Fumble your way through Costa Rica like a champ! J/K Here's our guidebook. You should read it.
Fumble your way through Costa Rica like a champ! J/K Here's our guidebook. You should read it.
Food scene
My favorite restaurants including close local ones to some in Uvita, and Quepos that we also enjoy.
located only 3KM away. This is the place the locals go to for breakfast and lunch. I order "pinto gallo con polo en salsa". The owners appreciate your broken Spanish... they will laugh at you, but give it a try.
Soda Barú
243located only 3KM away. This is the place the locals go to for breakfast and lunch. I order "pinto gallo con polo en salsa". The owners appreciate your broken Spanish... they will laugh at you, but give it a try.
I eat dinner here all the time. Less than 4 km away between bar Chicote and Dominical on the left. They even have a pool for the kids to play in! The restaurant is pronounced "Ricardos". The name is meant to mess with tourists. Don't fall for it!
8 locals recommend
Ricar2 El Avión
I eat dinner here all the time. Less than 4 km away between bar Chicote and Dominical on the left. They even have a pool for the kids to play in! The restaurant is pronounced "Ricardos". The name is meant to mess with tourists. Don't fall for it!
Locally owned bakery located in Platanillo 3 km away! Delicious pastries and breads. You donut want to miss this... get it? Donut want to miss this?! Haha. Nevermind.
Panaderia Baru
Locally owned bakery located in Platanillo 3 km away! Delicious pastries and breads. You donut want to miss this... get it? Donut want to miss this?! Haha. Nevermind.
3.2 km away is this wonderful spot with a large menu including vegan options. The family that runs this spot is great, just make sure to ask for the spicy stuff. They like to see how we handle the spice.
View - Restaurant & Coffee Lounge
3.2 km away is this wonderful spot with a large menu including vegan options. The family that runs this spot is great, just make sure to ask for the spicy stuff. They like to see how we handle the spice.
Delicious curry, noodles and rice. located right in Dominical, I recommend the Massaman Curry and the spring rolls.
41 locals recommend
Phat Noodle
Delicious curry, noodles and rice. located right in Dominical, I recommend the Massaman Curry and the spring rolls.
Beautifully done brewery that sometimes has live music. (just don't park on the street, as its not marked but you can get a ticket). The decor here is fantastic, just don't have too many brews and get lost in the halls :)
79 locals recommend
Fuego Brew Co.
Beautifully done brewery that sometimes has live music. (just don't park on the street, as its not marked but you can get a ticket). The decor here is fantastic, just don't have too many brews and get lost in the halls :)
Delicious coffee shop in Dominical with seating on the Baru River. Great spot to people watch and eavesdrop if you're into that sort of thing.
67 locals recommend
Cafe Mono Congo
Delicious coffee shop in Dominical with seating on the Baru River. Great spot to people watch and eavesdrop if you're into that sort of thing.
one of my favorite spots with the best smoothies. Try the "chocolate banana" but they are all delicious.
Café Ensueño
one of my favorite spots with the best smoothies. Try the "chocolate banana" but they are all delicious.
delicious tacos, burritos and nachos. "cash only" but they have specials on taco Tuesday.
12 locals recommend
Del Mar Taco Shop
Main Streetdelicious tacos, burritos and nachos. "cash only" but they have specials on taco Tuesday.
Pizza Surf Time
delicious locally owned pizza place 13.3 Km away in Hatillo.
12.7 KM away and just south of dominical this finer dinning restaurant with ocean views and delicious fresh seafood. Go an hour before sunset and bring bananas to feed the monkeys. Its a great experience.
46 locals recommend
Cabinas La Parcela
12.7 KM away and just south of dominical this finer dinning restaurant with ocean views and delicious fresh seafood. Go an hour before sunset and bring bananas to feed the monkeys. Its a great experience.
17.9 km away heading towards Uvita. With 20 different wings to choose from, burgers and pizza this place is fantastic.
64 locals recommend
Bar Jolly Roger
17.9 km away heading towards Uvita. With 20 different wings to choose from, burgers and pizza this place is fantastic.
located next to the soccer field in Uvita. Real local food at reasonable prices. The Premium burger is delicious and so is the pescado casado, the breakfasts, and smoothies are wonderful as well.
Que Tuanis Café
located next to the soccer field in Uvita. Real local food at reasonable prices. The Premium burger is delicious and so is the pescado casado, the breakfasts, and smoothies are wonderful as well.
located in Uvita next to pizza time this place gives you options for the entire family. They offer delicious sandwiches on fresh made bagels or kaiser rolls.
Bagel Time
located in Uvita next to pizza time this place gives you options for the entire family. They offer delicious sandwiches on fresh made bagels or kaiser rolls.
Located in Uvita 1/2 km north of the BCR bank on the west side of the road. Delicious local fresh seafood, burgers and steaks. Beautiful presentation.
Los Barriles Uvita
Located in Uvita 1/2 km north of the BCR bank on the west side of the road. Delicious local fresh seafood, burgers and steaks. Beautiful presentation.
Wonderful sunset dinner location if you are in Quepos. Everything is fresh and delicious here. If you have seen the movie American Made, you will find this place very interesting! Great story, great ambiance, pretty great food.
44 locals recommend
El Avion
Wonderful sunset dinner location if you are in Quepos. Everything is fresh and delicious here. If you have seen the movie American Made, you will find this place very interesting! Great story, great ambiance, pretty great food.
In Quepos this is my favorite sushi spot, they also have amazing fish tacos.
Calypso Sushi And SeaFood
In Quepos this is my favorite sushi spot, they also have amazing fish tacos.
Vegan Restaurant located 26km away in uvita. I love the plantanes with guac :)
17 locals recommend
Indómitos Cafe
Vegan Restaurant located 26km away in uvita. I love the plantanes with guac :)
7.2 KM away on the 234 to San Isidro. Delicious home made falafels and delicious hummus.
amor mediterraneo
7.2 KM away on the 234 to San Isidro. Delicious home made falafels and delicious hummus.
My absolute favorite for fine dining where the presentation and effort are wonderful. This is where we go for Birthdays. Located 17Km south on the Costanerra in Escaleras.
Restaurante Scala
My absolute favorite for fine dining where the presentation and effort are wonderful. This is where we go for Birthdays. Located 17Km south on the Costanerra in Escaleras.
located in 21Km north on the Costanera. Offering the best local fresh seafood around. whole fish, filet of fish with lobster tail, or shrimp in butter white sauce are my favorites.
34 locals recommend
La Langosta Feliz
located in 21Km north on the Costanera. Offering the best local fresh seafood around. whole fish, filet of fish with lobster tail, or shrimp in butter white sauce are my favorites.
This is one of my go too places to eat in Uvita. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. I like the shrimp wrap, and the casado. Located 25km away just before you get to Uvita on the west side of the Costanera.
Aroma a Café
This is one of my go too places to eat in Uvita. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. I like the shrimp wrap, and the casado. Located 25km away just before you get to Uvita on the west side of the Costanera.
El Cardón
delicious authentic mexican food located 28km away in Uvita.
hands down the best fresh made empanada you will ever have!
EL HORNITO - Empanadas Argentinas\Pizzas\Sandwiches
hands down the best fresh made empanada you will ever have!
Grocery Stores
best close grocery store around. Doesn't look like much but if you can't make it to a BM this place will do.
Mini super Elizabeth #2
best close grocery store around. Doesn't look like much but if you can't make it to a BM this place will do.
wonderful market with organic selections and a delicious deli. Located in Dominical 6.5 KM away.
22 locals recommend
Mama Toucan's Natural Market
wonderful market with organic selections and a delicious deli. Located in Dominical 6.5 KM away.
located 26.1 KM to the south in Uvita this is the largest close grocery store with a large selection of produce, meats, and everyday necessities.
39 locals recommend
BM Uvita
located 26.1 KM to the south in Uvita this is the largest close grocery store with a large selection of produce, meats, and everyday necessities.
MaxiPali
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34large grocery store located off the highway 34 in Quepos.
about 30km away in San Isidro. If you are in need of something you cannot find this is the closest Walmart.
Walmart Pérez Zeledón
Carretera Interamericanaabout 30km away in San Isidro. If you are in need of something you cannot find this is the closest Walmart.
7.5 KM away in Tinamastes on Tuesdays from 8-12am this is the best Farmers Market around. Local everything!
16 locals recommend
Feria Tinamastes
7.5 KM away in Tinamastes on Tuesdays from 8-12am this is the best Farmers Market around. Local everything!
located in san isidro 17KM away. this is a huge market. Thursday is the day for this one and the mornings will have the most options to purchase from local farmers.
18 locals recommend
Feria del Agricultor
located in san isidro 17KM away. this is a huge market. Thursday is the day for this one and the mornings will have the most options to purchase from local farmers.
Pretty small farmers market located in Dominical on Fridays. More local hand made goods than food but i do like the local coffee and mushrooms from here.
8 locals recommend
Eco Feria
Pretty small farmers market located in Dominical on Fridays. More local hand made goods than food but i do like the local coffee and mushrooms from here.
located in Uvita on saturdays from 10-3. A good selection of local produce and fruits.
11 locals recommend
Uvita Farmers Market
Carretera Pacífica Fernández Oreamunolocated in Uvita on saturdays from 10-3. A good selection of local produce and fruits.
Waterfalls
Beautiful Waterfall located 7.7 KM away. Go up the hill from the Cascada Azul gate 1.8 KM, turn left and go 4.9KM to the parking area. No Fee required
Cascada Tres Piedras de Barú
Beautiful Waterfall located 7.7 KM away. Go up the hill from the Cascada Azul gate 1.8 KM, turn left and go 4.9KM to the parking area. No Fee required
Located in Uvita. This is a Wonderfull spot for the entire family. After you pay the small entry fee you come to a butterfly garden full of Blue Morpho Butterflies. Then a short hike will bring you to a couple pools to swim in as well as a 30' waterfall slide. Trust me its worth the stop. There is also a little restaurant near the parking area if you get hungry or thirsty.
8 locals recommend
Catarata Uvita #1 y Mariposario, UVITA WATERFALL AND BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Located in Uvita. This is a Wonderfull spot for the entire family. After you pay the small entry fee you come to a butterfly garden full of Blue Morpho Butterflies. Then a short hike will bring you to a couple pools to swim in as well as a 30' waterfall slide. Trust me its worth the stop. There is also a little restaurant near the parking area if you get hungry or thirsty.
wonderful hidden gem of a waterfall free and much cooler than the beach on hot days.
34 locals recommend
Cascada El Pavón
wonderful hidden gem of a waterfall free and much cooler than the beach on hot days.
located close to Platanillo. 4x4 recommended if its raining. this place has a few waterfalls with the main one having a large pool to enjoy swimming in.
7 locals recommend
La Ceiba Ecoadventures
located close to Platanillo. 4x4 recommended if its raining. this place has a few waterfalls with the main one having a large pool to enjoy swimming in.
located 8.7KM away (about a 30 minute drive on gravel roads). for around $18 your entrance fee includes a guide and breakfast or lunch.
56 locals recommend
Eco Chontales Waterfall
located 8.7KM away (about a 30 minute drive on gravel roads). for around $18 your entrance fee includes a guide and breakfast or lunch.
Nauyaca (the photo on the cover of the guidebook) is located 5.7 KM away. This is an all day must recommend adventure. There is a fee to enter (Depending on the season, method of access, and which of the 2 access points $15-$50). You will experience a 2.8km moderate hike each way. (you can also hire horses to ride if you don't want to hike) Bring a pack with lunch, towels and swim stuff and spend the entire day enjoying the large deep pools and taking in this breathtaking favorite.
201 locals recommend
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Dominical - San Isidro PZNauyaca (the photo on the cover of the guidebook) is located 5.7 KM away. This is an all day must recommend adventure. There is a fee to enter (Depending on the season, method of access, and which of the 2 access points $15-$50). You will experience a 2.8km moderate hike each way. (you can also hire horses to ride if you don't want to hike) Bring a pack with lunch, towels and swim stuff and spend the entire day enjoying the large deep pools and taking in this breathtaking favorite.
Tours
Located 4 KM north of Uvita. This is a fun tour teaching you all about Chocolate. Even better at the end you will get to drink your own self made chocolate drink.
Chocolate Tour
Located 4 KM north of Uvita. This is a fun tour teaching you all about Chocolate. Even better at the end you will get to drink your own self made chocolate drink.
Zip lining (about 15 zip lines in the canopy) with a jungle tour to see sloths and monkeys. Only 9.5 KM away. Our kids love it, trust me this place is worth it. They don't advertise well, we recommend calling and making a reservation!
44 locals recommend
Hacienda Barú Lodge
Costanera SurZip lining (about 15 zip lines in the canopy) with a jungle tour to see sloths and monkeys. Only 9.5 KM away. Our kids love it, trust me this place is worth it. They don't advertise well, we recommend calling and making a reservation!
4.8 KM or 10 minutes away, this place is loaded with all the reptiles of costa rica including Boas. you wont be disappointed.
29 locals recommend
Parque Reptilandia
4.8 KM or 10 minutes away, this place is loaded with all the reptiles of costa rica including Boas. you wont be disappointed.
A day trip out of Uvita to the beautiful Cano Island Nature preserve. Includes a boat ride, lunch and guides who will spot whales and other mammals.
17 locals recommend
Bahia Aventuras
A day trip out of Uvita to the beautiful Cano Island Nature preserve. Includes a boat ride, lunch and guides who will spot whales and other mammals.
Pescadora Costa Rica
Sport fishing out of Quepos at Marina Pez Vela
Reasonably priced horseback tours on the beach for the family. Very nice gentle horses
21 locals recommend
Rancho La Merced /
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Reasonably priced horseback tours on the beach for the family. Very nice gentle horses
Cano island, corcovado, ballena national parks, whale watching and sport fishing. with easy website booking availability. located just past the soccer field 30 minutes away in Uvita.
Ballena Tour
Cano island, corcovado, ballena national parks, whale watching and sport fishing. with easy website booking availability. located just past the soccer field 30 minutes away in Uvita.
Beaches
World Famous Surf beach, this one is for those with more experience or taking lessons. There is a great little playground and small basketball courtfor kids. Surf boards and lessons can be arranged from Dominical Surf School or pacific coast surfing. Or you can get a Massage with the sounds of the surf in the background.
79 locals recommend
Dominical Beach
World Famous Surf beach, this one is for those with more experience or taking lessons. There is a great little playground and small basketball courtfor kids. Surf boards and lessons can be arranged from Dominical Surf School or pacific coast surfing. Or you can get a Massage with the sounds of the surf in the background.
This beach is a little quieter and peaceful than Dominical but it is a little rocky. It is our favorite for teaching the kids to surf as the break is more gentle. We recommend this beach for those just starting out our taking lessons.
48 locals recommend
Playa Dominicalito
This beach is a little quieter and peaceful than Dominical but it is a little rocky. It is our favorite for teaching the kids to surf as the break is more gentle. We recommend this beach for those just starting out our taking lessons.
21.6 KM away just before Uvita. Great beach for walking, surfing and swimming. Has a Lifeguard, and vendors selling beverages.
35 locals recommend
Hermosa Beach
21.6 KM away just before Uvita. Great beach for walking, surfing and swimming. Has a Lifeguard, and vendors selling beverages.
located in Quepos, this one is tough to find but if you are there It is our favorite. Use maps first. You will have to pay around $4 to park. then hike down the hill about 1/2 mile to the beach where you can rent chairs, kayaks, snorkels and such. This is one of our favorite hidden beaches in Quepos.
74 locals recommend
Biesanz Beach
located in Quepos, this one is tough to find but if you are there It is our favorite. Use maps first. You will have to pay around $4 to park. then hike down the hill about 1/2 mile to the beach where you can rent chairs, kayaks, snorkels and such. This is one of our favorite hidden beaches in Quepos.
Beautiful but quiet beach that is part of the national park, more of a place to relax rather than surf. Costs an entry fee and has bathrooms.
23 locals recommend
Playa Piñuelas
Beautiful but quiet beach that is part of the national park, more of a place to relax rather than surf. Costs an entry fee and has bathrooms.
Playa Linda, Matapalo
very quiet beach 20km away.
Playa Ventanas
Beautiful beach 38km away. Go to the costanera sur and head south.
Playa Ballena
Carretera Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno26km to the south on the costanera sur.
Massage
6.5KM away Located next to Mama Toucans in Dominical. Wonderful place for a reasonably priced massage. This is where we go!
Alegria Soul Spa
6.5KM away Located next to Mama Toucans in Dominical. Wonderful place for a reasonably priced massage. This is where we go!
spa and masseuse with 10 years experience that will come to you! message Malena for current pricing
Platanillo
spa and masseuse with 10 years experience that will come to you! message Malena for current pricing
Very qualified masseuse trained in many different healing massage techniques. located 27Km away in San Isidro.
Sala de Masajes El Ángel
Very qualified masseuse trained in many different healing massage techniques. located 27Km away in San Isidro.
Medical
Located 6.8KM away in Dominical. Great little Pharmacy with just about everything.
Farmacia FARMAR DOMINICAL
Located 6.8KM away in Dominical. Great little Pharmacy with just about everything.
Located in Uvita on Central. This is a great option of you are in Uvita.
Farmacias y Macrobioticas Ibarra
Ruta Nacional Primaria 34Located in Uvita on Central. This is a great option of you are in Uvita.
Hospital Las Américas
hospital for anything you may need. Recently a friends CT scan was $250.
Gloria is an incredible physical therapist. She uses ultra sound and massage to increase circulation to promote healing. located 28km away in Uvita.
Clínica Arenas
Gloria is an incredible physical therapist. She uses ultra sound and massage to increase circulation to promote healing. located 28km away in Uvita.