuita National Park features lush biodiversity and beautiful trails. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cahuita doesn’t have formal museums, but art can be seen in local galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cherokee Village offers insight into the local indigenous culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church, Iglesia de Cahuita, is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival in Cahuita features vibrant parades and local music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal area blends Afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican cultures. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events are often hosted at community centers but no permanent theaters exist. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Saturday market showcases local crafts, art, and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live reggae and calypso music at local bars such as La Roca. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The village features vibrant murals celebrating local culture and nature. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local markets offer classes that include traditional Costa Rican dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various small galleries exhibit local artists’ work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Caribbean houses with colorful facades are worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cahuita's rich cultural heritage is showcased in local festivals and daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cahuita National Park offers hiking trails and snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cahuita National Park is the main protected area nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths are abundant around Cahuita for walking or biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at the national park provide stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cahuita National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office handles parcel delivery and shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; small shops in Puerto Viejo may assist with repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Beach bars occasionally have outdoor games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish classes for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cahuita has limited resources; study can usually be done at cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community center hosts events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are no dedicated gaming lounges; informal sessions occur at local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Cahuita; nearest options are in Limon. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $126,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Income tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis; residents taxed on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for top earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT, applies to most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are enforced in certain conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value, usually around 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 1.5% on property sales. |