La Piscina Natural

Cahuita


Run by Cahuita native Walter and expatriate former schoolteacher Patty, this chilled-out gem of a spot near Playa Negra's northern end is a self-proclaimed 'Caribbean Paradise.' The small rooms share access to a huge kitchen and open-air lounge, but the lush grounds, the hammocks next to the gorgeous waterfront and the rock-fringed natural ocean-water pool really make this place special.

The owners suggest booking directly to save money.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cahuita attractions

1. Playa Negra

0.22 MILES

At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates that the beach is…

2. Playa Blanca

1.35 MILES

At the entrance to the national park. A good option for swimming.

3. Parque Nacional Cahuita

1.37 MILES

This small but beautiful park – just 10 sq km – is one of the more frequently visited national parks in Costa Rica. The reasons are simple: the nearby…

4. Cacao Trails

6.01 MILES

Halfway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Hone Creek, this botanical garden and chocolate museum has a couple of small exhibits devoted to…

5. Aiko-logi

7.22 MILES

Nestled into the Cordillera de Talamanca, 15km outside Puerto Viejo, this private 135-hectare reserve is centered on a former finca (farm), on land…

6. Finca La Isla

9.06 MILES

West of town, this farm and botanical garden has long produced organic pepper and cacao, along with more than 150 tropical fruits and ornamental plants…

7. Playa Cocles

10.25 MILES

Playa Cocles has waves for surfers who aren't keen to break skin and bones at nearby Salsa Brava (Costa Rica's biggest break). Instead, it has steep lefts…

8. Jaguar Centro de Rescate

11.44 MILES

Named in honor of its original resident, a jaguar, this well-run wildlife-rescue center in Playa Chiquita now focuses mostly on other animals, including…