Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
We strongly suggest you purchase travel insurance for a wide variety of reasons.
Travel insurance doesnt just cover you for medical issues and accidents during adventures it is also there to help if your flight gets cancelled, if your luggage gets lost, if something gets stolen, or if you get sick and need to extend your stay in Costa Rica.
We always use WorldNomads for our travel insurance and highly suggest them to you.
You can get a quote and secure your insurance below.
Make A Trip To Dominical
Dominical is located only a 15 min drive from Uvita, and its a smaller beach town with great hippie and surf vibes. The beach is stunning, and the town has cute little cafes like Mono Congo. We like Dominical a bit better than Uvita, and its definitely worth a visit or can be a different option for staying close to the attractions of Uvita if you have a rental car.
Swim In The Freshwater Pool At La Cusinga Lodge
While at La Cusinga Lodge, a lovely couple told us about a secret waterfall and swimming hole on the hotel property. So, of course, we decided to check it out!
This secret pool is actually straightforward to find by following the map and signs at the hotel. However, we were surprised to find it completely empty for us to enjoy ourselves. Nevertheless, it was a fabulous find and the perfect place to enjoy a swim.
The trail to the pool is well maintained, and it only takes 5 minutes to reach the pool. The short trail begins at the hotels parking lot and is called the Poza Trail.
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Best Time To Visit Uvita Costa Rica
The dry season on the pacific coast in Uvita Costa Rica runs from December to April, making it the best time to visit. This time attracts most visitors so if you dont mind a bit of rain we recommend visiting in shoulder seasons like May or November. The rainiest months tend to be from August to October.
Take A Dip In A Secret Swimming Gap
Shiny turquoise waters and easy river boulders await you at this attractive swimming gap on the Río Uvita, up within the mountains simply outdoors of city. To get there, its important to stroll up the mountain, previous the Synergy Retreat Heart. On the way in which, youll go by way of the Bamboo Forest and discover a trickling stream to your proper. Theres a footpath there that leads you to the river.
Since I used to be right here throughout wet season, the rapids had been fairly sturdy, and solely the part within the picture above was protected to swim in. I went early within the morning, round 6am, and had the place to myself!
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Dominical & Uvita Costa Rica Travel Guide
HomeBlogDominical & Uvita Costa Rica Travel Guide
Have you ever heard about the whale tail that can be seen from the air? Maybe the annual whale festival? Well, we will tell you a little bit about this amazing spot. This is a natural place, not too touristy and a good option for people looking for wildlife and visit places off the beaten track.
Your Budget For Uvita
The price in Uvita depends on the season youre visiting. Expect to pay anywhere from 30 200 USD a night for a room and 10 40 USD for a meal. On top of that, most things to do in Uvita have an entrance fee as well. For example, the national park and waterfalls. Know that tap water is safe to drink in Uvita like most places in Costa Rica.
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What To Do In Puerto Viejo
Rent a bike to explore the colorful town. Stop at a local produce market for fresh fruit and head to the beaches at Playa Cocles or Punta Uva. Drive south toward Manzanillo for the day.
For up close and personal wildlife encounters, visit Cahuita National Park, and the Jaguar Rescue Centre outside of Puerto Viejo is a must-see if you love monkeys as much as we do!
Where To Stay In Costa Rica Near The Airports
If youre arriving to Costa Rica later in the day or departing the country early in the day, you might want to consider staying close to the airport the first or last night in the country.
Whether youre a first timer or not, staying at a local hotel near the airport before heading out into the country makes a lot of sense for several reasons:
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Driving in the dark if youre renting a car and driving yourself, driving in the dark on roads that may or may not be paved is much better in the daylight.
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Traffic Depending on the time of day youll be arriving or departing, traffic around both Costa Rica airports can be heavy, so staying in Alajuela or San Jose especially on your last night in the country lets you arrive at the airport for early flights relaxed and refreshed.
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Last minute shopping if you want to do last minute shopping at the Mercado Centrale downtown, allow yourself extra time to get back to the capital city, stay overnight and catch your flight out the next day.
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Ballena National Marine Park & Whale Tail Beach
One of the few marine national parks in Costa Rica is the true paradise for ocean and beach lovers. There are several beautiful beaches, but the real reason people travel to Uvita is to visit Punta Uvita, a place better known under a fitting nickname, Whale Tail Beach.
Every day during low tide, you can watch how the sandbar in the shape of a whale’s tail appears from the ocean. The natural phenomenon is, of course, the best to be seen from above, but as we did not feel like walking to the viewpoint and didn’t have a car, we simply walked on the sandbar.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a drone, and our photos cannot do justice to this marvelous place in the shape of a whale’s tail. Where else should be this natural gem than in Uvita, where hundreds of humpback whales migrate all year round?
In order to get to the park, you need to pay an entrance fee of $6 , which will allow you to walk on the sandy beach to the end where it splits and the surface change from a sandy to rocky one.
There is absolutely no shade, so take plenty of water. Also, this place has, unfortunately, a bad reputation because of robbings, so better watch your valuables or don’t take any with you.
How To Get Around
We naively thought that road conditions in Costa Rica would be much better, but the opposite was true.
It took quite a lot of time to get from one place to another, even though distances were not great, and the habit of dropping off everyone on every corner was sometimes driving us crazy .
On the other hand, we certainly welcomed a large number of alternatives, so every type of traveler can choose the best option.
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Best Places To Go In Costa Rica :
North Costa Rica – La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Bajos del Toro
North Caribbean Costa Rica – Tortuguero
South Caribbean Costa Rica – Cajuita, Puerto Viejo
Northwest Costa Rica – Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara
Middle Pacific Coast Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio and Jaco
Southwest Pacific Coast – Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay
Accommodation In City Center
A wide range of sights and restaurants are situated in the center of Uvita. So if you like outdoor activities, choose hotels nearby. There are , , and in the heart of the city. These objects have a rating above 8.4.
in the center of Uvita is an excellent option. This hotel offers a water slide, outdoor pool, outdoor pool .
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Embrace The Slow Pace Of Life
I have to admit that sometimes when Im traveling, its hard to turn my brain off or really settle into relaxation. As soon as I stepped foot in Uvita, I was immediately aware that a racing mind and a need for things to be quick and efficient wasnt going to fly here. Uvita was my first taste of the pura vida lifestyle, and the chill atmosphere made me think twice about trying to pack a million things into my itinerary.
I recommend planning at least one totally lazy day while youre in Uvita. Whether you enjoy the calm vibe at the beach, in the jungle, or even at your accommodations, having nothing on your to-do list just might be the best way to truly enjoy the magic of this peaceful beach town. I noticed that taking a moment to intentionally slow down helped me take in my surroundings a lot more, which made my stop here even more worth it.
Where To Stay Near Uvita Costa Rica
Our idea for Uvita, was to be relaxing, unwinding, and on the beach! That was a non-negotiable we wanted to be feet in the water, just steps separating our home from the sand.
We passed Uvita by a few kilometers and settled on the most charming AirBnB the region has to offer!
I cannot tell you how wonderful our stay was!
Deborahs home was right on one of the beaches of the national park!! Not only was the beach the most beautiful we saw in all of Costa Rica, but there was only one other house there and we were alone on the beach, day and night!
The home has been significantly improved since the pictures on the AirBnB listing. It had ample outdoor areas to eat and relax, as well as 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a full kitchen! And how about that outdoor shower?
Added to that, a 500-meter walk in the sand got us to a charming beach restaurant, with a double pool! It served up excellent and very reasonably-priced local food and the kids got to eat from the pool while Christian and I sipped on margaritas and piña coladas
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Things To Do In Santa Elena
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is undoubtedly the highlight of the area, but that doesnt mean theres only one way to see it. Hiking through is a great way to see the forest but if thrills are more your speed, why not try ziplining high above the canopy along a network of supportive wires that stretch out for miles!
See the Cloud Forest like monkeys do! The Monteverde zip line tour is a great way to see the cloud forest!
Best Hotels & Ecolodges In Uvita Costa Rica
Uvita is famous for three things: lovely beaches, lush rainforest and great hotels.
At first glance Uvita doesnt seem very inviting. The center of town consists of a series of strip malls along the main highway, and the bumpy dirt roads veering off the highway seem destined for little more. But venture off the asphalt and youll discover some of the Central Pacifics best kept secrets.
Uvitas beaches are beautiful, the lush hills above town are home to some elegant boutique hotels, and there are some terrific outdoor adventures. Add in a handful of great restaurants and theres really just one thing missing from Uvita: crowds.
If youre looking for a beautiful beach destination thats far less developed than Manuel Antonio, Uvita is a terrific alternative.
= Recommended
= Rated 4 or 5 Green Leaves by Costa Ricas Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program
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Villa Leonor At Ballena Beach Club
This little restaurant, accessible via the main road or from the beach, serves amazing cocktails and wonderful local food and fish!
Prices are very reasonable and they have a double pool , which was our kids highlight! We loved it too since they spent all night swimming and Christian and I enjoyed peaceful dinners.
If thats not the good life they were served their food in the pool ! Now, that makes traveling with kids, the absolute easiest thing in the world!!
Visit The Catarata Uvita Waterfall
One of the highlights of Uvita is the Catarata Uvita, a small waterfall at the edge of town with turquoise waters that are perfect for a swim. The hike to reach the waterfall only takes about 10 minutes. You can find the trailhead at a small restaurant and bar where youll see signs for Catarata Uvita the entrance fee costs 1,500 colones . The other way to get there is through the Catarata Esmarelda restaurant, but they charge 2,000 colones for access to their path.
This attraction is one of the most popular in Uvita, so if you want to marvel at the waterfall in peace, get there early. I got there around 6am, before the trail was technically open, but was able to walk right in and had the waterfall to myself. Another day, I got there at 7am, was able to pay the entrance fee at the restaurant and had the same luck. The trail closes at 4pm, but it is never gated off. I assumed that visiting after that time was prohibited, but I wasnt able to get a clear answer from anyone.
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Drink Local Craft Beer
Love craft beer as much as us? Well, thankfully, Uvita is home to its own craft brewery! Whale Tail Brewery is Uvitas local brewery serving delicious craft brews fresh to thirsty travelers and locals. Its safe to say, it didnt take me long to get to know this place.
The brewery is only small, but they have ample room to enjoy a beer at their bar, which is attached to the brewery. They serve only a few beers, and during my last visit, three were available to try. What I love most is the price of their craft beer. Each beer costs just over $3 USD, so you can certainly enjoy a few on a budget.
They also serve food and cocktails so everyone will find something they love. The only drawback is the service, which can lack at times.
Where To Stay In Drake Bay
La Paloma Lodge – One of the most beautiful eco lodges in the Osa peninsula, the all-inclusive La Paloma Lodge is set high on a bluff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush rainforest jungle. Its a short walk into the tiny town of Drake Bay and a favorite stay of ours, whether youre planning a family vacation or your honeymoon.
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Two Weeks In Costa Rica
Pick up an old guidebook on Costa Rica, even from just a few years back, and youâll read that the area known as the Costa Ballena is difficult to access and offers little to travelers. Fast forward a few years and youâll discover that this is no longer the case. Located an hour south of the popular beach town ofManuel Antonio, the Costa Ballena consists of the towns of Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. This region is slowly becoming famous for its pristine beaches and rolling green mountains that teem with wildlife. Below is our guide for one of the most up-and-coming destinations in Costa Rica, the Costa Ballena.
Envision Festival Popular To Do In Uvita
If youre visiting Uvita in February, you might be able to experience the Envision Festival. This 7-day experience to reconnect with nature, named Envision Festival, was inspired by Burning Man. You can expect a lot of music, a community feeling, educational workshops, and yoga. The festival is immensely popular so definitely plan this in advance.
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Awesome Hotels Near The Airport In Costa Rica
Weve been staying here since it was Las Orquideas Inn , and everything we liked about the property has been made even better. The property has been completely renovated and is now fresh, current and beautifully decorated, the pool is still amazing, the included breakfast is delicious, and best of all, you cant beat the value at well under $100/night. Its just 15 minutes from the airport and they can help arrange a transfer. Check availability and rates
This is our favorite place to stay in San Jose, no matter what part of the country we’re jumping off to. The historic property is elegant and the restaurant is especially amazing. The perfect place to stay for one night or longer! Check rates and availability
This is a great place to treat yourself for the night with the most stunning view of the valley! Definitely a more luxurious stay with on-site amenities, and would make a good base for exploring the area around Alajuela. Check rates, availability, and more details
Visit The Magical Nauyaca Waterfall
Hands down, one of our favorite waterfalls we have ever been to. Nauyaca Waterfall is about 45 min drive from Uvita Costa Rica. It opens at 7 am, and the entrance fee is 10 USD per person.
There is a ticket office on the road and parking a bit further down. From the parking, its a 4 km hike to the waterfall. The trail is gorgeous, but the way to the waterfall is quite steep in some parts. We recommend going in the morning when its not too hot.
Nauyaca waterfall has two levels, and its absolutely stunning. The lower level is perfect for swimming in. We arrived there around 8 am and enjoyed the waterfall just for ourselves for almost 2 hours. It was incredible.
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