Uvita is a small town, located north of Ojochal and just 17 km south of Dominical. This town consists a few dirt roads, guesthouses, grocery stores, tiny shops and a scattering of hotels in the jungle covered hills above, and a bunch of malls by the main Costanera Sur entrance. It also has a small hub of banks and offices near the main highway. Its dirt roads can lead you to the mountains and hidden neighborhoods neatly tucked into the rainforest. From the main entrance to Uvita, within a short distance you will find little farmers’ market where you can mingle with the local people and can buy honey, locally grown fruit and vegetables, home-cooked foods.

Way to Uvita:

You can take bus from Quepos to Uvita. If you are traveling from San Jose, then you will have to take bus via Quepos or to San Isidro de Perez Zeledon and from there take a bus to reach Uvita. If you take the first option, it will be longer but you will enjoy amazing driving next to the ocean. The second options is a shorter ride and it will allow you to enjoy amazing view over a great mountain range. Best way to reach Uvita from SJO airport is Easy Ride Shuttle Services tat run twice a day in modern vans, profession drivers. This trip is just 3.5 hours (a lot faster than regular bus). If you prefer, you can also fly into Palmar Sur via Sansa or Nature Air. Or if you want to enjoy traveling yourself, you can rent a car.

Accommodations:

Kura Design Villas:

It features certain rooms include a seating area where the guests can spend some relaxed time. Some rooms also feature a terrace or balcony. Each of the room is fitted with a private bathroom including a shower and additionally bathrobes, free toiletries and a hairdryer. It also features WiFi, a spa center and an outdoor pool area, free private parking on site. It also has a private beach area and a bar.

Call: 011(506) 8521-3407
http://www.kuracostarica.com

Bahia Azul Hotel:

Situated just 500 meters from Uvita, this hotel features outdoor pool, garden, free parking, WiFi in public areas. Its rooms have basic decor and feature air conditioning, ceiling fan, coffee and private bathroom with shower. It also has 24 hour reception and tour desk. It is 213 km from Juan Santa Maria International Airport and 30 minute drive from Manuel Antonio National Park.

Call: +506 2743 8294
http://www.hotelbahiaazul.com/

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa:

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this hotel is featured with an outdoor pool, Mediterranean-style suites with ocean views, air conditioner, mini bar, four-poster beds, balcony, satellite TV and coffee maker. The bathrooms are equipped with toiletries and hairdryer. Within 15 minute walking distance, you can reach Marino Ballena National Park. Next to the pool, the Pura Vida restaurant serves International and Costa Rican dishes and overlook amazing views of the ocean. You can enjoy breakfast buffet that includes homemade bread and fresh fruit.

Call: +506 2786 5354
http://www.cristal-ballena.com/

Hotel Canto de Ballenas:

This hotel is featured with an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It also featured with rooms with a terrace and a private bathroom with free toiletries. It also offers free WiFi. Its reception remains open 24 hours. The hotel property also features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, free parking and tour desk.

Call: +506 2743 8085
https://www.facebook.com/Hotel-Canto-de-Ballenas-1653375511585863/

La Cusinga Eco Lodge:

This eco-lodge property is 6 minute walk from the beach. It features rooms decorated with wooden elements and featured with fan, wardrobe and private bathroom including shower and toilet. Its restaurant serves dishes made with organic local produce. It offers yoga classes. From this lodge with a 45 minute drive, you can reach the airports of Quepos and Palmar Sur.

Call: +506 2770 2549
http://www.lacusingalodge.com/

Oxygen Jungle Villas:

The Oxygen Jungle Villas is situated 5 km from the Playa Hermosa. It is featured with modern tropically designed villas, terraces, and infinity pool and also has WiFi. Its villas are featured with air conditioner, seating area, mini bar, safe, terrace, king-size bed and private bathroom with rain shower. Those are overlooking the mountain and ocean views. It offers spa treatments and can arrange different activities. Its restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also offers an à la carte gourmet specialties and country dishes of international cuisine. You can also enjoy fresh juices, soft drinks, liquor, wine, beer and champagne in its bar.

Call: +506 8322 4773
http://www.oxygenjunglevillas.com

Rancho Pacifico:

This rural hotel is located on a tranquil property surrounded by rainforest. Overlooking mountain or ocean views, this hotel features elegant suites including  WiFi, living area, terraces or private pools. Villas also add enclosed or open-air dining rooms, full kitchens and or private gardens. It has a restaurant that serves home-grown organic vegetables and full, free breakfast. It also features 2 infinity pools, 2 Jacuzzis and a spa.

Call: +5068006211975″
http://www.ranchopacifico.com

Restaurants:

Sabor Espanol:

It serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. You will enjoy seafood dishes, alcohol, wine and beer. It features seating arrangement, parking availability, free WiFi, reservation, wheelchair accessibility and has waitstaff. This place is good for romantic party, special occasions, family dinner with kids and kids party.

Call: +50687689160
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabor-Espanol-Uvita/236172823184401

Roadshack Deli:

In Downtown Uvita, Roadshack Deli is a take-out counter. Laid back, pour your own iced tea and water while waiting for your sandwich. Its chefs smoke their own meats, fry their own potato chips and craft all their own sauces. It serves Libertas that is the country’s most popular craft beer. You can visit this place for lunch and dinner.

Call: +506 4702 3782
https://www.facebook.com/Roadshackdeli

The Baker Bean:

Situated north of the main entrance to Uvita on the Costanera Sur, the Baker Bean is half-cafe, half-pizzeria. At this place you can enjoy a variety of food such as an exuberant mix of Costa Rican, Italian, Argentine and American flavors. It serves coffee, filled bagels, Argentine empanadas, bagels and homemade ravioli, pizzas and many more.

Call: +506 2743 8990
http://www.thebakerbean.com

The Dome Drive Thru:

In Uvita, the southern zone of Costa Rica, the Dome Drive Thru is an iconic little food stop that serves some of the best burgers, smoothies, salads, appetizers, burritos and coffee in the area. All the dishes are prepared with fresh ingredient. It serves homemade Ice Cream and Strawberry Cheese Cake every day.

Call: +506 2743 8506
https://www.facebook.com/The-Dome-Drive-Thru-105961929142

Bar & Restaurante Los Laureles:

Located in Uvita, at Cabinas Los Laureles, Bar and Restaurante Los Laureles serves traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with fresh ingredients with an array of options. This place is good for family with kids and dining on budget.

Call: +506 2743 8008
http://www.cabinasloslaureles.com/bar-restaurant/

Restaurante Marino Ballena:

Opened in 2002, Restaurante Marino Ballena is a very large roadside restaurant that sits adjacent to the main highway running through Uvita. Since its opening, this restaurant specializing in seafood and fine cuts of meat. This restaurant also has a bar for sipping cold beers or watching the latest sporting events.

Call: +506 2743 8104
http://www.marinoballena.net/en/ 

Attractions:

Marino Ballena National Park:

This park is one of the main attractions of Uvita. It is a pristine marine reserve popular for its migrating pods of humpback whales and also for its virtually abandoned wilderness beaches. It is an important area for false orca and pilot whales for rearing their calves and howler, Capuchin, squirrel monkeys, raccoons, pizotes, sloths and even the occasional puma or ocelot will roam through. This park also has wonderful waterfalls nearby. It holds the country’s biggest hippie-fest, the Envision Festival once a year.

Finca Baru Pacifico Wildlife Refuge:

Established in 1985, this wildlife refuge is better known as Hacienda Baru. This refuge consists of primary and secondary rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, deserted two mile white sand beach and mangroves. It is home to over 300 different species of birds, 100 species of amphibians and reptiles. There are also 57 species of mammals.

Yoga and Surfing in Uvita:

Bienestar Uvita Yoga Shala:

This offers a variety of modalities to connect the mind, body and spirit. You can join yoga, meditation and wellness services as well as can enjoy a variety of massage services, energy work and professional psychotherapy. It offers different workshops and Yoga Teacher Training program and you can also ask for private lessons.

Call: 506-8505-1369
http://www.bienestarlife.com/

Bodhi Surf School:

It is a budget friendly sustainable, eco conscious surf camp that offers individual surfing lessons, group sessions and also different kinds of personalized Yoga and surf packages. It is striving to protect the environment, spread awareness and simultaneously offers adventurous expeditions. Bodhi Surf School offers yoga and surf package that provides a well maintained week meditation, yoga and riding the waves in Bahia Ballena.

Call: (+506) 2743-8453
http://www.bodhisurfschool.com/

Selva Armonia:

Selva Armonia has thoughtfully designed to graciously host to provide retreat space for world-class teachers, healers, yogis and facilitators. It offers yoga retreat, aerial dance and yoga retreat, pilates retreat, and also yoga teacher training. It has an open-air “floating” bamboo Yoga deck where you can enjoy practicing your workouts and at the same time can enjoy watching the amazing view of the surroundings.

Call: 506.8334.0486
http://www.selvaarmonia.com

Neighboring Towns:

Dominical:

The small village of Dominical is a 4 km long beach strip, with a few hotels, lodges, resorts and restaurants in the area. It is a surfer’s paradise where waves can reach over 10 feet high. In this area you will enjoy warm temperatures during the day and a cool ocean breeze by night.

Ojochal:

Nestled approximately 30 minutes south of the city of Dominical, offers travelers a wide range of activities, accommodations and services. It is a great place for those who are looking to relax on the beach. This town has its own magnificent ocean views, pristine swaths of jungle, and beautiful beaches.