Are you ready to explore a destination full of surprises in the midst of the exuberant nature of Costa Rica? Uvita, a small paradise located on the South Pacific coast, awaits you with a wide range of activities and places to discover. In this article, we will show you what to do and see in Uvita so that you make the most of your visit to this incredible corner of the world.
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What to see and do in Uvita (Costa Rica)
Uvita, located on the beautiful Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and wide range of exciting activities. If you are planning a visit to this Costa Rican paradise, you may wonder what to do and see in Uvita. Don’t worry! We are here to guide you and show you the wonders that await you in this corner of the world.
Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of Playa Uvita and Playa Hermosa
As soon as you arrive in Uvita, you cannot miss the impressive Uvita Beach and Hermosa Beach, also known as “La Cola de la Ballena”. This unique beach in the shape of a whale’s tail will leave you speechless with its natural beauty. Enjoy a sunny day under the palm trees, take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters and relax on the white sand while admiring the spectacular scenery that surrounds you.
Bathe in the Uvita Waterfall
Another must-see in Uvita is the impressive Uvita Waterfall. Embark on a hike through jungle trails surrounded by lush vegetation until you reach this magnificent waterfall. Let yourself be amazed by the waterfall that forms a natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments in this dreamlike natural setting.
Explore the Ballena Marine National Park
The Marino Ballena National Park is a natural treasure that you must explore during your visit to Uvita. This marine sanctuary is home to abundant aquatic life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish. Embark on an exciting snorkeling or diving tour to immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters and discover the diversity of marine species that inhabit the park. If you visit Uvita at the right time, you can also enjoy the spectacle of the humpback whales that migrate to these waters.
Venture on a Bird Watching Tour
Uvita is a paradise for bird lovers. Embark on an exciting bird watching tour and discover the wide variety of species that inhabit this region. From colorful toucans to graceful hummingbirds, you’ll have the chance to spot unique birds in their natural habitat. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will learn about the different species and their characteristics while exploring the forests and trails of Uvita.
Enjoy the Natural Charm of Playa Arco
If you are looking for a truly paradisiacal experience, you cannot miss visiting Playa Arco during your stay in Uvita. This hidden and virgin beach will leave you amazed with its natural beauty and its tranquility. Located within the Marino Ballena National Park, Playa Arco is known for its impressive arch-shaped rock formation that emerges from the sea. Its white sand and crystal clear water create the perfect setting to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing swim in a serene and picturesque setting.
Master the Waves with Surf Lessons in Uvita
If you are looking for a dose of adrenaline and fun in Uvita, you cannot stop trying the exciting surf classes that are offered in the area. Uvita is known for being a place where you can practice this sport. Whether you are a beginner or already experienced, local surf schools will give you the opportunity to learn, improve your skills and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the ocean.
Surf schools in Uvita have experienced and passionate instructors who will guide you through every step of the learning process. You’ll learn the basic techniques, from how to paddle correctly to how to stand up on the board and ride the waves. These professionals know the sea conditions in the area very well and will provide you with useful advice and practical exercises so that you can master the waves in a safe and fun way.
Explore the Beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park
If you are looking for an experience full of nature and adventure during your visit to Uvita, you cannot miss the opportunity to take an excursion to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Located on the Pacific coast, this park is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica due to its incredible biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and exuberant vegetation. Discover the magic of this natural paradise and immerse yourself in a world full of life and beauty.
Within the Manuel Antonio National Park, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio Beach, with its white sand and turquoise waters, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying a relaxing day on the beach. In addition, Playa Espadilla Sur offers an impressive landscape and the opportunity to enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and diving. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling equipment, as you will be able to observe an incredible variety of tropical fish and corals in the crystal clear waters.
Is Costa Rica SAFE to Travel?
Costa Rica is a moderately dangerous country, where nothing should happen to you if you go carefully and take precautions. Remember to follow these recommendations:
- In case of robbery, do not resist physically.
- Do not show a high purchasing power, that is, do not go with jewels, bags, etc … that are expensive.
- Be careful if you go out at night, and stay in crowded places where you are surrounded by other people.
- Thefts are usual, so don’t go with the camera or mobile in your hand or hang out of your neck.
- Try to avoid carrying the backpack on the back. Put it in front of you, or use a belt pouch or a cross bag.
Personally, I spent 3 months traveling alone in Costa Rica (I visited San José, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Dominical, Uvita, Bay Drake and Puerto Jiménez) and I did not find myself in any really serious situation.
Going down the street with the camera, several Costa Rican people approached and warned me that they were carefully with robberies, since they told me that they are very frequent.
In my case, during the trip they tried to steal 2 times and, luckily, I realized on time and I could avoid it. In any case, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance (👉5% discount) that can compensate you financially and help you if a medical emergency occurs.
If you are interested in traveling alone, I recommend this article about the reasons and benefits of traveling alone and this other article with tips for traveling alone being a woman. I encourage you to try it since it is a great and very profitable experience for oneself.
Eating VEGAN in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not a country faced with vegan food. Anyway, they have some traditional dishes that are vegan or that you can ask without egg or sauces such as the pico of rooster (rice with beans for breakfast), black bean soup or rice with vegetables.
You should always ask if the purés or soups are made with some type of dairy product or meat broth, since at first glance they might seem vegan dishes but not be.
In San José you can find some vegan restaurants, but when you leave the capital the offer is very limited or non -existent. Next, I make three recommendations and in this link you can read tips to travel vegan.
- Try to stay in hotels that are characterized by cooking vegan and vegetarian dishes. This is the best option and the most practical for not having to be looking for places where to eat comfortable without always repeating the same dishes.
- Before going on a tour that includes a meal, always mention that you are vegan or vegetarian, so that they can adapt the food.
- Costa Rica is a country where you can find a variety of fresh products (fruits and vegetables) to prepare salads and breakfast with fruits. In any city or town, you will easily find some supermarket or stalls on the street where you can buy groceries.