Catarata Uvita: Waterfall with a Natural Slide [2024 Guide]

We have been to many waterfalls in different countries but interestingly, Uvita waterfall was our first one, where you can literally slide down the waterfall into a pool. This is our guide on how to plan your trip to the Uvita waterfall or Catarata Uvita.

When you are in Uvita, most of your activities will be in the ocean. The experience of whale watching and the Whale’s Tail in the Marino Ballena National Park and other water activities like surfing, snorkeling are unmissable and rank high among the top things you would like to do in Uvita.

However, the mountains and the rainforests are equally alluring and are home to waterfalls, hiking trails, birds and wildlife. Uvita waterfall, a short drive from the town center, is one such place.

This post was last updated in March 2024.

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Planning your trip to Uvita? Read our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Uvita and pick from a selection of gorgeous hotels for a memorable stay. For your Costa Rica vacation, you may also want to rent a car. And while you are there, do not miss out on a whale watching tour, the best thing to do in Uvita during the humpback whale migration season.

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For ideas on other things to do in Uvita and around, check these out:

• Things to do in Uvita
• Nauyaca Waterfalls
• Cascada El Pavon
• Arco Beach
• Pinuelas Beach
• Ventanas Beach
• Dominicalito Beach
• Whale watching in Uvita
• Marino Ballena National Park
• Best Restaurants in Uvita and Dominical
• Oxygen Jungle Villas – Boutique Hotel Review

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How to Reach Uvita Waterfall

If you are looking for directions to the Uvita town, check this.

Catarata Uvita is about 20 minutes walk from the town center.

Look for the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branch at one of the corners, on the left if you are facing south and the right if facing towards Dominical. The waterfall is 1.5 km from the highway through the road past the BCR branch.

Take the first left after the unpaved road starts. There are several boards near the entrance so it is difficult to miss!

By car or taxi, it is a short 4-5 minute drive to reach the waterfall from the BCR junction.

Entrance Cost for Uvita Waterfall

Technically, there are two entrance possibilities to visit the Uvita waterfall.

The first entrance is marked on Google Maps as Catarata Esmeralda Uvita. The entrance cost for Uvita waterfall from here is 3000 colones per person, and includes access to vehicle parking space. This property used to have a well-maintained butterfly garden and a restaurant on site. However, as of 2024, the restaurant and the butterfly garden have been shut down.

There is an alternative second entrance through another restaurant few meters down the same road. They charge 2000 colones for Uvita waterfall access. From this access point, you will be reaching the waterfall from the higher side of the waterfall. Due to limited parking space, many visitors end up parking on the roadside next to the restaurant here.

Now, which entrance should you use? We visited Catarata Uvita from the first entrance on all our previous visits. But, as of 2024, the common consensus now among visitors is to use the second entrance, because from here, you can get to the Uvita waterfall via safer trails and platforms, and at a better price.

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Related Reading: Costa Rica 2 Week Itinerary from SJO Airport

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Catarata Uvita: The Main Waterfall

As it is often the case in Costa Rica, the waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest. Uvita waterfall is not an exception. The first time we visited the waterfall, we were there just after an afternoon shower, the rain still dripping from the leaves.

After the entrance, the trail leads to the main waterfall passing by a river flowing through the forest creating cascades and natural pools. The waterfall is at the far end of the trail. There are a stack of boulders and a natural pool that relentlessly receive the waterfall.

You can swim in the pool and relax on the rocks below the waterfall. The sprinkles from the gushing water give a refreshing feeling.

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Related Reading: Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

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Uvita Waterfall Slide

The most fascinating part of the waterfall is the natural slide.

Walk up the stairs, which are located just before the boulders surrounding the waterfall. When you reach the top of the waterfall, you will need to sit where the river just starts falling off the cliff. With some courage, slide down to the pool! We watched some people do it while others cheered and encouraged.

Over the years, we have visited Catarata Uvita multiple times, but we haven’t mustered the courage yet to slide down the waterfall!

But when it comes to jumping off a small cliff or edge into the waterfall pool or river, we have done that in other remote parts of Costa Rica, like in the Rio Claro of Drake Bay. Indranil has also jumped into this hot spring waterfall of El Salvador, not once or twice, but 4 times!

Sliding down Uvita waterfall? May be some day! Indranil did dive into the bigger pool though at Uvita waterfall (more on that later in the next section).

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Related Reading: Best things to do in Costa Rica

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Catarata Uvita: Swimming in The Pools

The natural pool at the bottom of the Catarata Uvita is ideal for a relaxing swim. The emerald color pool surrounded by tropical forest creates an inviting atmosphere.

But there are more places to swim when visiting Uvita waterfall.

The other end of the property (closer to the entrance) has one more natural pool formed by the river. The property owner has created an iron bridge at a few meters height with an opening to the pool.

Indranil used this opportunity to have some fun diving off this platform into the pool. A short run, jump and fall few meters in to the deep pool. The platform is not too high but just perfect for a quick jumps. As he says, he didn’t try the fancy vaults, but definitely played with couple of plain old-fashioned jumps.

There is a small cascade that meets the pool. This is another spot to sit, relax and let the water do the work. This place has a complete view of the property that takes your eyes over the pools, the flowing river until it hits the waterfall at the end.

Bonus: The Butterfly Garden [Closed as of 2024]

The butterfly garden has been closed, as of 2024.

If you enter the property from the first entrance, there is a small butterfly garden. They have a good collection of plants that attract the butterflies. This is nice quick stop to see the colorful species on beautiful perches.

However, if you enjoy spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, Costa Rica will not disappoint. Read this article about all the different species of animals and birds you can expect to see in different parts of the country.

Best Time to Visit Uvita Waterfall

Uvita has dry season from December to April, and the rainy season starts from May and continues until early December. However, anytime of the year can be a good time to visit the Uvita waterfall.

If you access the Uvita waterfall trail through the first property, keep in mind their opening hours, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The place is popular among the locals, expats and tourists alike. So expect some crowd if you are going during the weekends. If you prefer to visit with fewer people around, go early.

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Related reading: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica, including couple of cool infographics!

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Catarata Uvita: What to Wear + Tips for Visiting

The trails, although short, can be slippery. So be cautious. You do not need hiking boots, but put on footwear with good grip. For easy waterfall trails, we prefer hiking sandals. Get water shoes if you like to keep your feet covered while swimming.

Uvita can get afternoon shower, anytime of the year, so carry your raincoat. Protect your skin against the strong UV rays of the tropical sun, and remember to apply sunscreen.

When visiting the tropical jungles of Costa Rica, it is best to apply insect repellent.

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Related Reading: Costa Rica packing list, with a FREE checklist!

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Places to Stay near Uvita Waterfall

If you wish to stay close to the Uvita waterfall, here are some options for varying budgets.

• Budget: Cascada Verde Hostel
• Mid-range: Whale Tail Hotel
• Luxury: Oxygen Jungle Villas

For more ideas on where to stay in Uvita, check out our Uvita hotels guide. Is has the selection of best hotels by different budget categories, the location pins for each of them, the highlights and features of the hotels as well as a one click booking option.

Where to Drink and Dine after Visiting Catarata Uvita?

Uvita has several cool restaurants, and the list is constantly growing. But if you want to get a chilled beer or grab a snack while walking back from Catarata Uvita, there are some interesting options along the road from the waterfall to the BCR in town.

• Uvita Beer Garden: Variety of craft beer and some live music.
• Indomitos Cafe and Bar: Uvita’s favorite vegetarian and vegan cafe.
• Mosaic Wine and Sushi Bar: Fusion Sushi and fine wine.
• Uvita Gastro Park: A food truck park.
• Cafe Vivo Uvita: Great coffee!
• Whale Tail Brewery CR: Craft beer on tap!
• Bar Restaurant Los Laureles: Latin American favorite bites.
• The Bakery CR – Uvita: Good coffee and great desserts!

Like us, if you enjoy eating out while traveling, you must check out our Uvita and Dominical restaurants guide.

Final Thoughts

The rainforest surrounding, the white gushing water, the emerald pools and of course, the sliding waterfall and the opportunities to plunge or relax in the natural pools count for a great time, whether in the morning or ending your day after the activities at the ocean. All this and the proximity to the town make the Uvita waterfall a must in your Uvita itinerary.

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Check out our travel guides to other waterfalls of Costa Rica:

• Rio Celeste Waterfall
• Oropendola Warerfall
• La Cangreja Warerfall
• Rio Negro Waterfalls and Hot Springs
• Catarata Del Toro
• Nauyaca Waterfalls, Dominical
• Uvita Waterfall
• Montezuma Waterfalls, Nicoya
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Cascada el Pavon, Ojochal

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