Revisiting Cahuita or A Day at the Beach

This story is more about the pictures than the words, so let me begin. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning. Laundry was done. Banana tree chopped down. Nothing left to do but head for the beach. Since we also had a hankering for Chinese food (yes, Chinese), our decision was easy. We headed for Cahuita National Park. A gorgeous yellow sand beach with changing rooms, shower facilities and conveniently located next to a Chinese food restaurant. The water was perfect - green, clear and warm. The food was great, portions large accompanied by cold beer. After lunch we took a short stroll around a few side streets we had never explored - the flower was on one of these. What could be better than this? Well, to our amazement and delight, the howler and capuchin monkeys were out playing in full force just inside the park. This is very unusual, particularly for the shy howler monkeys, who are more often heard than seen - especially this close up. Whole families. Wow.

What’s a visit to Costa Rica without monkeys?

Early each morning before 5 and each afternoon about 4, we can hear the unique roar of howler monkeys who live in the jungle canopy near our home. Although we have become accustomed to their daily chatter, hearing these characters for the first time is a memorable experience for visitors. And, naturally, they want to see the monkeys in person. We have found two places nearby that are almost guaranteed “monkey sighting” spots. One is at Cahuita National Park, and the second is on a side road near Punta Vargas (halfway between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo). Since the National Park was closed because of the heavy rains and flooding when the family was here, we took them to the spot by Punta Vargas. High in the trees on one side of the road were white-faced capuchins (the organ grinder type) and on the other side were howler monkeys. One of the capuchin monkeys looked as if he were posing – complete with a banana in hand. Better than a zoo any day.

Would you believe Howler Monkeys!

The first time you hear these blood-curdling sounds you'll swear you are being surrounded by wild beasts. It's even more shocking when you discover the mighty roars that echo throughout the jungle every morning and evening are actually just the sound of monkeys -- average size howler monkeys. We brought our visiting friends on a hike through the jungle near Cahuita to see these delightful creatures up close and personal. Hope you enjoy our version of the "survival guy."

A fine-feathered friend...

A day after we returned to Costa Rica after a 6-week visit with family and friends in Arizona, we were joined by 2 AZ friends giving us an excuse to visit all of our favorite beaches and bars. Along the way we ran into this very friendly parrot hanging out by the entrance to Cahuita National Park. There was no owner in sight but not to worry -- this guy sounds like he can find his way around in any language.