Uvita Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica Travel Guide
A 24-hour layover is not feasible for Uvita. The town sits about a 3-4 hour's journey by car from Juan Santamarían International Airport (SJO), meaning travel time consumes most of a brief visit. Focus on attractions closer to San José if you have a short layover.
Weekend Getaway (2-3 Days): Day 1: Arrival and Beach Relaxation. Arrive in Uvita, settle into your accommodation. In the afternoon, head to Playa Uvita (Marino Ballena National Park entrance). Walk onto the iconic "Whale's Tail" natural sand formation at low tide. Enjoy the sunset. Evening: Dinner at a local soda. Day 2: Whale Watching & Waterfall Swim. Morning: If visiting during whale migration season (July-Oct or Dec-Apr), take a whale and dolphin watching tour from Uvita beach. If not, consider a snorkeling trip to the Marino Ballena National Park reefs. Afternoon: Visit Uvita Waterfall (Catarata Uvita) for a refreshing swim and natural slide. Evening: Dinner at a mid-range restaurant. Day 3: Leisure and Departure. Morning: Enjoy a relaxing breakfast. Spend time at the beach, by the hotel pool, or revisit a favorite spot. Depart from Uvita in the late morning or early afternoon.
Tailor your Uvita itinerary to your specific interests for a personalized adventure.
Stay in Ojochal for multiple nights to be close to its renowned restaurants. Plan to take a cooking class focusing on Of Costa rica cuisine. Regularly visit the Uvita Feria (Farmer's Market) on Saturday morning for fresh ingredients and local snacks. Check out different "sodas" daily to taste various traditional dishes.
Dedicate time to a whale watching tour, a snorkeling or diving trip to Caño Island, surf lessons at Playa Hermosa, zip-lining through the canopy, and canyoning or waterfall rappelling. Include the hike or horseback ride to Nauyaca Waterfalls. Consider a day trip for white water rafting on the Savegre River.
Focus on pursuits suitable for all ages. Enjoy whale and dolphin watching (many tours welcome children). Spend plenty of time at the calm waters of Playa Uvita. Visit Uvita Waterfall for a fun swim and natural slide. A guided wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio National Park is often a highlight for families, ensuring children see animals.
Prioritize stays at eco-lodges or wellness centers offering yoga and meditation retreats. Spend time relaxing on tranquil beaches. Seek out healthy eating options. Immerse yourself in the natural sounds of the rainforest for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Uvita offers options for different spending levels, from frugal backpacking to luxurious experiences.
Stay in hostel dorms or basic cabinas. Eat at local "sodas" and self-cater. Rely on public buses. Prioritize free activities like beach relaxation and swimming.
Choose mid-range hotels or comfortable Airbnbs. Mix local "sodas" and mid-range restaurants. Use shared shuttles for longer distances. Participate in 1-2 organized tours.
Stay in luxury villas or high-end resorts. Indulge in fine dining. Arrange private transfers. Enjoy private tours and specialized excursions.
Uvita is a good base for exploring the surrounding region and connecting to other parts of Costa Rica.
To the North: Manuel Antonio, Dominical, then further north to San José (for city culture or international flights), Arenal/La Fortuna, or Monteverde. Southward: The Osa Peninsula, specifically Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez, for immersion into untouched rainforest and unique wildlife.
Pacific Coast Loop: Start in San José (SJO), travel south to Uvita, then north along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio, before heading inland to Monteverde, then La Fortuna, and finally back to SJO. South Pacific Focus: Arrive at SJO, travel to Uvita, then take a boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay (for Corcovado exploration), and either return the same way or take a domestic flight from Palmar Sur back to SJO.
For those with more time, extending your time in Uvita or combining it with other regions broadens your Costa Rican experience. Consider renting a vacation home for immersion in local life and extended exploration of surrounding areas.
Public buses are also an option, although they often require transfers in larger hubs like San Isidro de El General or San José, making the journey longer. This offers a more budget-friendly approach to travel.
Domestic flights from Palmar Sur (PMZ) quickly connect you to San José or other regional airports. This option significantly reduces travel time for longer distances within Costa Rica, offering a speedy and comfortable journey for those having less time or otherwise a higher budget.
During high season (December-April), getting around and accommodation book quickly. Secure your reservations well in advance to prevent issues.
Some roads, particularly to more remote areas, may be unpaved or require a 4x4 vehicle, specifically during the rainy season.
