6 tips for Uvita
Posted on October 9, 2024
Author: Iris
Uvita is a beautiful village on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, perfect for a relaxing holiday. We enjoyed a few days full of adventure and relaxation here. In this blog, we share our best tips for Uvita and the surrounding area.
Transport to Uvita
There are several routes to reach Uvita. Here are two popular options:
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Drake Bay - Uvita: A beautiful drive along the coast, perfect for enjoying nature.
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Manuel Antonio - Uvita: A shorter route that takes you along beautiful beaches and through small villages.
Accommodations in Uvita
Tropical House
Looking for an affordable option near Playa Uvita? Tropical House is a small-scale hotel, located a stone's throw from the beach. The rooms are simple and a bit outdated, but for a short stay it is fine. We stayed here for one night.
Ballena Rey Hotel
For more luxury, we recommend Ballena Rey Hotel. This hotel offers comfortable rooms and great views. We stayed here for two nights and had a lovely, relaxing stay.
Tip 1. Visit the Marino Balleno National Park
This national park is famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar. It is a great place to snorkel, swim, and enjoy nature. Don't forget to take time for a walk along the beaches. Want to get a good view of the sandbank? Then don't forget to check a tide app.
Tip 2. Playa Uvita
At Playa Uvita, you will not only find a beautiful beach, but you can also often spot colourful birds - we saw parrots, among others! It is a quiet place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Tip 3.Playa Dominical
For surfers, Playa Dominical is a true paradise. With strong waves and a relaxed atmosphere, this beach is a must-visit for lovers of surfing and beach parties. The little market just behind the beach is also a must-visit!
Tip 4. Rocas de Amancio
This was our favourite spot between Uvita and Playa Dominical. A nice secluded beach, with a beautiful rock formation where you have great views over the ocean.
Tip 5. Nauyaca Waterval
An impressive double waterfall, Nauyaca Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Be on time though, while hiking it quickly gets hot and besides, the falls are also quite popular. In addition, don't forget to get a ticket, which you do at this location. Then park your car and hike 4 km through the jungle to the waterfall and then take a nice cooling dip!
Tip 6. Reserva Playa Tortuga
Playa Tortuga is not only a beautiful, quiet beach, but also home to the Reserva Playa Tortuga. This nature reserve focuses on protecting sea turtles and other wildlife in the area. You can learn more about conservation here, participate in volunteer projects, and even watch turtles being released into the ocean.
Other Uvita Tips
We unfortunately didn't have time for the tips below, but don't want to keep them from you:
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Visit the local waterfall in Uvita for a quick refreshment.
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The Envision Festival is an annual celebration of music, art and sustainability, definitely recommended if you are in the area.
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Whale watching is one of the most popular activities here. The chances of seeing these impressive animals are highest between August and October.
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Horseback riding along the beach or through the jungle is a fun way to explore the area.
Restaurants in Uvita
These restaurants in Uvita were our favourites:
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Sibu Cafe: Delicious coffee, tasty sandwiches and cakes
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The French Cafe: For a tasty breakfast or lunch with French flair.
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Gusto Restaurant: A popular place for a sumptuous dinner with a lovely atmosphere.
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Bagel & Pizza Time: Simple and tasty, ideal for a quick bite.
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Pizzeria La Fogata: For pizza lovers, a cosy restaurant with a wood-fired oven.