You're Going to Love Uvita
Chilled-out, relatively undeveloped, and welcoming, Uvita is a blissful beach destination on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It's also a world-class whale watching spot, drawing nature lovers from every part of the world.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Uvita
1. Humpback Whales
Just off the coast of Uvita's Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, thousands of 49-foot-long humpback whales arrive in two groups every year to socialize. Seeing them in action is an awe-inspiring sight.
2. There Are Some Fabulous Beaches
Uvita's beaches are as alluring as its natural riches. Those in the Ballena national park are particularly gorgeous. Ideal for snorkeling and swimming, they are also hardly ever packed - a big bonus.
3. The Envision Festival
Held in February, Envision is one of the world's biggest hippie get-togethers. Attend workshops, take part in group yoga, watch spectacular fire handling performances, and chill out to music.
4. Waterfalls
Along with its beaches, Uvita also boasts some stunning waterfalls in the nearby area. Watching them is relaxing, but you can - and should - also swim in the plunge pools beneath their cascades.
5. There's Some Great Food and Drink Available
Uvita's restaurants are up there with any resort on the Pacific coast. Spanish expats serve magnificent tapas. Fresh seafood is fried straight from the sea, and locally grown fruit and vegetables is always being turned into traditional tico dishes.
When to Visit Uvita
Estimated hotel price
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The best whale watching is probably in September and October. However, with great weather and Envision taking place in February, that's also a fine time to visit.
How to Get to Uvita
Plane
Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose (SJO) is the most common place for visitors to touch down. From there, buses take around six hours and cost ₡20,000.
Car
From San Jose, take Highway 2 to San Isidro de El General, then switch to Highway 243 to Uvita.
Bus
TRACOPA run a public bus link between Uvita and San Jose - around six hours from the resort. You can also catch buses from Quepos if your plane lands there.
Airlines serving Uvita
Where to stay in popular areas of Uvita
How to Get Around Uvita
Public Transportation
There's no public bus network in Uvita, but you can rent bikes (or scooters) if you need to get around.
Taxi
Taxis are available to help out if needed. Expect them to charge around ₡600 for the meter drop, followed by ₡1,000 per mile.
Car
You can rent a car from Hertz or Solid Car Rental, and prices can be as little as ₡7,500 per day.
Car rental agencies in Uvita
Where to Eat in Uvita
Try the Spanish fare at Sabor Espanol, enjoy Japanese food at Sushi Green, fill up on gourmet coffee and cakes at Sibu, or discover the wraps and huge sandwiches at the down-to-earth Roadshack Deli. Meals should cost around ₡10,000 per head, tops.