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Departure Hub 08 · 3.5 hrs south of San José (SJO) on paved Costanera Sur Highway

Uvita & Dominical Escapes & Departure Guide

Where the Talamanca mountains plunge virtually straight into the Pacific surf, Dominical and Uvita (the Costa Ballena) offer dramatic canyon waterfalls, humpback whale nurseries, and uncrowded rainforest ridges.

Destinations Visited from Here: Nauyaca Waterfalls (Barú mountains), Marino Ballena National Park whale tail, and Caño Island outer reefs
Actual Boarding & Pickup Points: Nauyaca 4x4 tours depart from the Route 243 ranch office (15 min above Dominical) or pick up at Uvita/Dominical hotels; Marino Ballena boat safaris check in at Uvita operator offices before boarding at Punta Uvita beach.
Key Logistics Tip: Confirm whether your Nauyaca booking includes the 4x4 safari truck into the canyon (included on our featured tour) versus a self-guided 8km round-trip hike in humid heat.
EasyCostaRica Network Specialist: SouthernCostaRica.com — Uvita, Dominical & Costa Ballena Specialist ↗
Dramatic rainforest mountains dropping to the Pacific surf along the Dominical and Uvita coast
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Verified Bookable Experiences Departing from Uvita & Dominical

Rainforest mountains meeting the southern Pacific coast near Dominical and Uvita 13 · TWO-TIER CANYON FALLS ★ 5.0 (457)
Manuel Antonio & Quepos · 5–6 hrs · Small-group guided waterfall expedition with 4x4 ranch transport

Nauyaca Waterfalls Half-Day Guided 4x4 & Canyon Swim Excursion

Descend by 4x4 ranch transport into the lush Barú River canyon to reach the twin tiers of Nauyaca Waterfalls—a 45-meter upper freefall and a 20-meter lower cascade plunging into a massive natural rainforest swimming pool.

Destination Visited: Nauyaca Waterfalls two-tier rainforest canyon (Barú mountains above Dominical)
Actual Departure Point: Hotel pickup across Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Dominical & Uvita
Included: Round-trip transport, 4x4 safari drive down into the canyon (skipping the hot 4km uphill hike), waterfall entry fees, certified safety guides, traditional lunch
Additional / Excluded: Personal towels and optional guide tips
Requirements: Moderate agility on wet canyon rocks; water shoes with grip strongly recommended; minimum age 6 yrs
From $155 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation