Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Uvita
Just 17km south of Dominical, this sweet little hamlet is really nothing more than a loose
straggle of farms, houses and tiny shops, though it should give you a good idea of what the
central Pacific coast looked like before the tourist boom. Uvita serves as the base for visits
to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, a pristine marine reserve famous for its migrating
pods of humpback whales and its virtually abandoned wilderness beaches.
Sights & Activities
Uvita is a perfect base for exploring Costanera Sur, which is home to some truly spectacu-
lar beaches that don't see anywhere near the number of tourists that they should attract. All
the better for you, if crowds aren't your thing.
Surfers passing through the area tend to push on to more extreme destinations further
south, though there are occasionally some swells at
Playa Hermosa
(not to be confused
with the one south of Jacó) to the north and
Playa Colonia
to the south. However, if
you've just come from Dominical, or you're planning on heading to Pavones, you might
be a bit disappointed with the mild conditions here. If you're a beginner, this can be a good
place to practice.
Reserva Biológica Oro Verde
OUTDOORS
( 8843-8833, 2743-8072)
A few kilometers before Uvita you'll see a signed turnoff to the left on a rough dirt road
(4WD only) that leads 3.5km up the hill (look over your shoulder for great views of
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena) to this private reserve. Two-thirds of the 150-hectare
property is rainforest, and there are guided hikes, horseback-riding tours and bird-watching
walks. Tour prices vary.
The reserve is on the farm of the Duarte family, who have lived in the area for more
than three decades.
Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge
OUTDOORS
(
8861-5147, 2743-8032;
www.rancholamerced.com
)
