Cabuya is a small village that is often overlooked when visiting the Nicoya Peninsula. I found the lack of tourists actually made it quite charming. Despite backpackers preferring Santa Teresa and Montezuma there is surprisingly a lot to do in this
#1 Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve
The main attraction here is the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve. This park was the first nature reserve in all of Costa Rica, established in 1963. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. There are two trails to choose from: Danes Trail, a 1.5 kilometer loop through the woods and Sueco Trail which is a 2 hour and five kilometer trail to the beach.
I did the Sueco trail to the beautiful white sand beach and saw many wild animals. I got there at 8 AM and was the first one on the trail. Be quiet as not to disturb the animals and to have a chance to observe them in their natural Habitat. I saw Coatis, an anteater, two deer, many large birds, howler monkeys, and a lizard. This hike requires a minimum of 4 hours as the return takes an additional 2 hours. I’d also recommend bringing a packed lunch and having a picnic by the beach.
#2 Selva Brewing Company
Another unique attribute to Cabuya is that it is the home of the Selva Brewing Company. Selva Brewery offers delicious craft beers and food. They have an IPA, red ale, brown ale, Belgian Golden Ale, and an amber ale.
#3 Cemetary Island
In the ocean, off the coast of Cabuya is a cemetery island. This island can be walked to during low tide. Make sure to time your walk or you could get stranded out there during high tide. The interior of the island is rather morbid but the exterior rim is a gorgeous rocky beach surrounded by crystal clear water.
#4 Catch a Sunrise
Cabuya is not the ideal town for a beach day. The shore level moves vastly based on high or low tide. Also, the ground is full of rocks that would make diving into the water dangerous. However, 2 kilometers up the road there is Playa Los Cedros which is a sandy beach that is good for swimming. Cabuya faces to the East and is a beautiful spot to catch the sunrise.
#5 Live Music on Fridays
There is one bar in town called Salon el Higueron. On Friday nights there is reggae music and the whole town comes out to enjoy it. It doesn’t take long to feel like a local in the small and friendly town of Cabuya!
#6 Movie Night
On Tuesday nights, classic movies are played at Calala lodge. The area where the jungle meets the ocean is transformed into an outdoor cinema with a projector, inflatable couches and sparkly lights.
Lodging
Cabuya is a small town and there is not any budget backpacker lodging there. Pricey lodges or Airbnb are going to be your best option. Most people either rent a car or an ATV so they can check out nearby attractions easily. I had a bicycle and otherwise I would hitchhike. Unless it’s the rainy season, the road is very dusty so don’t forget your glasses and a dust mask!
Chronicles of a Wandering Soul 