Sendero Punta Cahuita, Cahuita

From the Playa Blanca entrance at Kelly Creek, on the edge of Cahuita village, the trail follows the coast just inside the beach, under almond trees, sea grapes and palms, with the long white sand of Playa Blanca beside it for the first stretch. After about 1.5 km it reaches the Río Suárez, then carries on through low, swampy coastal forest, on boardwalk in places, to Punta Cahuita, with the coral reef offshore. Return the same way.

It is 7.3 km there and back on the flat; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a sandy path and boardwalk, wet and muddy after rain.

Howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, raccoons and toucans are often seen; never feed them. Venomous snakes live here too, so keep to the path and watch where you put your hands. Swim only where it is calm, as currents can be strong, and keep your bags with you: the UK Foreign Office warns that theft is a particular problem on the Caribbean coast.

Entry at Playa Blanca is by voluntary cash contribution, and the park is open daily from 8am to 4pm. Cahuita's bus terminal is a short walk from the entrance.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.