Cahuita, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2066
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cahuita is a small coastal town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 15-25 Mbps, depending on the provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 500 CRC. ATMs are available, but it's advisable to have some cash on hand. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally considered drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Kolbi and Movistar. SIM cards can be purchased at stores and convenience shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major credit and debit cards are accepted; services like Revolut work well here. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels starting at $10 per night to Airbnb rentals around $40-$100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is still preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels provide good options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Kinkajou offers beds for around $10 a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying near Cahuita National Park is preferred for easy beach access and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider accommodations in the town center for better internet access and proximity to cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cahuita has limited coworking spaces; consider working from cafes with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafeteria El Girasol offers a relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes, join local Facebook groups for digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Cahuita Language Exchange is a popular weekly event for meeting locals and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in towns nearby, but local taxis are more commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals starting around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cahuita Beach is just a few minutes walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides domestic flights to various locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | San José Airport (SJO) is the main point of entry for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Cahuita is easily accessible via Route 36 (Costanera Sur). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main hub is in Limón, with buses connecting to Cahuita. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses to San José are frequent, costing around $5-$10 one way. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary means of transport to nearby cities, including Puerto Viejo and Limón. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Tony Facio is the nearest major hospital located in Limón. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Cahuita Yoga and Wellness Center offers classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms may not be available, consider outdoor activities for fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and some hostels offer laundry services for around $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats delivers food from local restaurants in nearby Puerto Viejo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Patacones (fried green plantains) and rice & beans are local staples. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kau-Kau Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería Cahuita serves delicious local pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets sell fresh fruits and vegetables daily. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Locally, you may find items at local shops; larger online purchases can be made via Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; local stores are the best option. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cabo Blanco and La Ruka are popular nightlife spots in Cahuita. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Craft is a local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cahuita has limited wine bars, but some restaurants offer a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls offer tasty empanadas and ceviche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta are available at several restaurants in the town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cahuita National Park is a must-visit for its biodiversity and beautiful trails. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cahuita Wildlife Sanctuary showcases local wildlife and education. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Cahuita's cultural heritage can be explored in the local community and architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches, such as the Cahuita Church, reflect the town's heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Cahuita Carnival, featuring local music and dance, occurs in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Playa district is vibrant with local artwork and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances may take place at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Cahuita Farmers Market operates on Saturdays and offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars host live music nights focusing on reggae and calypso genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals reflect the Caribbean culture and are scattered throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are available through local chefs offering Caribbean cuisine experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists exhibit their work in small galleries around town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several wooden structures reflect the town's colonial past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cahuita is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage, prominently celebrated in festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge for diverse wildlife and hikes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cahuita National Park is the main national park, perfect for hiking and snorkeling. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Cahuita to Puerto Viejo is popular for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points at Cahuita National Park offer breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The national park is a prime spot for observing various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair services are available; consider taking devices to Limón for more options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in nearby Puerto Viejo offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide good study atmospheres, though a dedicated library is not available. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often take place at local cultural centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; focus on outdoor or community activities instead. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Cahuita; the focus is on natural attractions. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable rate is about 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is around 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is set at 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica has regulations regarding CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is generally around 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax during property purchases is approximately 1.5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica offers various tax incentives for digital nomads via self-employment schemes. |