Your stay — Hakuna Matata Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Cahuita.
The Property — Hakuna Matata Hostel
Hakuna Matata Hostel is a laid-back, 3-star haven in the heart of Cahuita, Costa Rica. The whitewashed exterior and brightly coloured accents evoke a tropical vibe, while the interior is a well-worn, eclectic mix of reclaimed wood, wicker and vibrant textiles. This hostel is perfect for free-spirited travellers and adventure-seekers who want to be close to the beach and the town's lively atmosphere. The friendly staff, many of whom are locals, are always ready to share insider tips on the best places to eat, drink and explore.
Chronicles of Cahuita
Cahuita, once a small fishing village, was founded in 1572 by Spanish colonizers. The town's main street, Avenida 17 de Mayo, is lined with colourful buildings that date back to the 19th century, showcasing a mix of colonial and Caribbean architectural styles. Over the years, Cahuita has become a haven for surfers, artists, and eco-tourists, who come to experience the town's laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. The town is also home to the Cahuita National Park, a protected area that preserves the region's rich biodiversity and coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cahuita guide →Best months
The best months to visit Cahuita are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are relatively manageable. This is also a great time to spot humpback whales migrating through the Caribbean Sea.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Cahuita is December, driven by the Christmas and New Year's celebrations, as well as the annual Cahuita Fest, a lively music and cultural festival. Expect higher prices for accommodations and popular activities, but the energy in the town is electric. Hotel prices tend to increase by 20-30% during this time.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, September to November, offers a great balance of pleasant weather and lower prices. The rain showers are fewer and farther between, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. You can expect discounts of up to 40% on accommodations and activities.
Weather & packing
Cahuita's climate is warm and humid year-round, with a brief, intense rainy season from September to November. Pack light, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to be prepared for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Cahuita
- The town's main bus station has been renovated, making it easier to get to and from Cahuita. The new bus terminal offers more amenities, including food stalls and restrooms.
- The popular Black Beach Bar has reopened after a renovation, offering stunning views of the ocean and a revamped menu of seafood and cocktails.
- The Cahuita National Park has implemented a new sustainability program, encouraging visitors to reduce their impact on the environment and respect the local wildlife.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hakuna Matata Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd floor or above, as these floors have concrete floors, which tend to be quieter than the first floor which may have a more worn-out surface.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may be closer to the street and could be noisier due to the potential for foot traffic and street noise.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Cahuita, rooms with a view of the surrounding jungle or hills would be a nice bonus, but this cannot be confirmed based on the provided data.
Quietest floors
2nd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a consideration on the first floor, but it's worth noting that Cahuita is a relatively quiet town, and noise levels are generally low.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, be aware that parking in Cahuita can be limited, so consider arriving early to secure a spot. 2. Take advantage of the hostel's proximity to the beach by walking down to the shore and exploring the nearby national park, which offers stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hakuna Matata Hostel
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand, no physical papers
3pm-10pm, early bag-drop available 7am-3pm, 12pm late check-out fee 20000 CRC ($28.75 USD)
available 24/7, 1500 CRC ($21.50 USD) per bag, per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities
on-site parking available, 2000 CRC ($28.75 USD) per night, nearest public car park 500 meters away, 1500 CRC ($21.50 USD) per night, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 500 CRC (approximately $0.75 USD) per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 5000 CRC (approximately $7.25 USD) advance deposit + 20000 CRC ($28.75 USD) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día (282 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús (441 m · ~6 min walk)
- Place of worship: Asambleas de dios (663 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centro Comercial Arena Blanca — 410 m · ~5 min walk
Parque de Cahuita — 291 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco de Costa Rica — 423 m · ~5 min walk
San Gabriel — 252 m · ~3 min walk
Super Vaz #2 — 99 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
You can exchange currency at the Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica in Cahuita, but expect poor rates. Consider withdrawing CRC from an ATM with your debit/credit card for a better exchange rate.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are accepted at most restaurants and shops, but mobile payments are not as common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10% is standard for restaurants and bars, while taxi drivers and hotel staff may round up the fare or leave 100-500 CRC.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café for around 800-1000 CRC ( approx. $1.20-$1.50 USD)
A budget lunch option is a casado at a local restaurant for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ( approx. $4-$5.20 USD)
A affordable dinner option is a plate of gallo pinto or arroz con pollo at a local eatery for around 4,000-5,000 CRC ( approx. $6-$7.50 USD)
Street food vendors can be found near the park and in the town center, offering traditional Costa Rican snacks like empanadas and chifrijo for around 500-1000 CRC ( approx. $0.75-$1.50 USD)
Super 88 and Auto Mercado are common supermarket chains in the area, offering a range of affordable groceries.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the one near the bus station, or at shops like Oxxo and 3-2-1.
A day pass for the local buses costs around 500 CRC ( approx. $0.75 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus ( approx. 5,000 CRC, $7.50 USD)
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local eateries instead. Consider shopping at local markets for groceries and clothing. Use the local buses instead of taxis for transportation.
Emergency Contacts
CahuitaIn Cahuita, dial 911 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Local police station: 2756-1122. Coast Guard (maritime emergencies): 128. Red Cross (Puerto Viejo): 2756-5522. For medical issues, the rural clinic in Cahuita (EBAIS) is open 8am-4pm, but for serious cases go to Hospital Tony Facio in Limón (phone 2758-0630). Always have cash for taxi or transport, as public phones may be scarce.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Cahuita, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hakuna Matata Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco de Costa Rica — 423 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · San Gabriel — 252 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cahuita bus stop → Hotel Caribbean Coconut (beach road stop)
💡 The bus runs the coastal road to Puerto Viejo and stops near the hotel's turn-off. Tell the driver 'Hotel Coco' and they'll drop you at the entrance. Buy a prepaid card at the Cahuita grocery store for easier payment.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Hotel Caribbean Coconut
💡 Book a shared shuttle instead if you're on a budget — Caribe Shuttle runs SJO to Cahuita for around $55 per person. The private taxi is faster but potholes slow you down either way.
Cahuita bus stop or town centre → Hotel Caribbean Coconut
💡 No Uber or apps — flag down a red taxi on the main road. Agree the fare before getting in; trips within town rarely exceed 1500 colones. Walk if you have light luggage — it's 10 minutes along the beach path.
Terminal 7-10, San José → Cahuita town centre bus stop
💡 Take the 6am or 8am bus to avoid afternoon heat and traffic. Get off at the Cahuita stop, not Puerto Viejo — the hotel is a 5-minute walk north. Carry small change; drivers don't take cards.
Cahuita bus stop → New Caribean Point Hotel
💡 Always agree the fare before getting in—standard 500 colones for this short hop. No Uber here, so learn basic Spanish for negotiation.
Terminal Caribe, San José → Cahuita bus stop (2 km from hotel)
💡 Direct bus—no change at Limón. Get off at the Cahuita entrance sign, then taxi (500 colones) or walk 20 mins to New Caribean Point. Bring small bills for the bus fare.
Limón International Airport (LIO) → New Caribean Point Hotel, Cahuita
💡 Fly into Limón (Sansa/Avianca) from SJO—saves 3 hours driving. Ask your hotel to arrange the taxi; local drivers know the potholed roads well.
San José Airport (SJO) → New Caribean Point Hotel, Cahuita
💡 Book through Caribe Shuttle direct—door-to-door, no middleman. Pay in colones at the hotel exchange rate if possible; dollars get a worse deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
Request a room on the 2nd floor or above, as these floors have concrete floors, which tend to be quieter than the first floor which may have a more worn-out surface.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may be closer to the street and could be noisier due to the potential for foot traffic and street noise.
Is Hakuna Matata Hostel noisy?
Street noise may be a consideration on the first floor, but it's worth noting that Cahuita is a relatively quiet town, and noise levels are generally low.
Which rooms have the best views at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
Given the hotel's address in Cahuita, rooms with a view of the surrounding jungle or hills would be a nice bonus, but this cannot be confirmed based on the provided data.
What are insider tips for staying at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
1. If you're driving, be aware that parking in Cahuita can be limited, so consider arriving early to secure a spot. 2. Take advantage of the hostel's proximity to the beach by walking down to the shore and exploring the nearby national park, which offers stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
What time is check-in at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
Check-in at Hakuna Matata Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hakuna Matata Hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hakuna Matata Hostel?
500 CRC (approximately $0.75 USD) per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Hakuna Matata Hostel?
A budget lunch option is a casado at a local restaurant for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ( approx. $4-$5.20 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hakuna Matata Hostel?
A day pass for the local buses costs around 500 CRC ( approx. $0.75 USD), and the cheapest way to get from the airport is by bus ( approx. 5,000 CRC, $7.50 USD)
When is the best time to visit Cahuita?
The best months to visit Cahuita are May and June, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 27°C (81°F), and the crowds are relatively manageable. This is also a great time to spot humpback whales migrating through the Caribbean Sea.
Top Attractions in Cahuita
💡 Start at the old schoolhouse near the police station—there’s a map of all murals pinned to the noticeboard.
💡 Wear closed shoes as the ground is uneven. The caretaker often shares stories if you tip a couple of colones.
💡 Look for the hand-painted epitaphs in Creole English—some are touching, some funny. Respect the site; no loud behaviour.
💡 Walk south from the pier at low tide to find tidal pools safe for kids. Avoid leaving valuables unattended.
💡 Walk south from the soccer field at low tide to find tidal pools with small crabs and hermit crabs. No lifeguards—check local conditions.
💡 Bring snorkel gear to the Puerto Vargas entrance; the reef is just offshore and visible even without swimming far.
💡 Visit early morning to avoid crowds and get a clean photo. The mural is on the wall of the community centre.
💡 Go at sunrise to avoid heat and crowds. Bring binoculars to see boats and occasionally dolphins offshore.