The vegetation and climate of the South Pacific is classified as tropical rainforest, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. It is a very wet region, with an average annual rainfall of around 4,000 mm (157 inches). The region can be visited year round, but mid-September to mid-November is the rainiest period and if you are planning to visit during this period it will be wise to check if the tours and hotels you want are available. 

When travelling down Ruta 34 allong the Pacific coast or from the direction of Cartago and San Isidro del General (Ruta 2 & 243) you will find two interesting beach towns close to the Osa Peninsula, Dominical and Uvita. It is worth mentioning these towns because they are definitely worth to stay to experience the relaxed laid-back beach town vibe, the surf culture of Dominical and the nature at Uvita. Since the drive to the Osa Peninsula can be very long depending on from where you are coming, you might consider to overnight on your way in these towns. Since the towns are located close to each other you can choose one. Uvita is more popular due to the location to Marino Ballena National Park, however I prefer Dominical. Uvita is more decentralized and spread out where Dominical is smaller with a more relaxed town center. Note that this is a personal preference and that both towns probably will not disappoint you.

Dominical is a coastal town, known for its beautiful beaches, and laid-back surf town vibe. The town is relatively small, with a few restaurants, bars, and shops, but it has a thriving surfing community and is popular with tourists seeking a more relaxed and low-key vacation experience. Uvita is also a small town, surrounded by nature, but it is bigger than Dominical and as mentioned less centralized and recommended if you seek peace and tranquility. The most famous beach in the area is probably Playa Uvita, which is part of the Marino Ballena National Park. This beach features a distinctive whale's tail-shaped sandbar, which appears at low tide. This is not the only "whale" that appears in this area. Uvita is quite famous for whale watching tours. The season to observe California Humpbacks is from December to April, and the viewing season resumes in July with the arrival of Antarctic whales, who remain until approximately November.

From these towns, there is also the possibility for tours to the Osa Peninsula with Corcovado National Park. Although the experience might not be the same as actually staying on the peninsula, it might be a reasonable alternative for those who don’t want to travel further or for those who do not have enough time in their itinerary to visit the peninsula. 

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are a beautiful and popular attraction located near the town of Dominical. The Nauyaca Waterfalls consists of two impressive cascades. The upper waterfall is approximately 45 meters (148 feet) high, while the lower waterfall is slightly shorter but equally stunning. The two tiers create a breathtaking natural setting surrounded by beautiful rainforest. The base of the waterfall forms a natural pool where you can swim, cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

Located aallong Ruta 243 between Dominical and San Isidro del General, there is an office with Nauyaca in large letters next to it. Here you can buy your entrance ticket. From the office, it is a 6 kilometer (4 mile) walk. If you have a car and are not much of a hiker you can drive up another 2 kilometers where there is a parking lot and the entrance to a 4 kilometer (2.5 mile) long trail to the waterfalls which will take approximately one hour. 

The hike is not that easy, but is definitely worth it as it takes you through beautiful rainforest with panoramic views of the coastline and the waterfalls as a final reward. There are several tour operators in the area that offer guided tours to the waterfalls, including the option of horseback riding. Be aware of visiting the waterfalls during the heaviest months of the rainy season (September and October) because the trails will be more difficult and swimming might be dangerous after heavy rains (which, by the way, is something to keep in mind when visiting every waterfall in the country throughout the year). The picture with the airplane is the Gate One Charter Restaurant & Bar, located between Dominical and Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Marino Ballena National Park is a protected area located near Uvita. The park was established in 1990 and covers an area of approximately 270 acres (110 hectares) of land and 13,300 acres (5,400 hectares) of ocean. One of the most distinctive features of Marino Ballena is its iconic whale-tail-shaped sandbar, also known as Punta Uvita. This natural formation, created by a series of sandbars and submerged coral reefs, is what gave the park its name. Marino Ballena means "Marine Whale" in Spanish. Another reason why this name is spot on is because of the opportunity to spot humpback whales during their migration season typically from December to April, and Antarctic whales, from July until approximately November.

There are several beaches, such as Playa Uvita and Playa Arco, which is named after the arch formed cave formations at the beach shown in the picture below. You can access Playa Arco from the Centro Operativo Playa Ballena next to the Playa Ballena Airport. Besides tropical beaches, the park also has mangrove forests along the coastline. These mangroves serve as crucial breeding and feeding grounds and provide a unique ecosystem to explore. Last but not least, the Marino Ballena National Park is an important nesting site for sea turtles, including Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Pacific Green turtles. 

In the surroundings of Uvita and Marina Ballena National Park you will find various waterfalls, one of which is Cascada El Pavon shown in the picture below. From Ojochal at Ruta 34 you take a turn on a secondary road and after a 10 to 15 minute drive you will find a restaurant called Restaurante Tilapias El Pavon, across the road from the restaurant it is just a short walk to the waterfall. A wonderful hidden gem with no entrance fee. You will find a similar kind of experience just outside of Dominical called Poza Azul. Located just a few steep steps to where you park your car and no entrance fee.

Explore where to stay in Dominical

• Cool Vibes Beach Hostel, A great place to stay in Dominical. Close to the beach and surf schools. The hotel provides both dorms as private rooms.  Check out the Cool Vibes Beach Hostel on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore where to stay in Uvita

• For a top rated accommodation located near the coast Ibiza Tropical Beach Villas is the place to be. Lovely villas away from the crowds, and a great breakfast. Check out Ibiza Tropical Beach Villas on Booking.com for great deals!

• Looking for an affordable hostel in Uvita? Check out the Shipwrecked Hostel, a new and unique hostel in the hills of Uvita. Check out the Shipwrecked Hostel on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do near Dominical & Uvita

• Dominical is popular for surfing and has some nice beaches like Playa Dominical and the more beautiful Playa Dominicalito.

• The Nauyaca waterfalls, the most famous and as far as I know tallest waterfalls in the area and a true hiking experience to get to them.

• Cascada El Pavon, El Pavon waterfall. A lovely waterfall that does not require a hike. No entrance fee.

• Poza Azul, a similar experience like Cascada El Pavon but located just south of Dominical. No entrance fee.

• Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Marino Ballena National Park with the famous Punta Uvita a sand bar in the shape of a whale tail. 

• Uvita has some beautiful beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Uvita with Punta Uvita and Playa Arco.

• Uvita is famous for whale watching tours.

• From Uvita you are also able to go on a tour to Reserva Biologica Isla del Caño, or Caño Island, one of the best snorkeling and diving spots of Costa Rica.

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

The Osa Peninsula is a remote and wild region located on the southern Pacific coast. The peninsula is known for Corcovado National Park, one of the largest national parks of Costa Rica and one of the most biologically diverse regions in Central America. The peninsula is surrounded by the Pacific on the west and the Golfo Dulce to the east. The region is a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure travel, but despite its popularity, the Osa Peninsula remains relatively untouched and remote, making it a true paradise for nature lovers.  There is much to tell about The Osa Peninsula, which I have done separately on The Osa Peninsula page.

Places I’m not yet familiar with but which are worth mentioning are Golfito and Pavones. These two small towns are located south of the peninsula on the Golfo Dulce, near the border with Panama. The town of Golfito is becoming a popular destination for ecotourism and sport fishing. The town is surrounded by rainforest and a good starting point to explore the Piedras Blancas National Park and the Golfito Wildlife Refuge. There are boat connections and tour operators in Golfito that offer day trips and multi-day tours from Golfito to the Osa Peninsula. 

Pavones is a small surfing village located about 50 kilometers south of Golfito. It is known for having one of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world. The village has a laid-back vibe and is becoming popular with backpackers and surfers. The town has a few small shops and restaurants, but it is mostly a quiet, secluded retreat. I'm not much of surfer, but if you are, this appears to be a place you need to check out.

The South Pacific is relatively easy to reach. From the direction of San José, or from the direction of Puntarenas, you have to get to Ruta 34 which goes all the way down the central and south Pacific coast.

For detailed descriptions and a map on how to get to the South Pacific and for detailed descriptions and a map on how to travel between the South Pacific and the Caribbean and vise versa, check the Routes & Roads page.