Forget the reggae, the beers and the surf. If you visit Cahuita for one thing let it be the wildlife. 

Cahuita is one of Costa Rica’s only free national parks and while this certainly helps a backpacker’s budget, I encourage anyone to give a healthy donation for the job this team do in maintaining the park and conserving its inhabitants.

To list every type of creature I saw in my nine days there would make for a long read. Instead I’ll guide you through with handful of photos of just some of Cahuita’s most notable locals.