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Are you a big fan of waterfalls? I’ve got one for you that you can’t miss located in Uvita, a small coastal town in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica. While there are more waterfalls in the area around Uvita, this one is extra special because it’s an easy one to swim in and it has a feature none of the other waterfalls have: a natural slide! Let’s dive into this Uvita waterfall guide. in which I’ll explain why you should definitely add this one to your Costa Rica itinerary.
Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita, Costa Rica
Uvita is a sleepy town in the Southern Puntarenas province in Costa Rica. The town is most well-known for the thousands of humpback whales who migrate here every year between July and March. Most people come here to go on a whale watching tour or to visit the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park.
An amazing feature of this park is the natural “whale tail” that pops out of the ocean at low tide. While it’s nothing spectacular when you are walking on the beach, the sight you get watching down from the sky is simply sublime and proves that nature works in mysterious ways.
Uvita town center is pretty mellow and there is not that much to do in the evening so it’s not an ideal place for backpackers who like to get drunk and stay up late. But everyone who has a fondness for nature will truly love this unique spot.
Aside from the beaches with crystal clear water and swaying palm trees, Uvita also has a spectacular mountainous backdrop with lush jungle, howler monkeys and…Uvita waterfall.
Uvita Waterfall, Uvita, Costa Rica
Uvita Waterfall, locally called “catarata Uvita”, is a beautiful waterfall in the lush backdrop of Uvita away from the busy street and the beaches.
It is surrounded by dense greenery and a lot of rocks, which makes it a perfect place to relax with a book or to have a picnic.
Uvita waterfall (Cascada Verde)
There are two pools to have a swim in and the temperature of the water is cool but refreshing and it’s a nice escape from the heat if you are visiting during the afternoon. We visited the waterfall twice during our time in Uvita, once in the afternoon and once early in the morning.
If you want our advice: go early in the morning. You will have the place all to yourself!
There is also a butterfly garden at the property that you can visit.
Waterfall Uvita, Costa Rica
The waterfall is located in the lush backdrop behind the beach area and is a 20-min walk from the main road. First, if you are on the main road, look for the “Banco de Costa Rica Uvita”. It will be on your left when you come from Dominical and on your right if you are coming the other way.
There take “Calle Uvita” and walk for ten minutes until you see a street called “Calle Bejuco” on your left. Here comes the tricky part if you’re on foot. This is quite a steep hill and even though it’s only 500 meters, you will be pleased when you arrive at the waterfall to take a dip!
Here are the directions on Google Maps from the bank to the waterfall.
Alternatively, you can go by car. Parking space is free if you have your own vehicle. Taxis are easily found at the BM Supermarket in town.
You can also hitchhike up the hill, that’s what we did several times since our hotel was located up the hill. Friendly locals and ex-pats with a jeep pass by regularly and don’t mind taking you with them.
Catarata Uvita, Costa Rica
The entrance of the waterfall is located on the right hand of the street. You will have to pay 2000 Colones to enter because the waterfall is located on private property.
Alternatively, you can also enter a pathway to the waterfall from a small roadside restaurant a little further up the road. Here you will also pay 2000 Colones to enter the trail that leads to the waterfall.
After visiting the waterfall once in the afternoon we decided to go early in the morning the next day. We left our hotel around six A.M. and went to the entrance at the restaurant and no one was there to charge us yet so we went in for free. We also had to the place to ourselves for about two hours which was pretty fantastic.
Uvita Waterfall slide Costa Rica
The most unique part of this waterfall is the natural slide. Because of the water flowing over the rocks, the rocks kind of eroded, making them very smooth for sliding down.
At the time of our visit, you had to walk up the rock to enter the top of the waterfall but recently, they have put up a ladder on the rocks to make it easier for visitors to climb up.
It might not seem that high looking at it but, assuming you’re not a daily waterfall slider, you will surely feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins!
Balcony overlooking the jungle @ Cascada Verde
The best place to stay when you want to visit Uvita waterfall and just Uvita, in general, is Cascada Verde Hostel.
Located only 100 meters away from the waterfall, this place will blow you away. Cascade Verde Hostel is not really a hostel but a sort of wooden treehouse hidden in the jungle.
The rooms are beautiful, all made up out of wood and simply furnished with natural material and the occasional dream catcher. The common rooms all have open views of the surrounding jungle and it’s quite amazing to just sit there and listen to the sounds of nature.
You will surely wake up at night to the sound of howler monkeys passing by the hostel and since there are no windows it really feels like you’re sleeping in the jungle. Our room was more of a covered terrace with a bed looking out on the greenery. Truly a magical experience.
They also have a well-equipped and clean kitchen where you can find everything you need to cook your own food. The property also does its fair part for sustainability and is eco-friendly.
If there is no availability at Cascada Verde then check out Arboura eco cabins or Uvita River guesthouse.
→ Also read: A Complete Guide to The Best Vegan Resorts in Costa Rica
Uvita beach
There are a few other waterfalls near Uvita that are worth a visit. They are easily reached by foot though and will require you to take a taxi or rent a car.
Some tips before you visit Uvita and the waterfall:
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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