Hidden along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, Uvita de Osa is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and biodiverse trails, this coastal town is an adventurer's dream. Uvita offers a mix of easy nature walks, moderate treks, and rugged jungle hikes, each leading to spectacular viewpoints, secluded swimming holes, or rare wildlife encounters. Whether you're looking for a relaxing hike to a waterfall or a challenging jungle ascent, Uvita has something to offer.
For those ready to lace up their hiking boots and explore, here's a guide to the best hiking trails in and around Uvita—each offering a unique experience, from coastal wonders to deep jungle escapades.
Nauyaca Waterfalls Trail – A Jungle Trek to Paradise
One of the most iconic waterfall hikes in Costa Rica, the Nauyaca Waterfalls Trail, takes you deep into the rainforest, where the reward is a towering, two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) trail meanders through dense jungle, offering a chance to spot colorful toucans, monkeys, and even sloths. The waterfalls are breathtaking, with the upper falls cascading over a rocky ledge and the lower falls pooling into a swimmable lagoon.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls Trail is a moderate hike with some steep sections. Along the way, hikers can encounter monkeys, sloths, and a colorful assortment of tropical birds. The best time to embark on this trek is early morning when the trails are quieter and to avoid the midday heat. Horseback tours offer an alternative way to reach this breathtaking destination.
Uvita Waterfall and Natural Rock Slide – A Local Gem
For a short yet rewarding excursion, the Uvita Waterfall Trail is an easy hike that leads to a natural waterslide carved into the rock. Just a short distance from the town center, this hidden oasis is perfect for families and travelers looking for a quick escape into nature. This is an easy, fun hike measuring approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), ideal for those looking for a quick dip and a little adventure without having to devote a full day to hiking.
The rock formation allows visitors to slide down the waterfall into a refreshing natural pool below—though it's always advisable to do so at your own risk. The trail is great for spotting small lizards and tiny tree frogs, and there is an excellent butterfly garden adjacent to the trail. While this trail can be enjoyed at any time of day, mornings are best for a reflective trek and to avoid the larger midday crowds.
Marino Ballena National Park Trails – Coastal Beauty and the Famous Whale Tail
Uvita is famous for its Whale Tail Sandbar, a natural formation best seen at low tide in Marino Ballena National Park. Several scenic coastal trails wind through this protected area, offering access to mangroves, hidden beaches, and jungle pathways with abundant birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Most notably, just off the coast, is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot humpback whales during migration season.
Four primary Marino Ballena National Park Trails provide a rare combination of beachside hiking and jungle trekking, with views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of places to cool off along the way. Ranging from easy to moderate, you can traverse a total of 19 kilometers (11.8 miles), including a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) loop and the popular 3.5-kilometer (2.2 miles) Whale Tail excursion. Explore these trails during the dry season, from December to April, when clear skies and drier paths make conditions more favorable.
Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge – Private Reserve and Night Hikes
For those wanting a guided experience in a protected wildlife sanctuary, Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge offers both daytime and nighttime hikes through its expansive reserve of primary and secondary forests. The night hikes provide the rare opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife, including kinkajous, tree frogs, armadillos, and bioluminescent fungi. Daytime hikes allow visitors to explore old-growth rainforests, mangrove swamps, and open pastures.
Rancho La Merced hiking trails are easy-to-moderate, and extend up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) through a mix of rainforest, mangroves, and open pastures. This diverse landscape provides the perfect environment for spotting rare birds, sloths, and an array of nocturnal creatures. While the trails are stunning during the day, the most unique experience comes at night, when guided hikes reveal a side of the jungle not often seen by most visitors.
Discover more of Uvita with a trusted local expert
Hiking in Uvita is an immersive experience through one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. Whether wandering through rainforest trails, swimming beneath hidden waterfalls, or viewing the region's diverse range of wildlife—from birds to monkeys to whales- every step in Uvita brings you closer to nature. And with a mix of easy, moderate, and advanced trails, there's something for every level of hiker.
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