San Jose to Uvita tickets

About the ride from San Jose to Uvita

Wave goodbye to Costa Rica's bustling capital and head to Uvita to experience a slice of this country's surreal natural world.

Just 224 kilometers (139 miles) from San Jose, this tranquil town is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, which you'll struggle to tear yourself away from when it's time to leave.

Hop in a minivan with a bunch of friends to split the cost of travel and enjoy the excited camaraderie as you approach Uvita's beauty.

Otherwise, you can choose a private car transfer to luxuriate in solitude for this multi-hour journey. You'll arrive fresh and ready to dive into the adventure.

What is Uvita like?

Uvita is a small village that centers around several commercial buildings and restaurants. 

You may be a little underwhelmed when you first arrive, but the underdeveloped feeling is all part of the charm and keeps the tourist crowds away.

Thanks to its proximity to many natural treasures, Uvita is a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers eager to see the wild jungles and stunning beaches dotted along the coastline.

Plus, the region is famous for whale spotting! So, get those binoculars out, and you'll soon see why so many travelers are charmed by this quaint destination.

Unforgettable activities in Uvita

Any adventure in Uvita has to start and end with exploring the area's natural beauty, so check these off as you go:

1. Explore Marino Ballena National Park: This park, founded in 1992, protects 171 hectares of land along 15 kilometers of coastline and 5000 hectares of marine territory. Inside, you can explore vibrant coral reefs and see humpback whales. It has four official entrances, one of which is Uvita. 

2. Walk along the tail of a humpback whale: Inside Marina Ballena National Park, an incredible stretch of beach forms the shape of a humpback whale tail. It is visible at low tide, allowing visitors to walk to the very tip of the tail. You can snorkel around the tail, too!

3. Go whale watching: Book a visit to see the majestic creatures up close. North Pacific whales visit between mid-December and April to escape the cold of Alaska. South Pacific whales come from mid-July to mid-November for the calving season. You'll also see dolphins and turtles on these trips.

4. Visit the Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge: A slightly different climate to the first park, this refuge is primarily made up of tropical rainforest and mangroves, complete with a beach. 

Spend a day hiking the trails and discovering wildlife along the way, or consider booking a night walk or horseback riding experience to see the park from a unique perspective.

5. Take a beach day: You'll find numerous beaches within reach of Uvita, all ideal for a relaxing beach day. Pinuelas Beach is great for families because of its calm waters. Head to Ballena at low tide to see Playa Arco, a tiny beach surrounded by cliffs with a small natural waterfall.

How do I get from San Jose to Uvita?

Travelers from San Jose to Uvita can choose between a minivan and a car. 

By minivan

Taking a minivan from San Jose to Uvita is ideal for people traveling in groups because you can split the cost among the passengers. Don't worry, solo travelers: you can also book a single seat in a shared minivan. 

Companies like RideCR, Super Shuttle Costa Rica, and Easy Ride provide services throughout the day.

All minivans are called "standard minivans," so there is no alternative for a more luxurious class. However, RideCR offers a premium service, which includes a minibar with snacks and sodas. You must select this option at checkout and pay an extra fee when booking. 

You can get picked up at the San Jose Airport (SJO) or your hotel and dropped off at your hotel in Uvita. If you get picked up at the airport, your driver will meet you inside, holding a sign with your name on it.

Traveling in a group? Rent a whole minivan, fill it up with your friends, and split the cost. Prices for the entire van start at $343.

Solo travelers can buy a single seat in a shared minivan for about $65.

The ride takes 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops the driver makes. 

Possible minivan amenities include:

Space for between 6 and 18 passengers — it varies by operator.

Air conditioning

WiFi, subject to availability

Water

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lb) bag and one handbag per passenger

You can take a surfboard for an extra charge. 

By car

Travelers in search of a more luxurious method of transportation between San Jose and Uvita should opt for a private car transfer.

Operated by Central Taxi Airport, this service picks you up from the airport and drops you off at your chosen hotel in Uvita. 

Possible SUV car amenities include: 

Room for four passengers per car

Air conditioning

Meet and greet at the airport 

A luggage allowance of one 23 kg (50 lb) bag and one handbag per passenger

This private transfer costs approximately $270 for the 3.5-hour journey. 

The best things about the ride from San Jose to Uvita

Like most journeys in Costa Rica, the drive from San Jose to Uvita overflows with luscious greenery.

When taking the eastern route, you'll pass various national parks before hugging the coastline for the final stretch, enjoying spectacular views along the way. 

Views of the Pacific Ocean dominate the western route.

It's a beautiful drive in parts, but you'll also be on main roads, so alternate between view spotting and napping to save your energy for exploring Uvita.

When is the best time to visit Uvita?

The best time to visit Uvita is in the dry season, which starts in November and lasts until mid-April. These months benefit from warm, relatively dry weather, perfect for sightseeing, wilderness wandering, and snorkeling adventures.

Towards the end of April, the rainy season starts, cutting into how many days travelers can explore outside. The rainiest months are September and October. 

Costa Rica has an average year-round temperature in the mid-80s°F (29°C) during the day, meaning it's visitable throughout the year. However, it's best to avoid the rainy months when possible. 

The country typically has high humidity, so opt for clothes with moisture-wicking properties to make your trip more bearable. 

How many days should I spend in Uvita?

Visitors should set aside at least three to five days to experience the magic of Uvita while matching its sedate, laid-back atmosphere.

A few days is enough time to see at least one of the parks, go on a whale-watching tour, and spend a day reading on the sandy shores.

You could also use Uvita as a jumping-off point to explore the surrounding areas, so consider booking a few extra days if this is on the agenda.

Where should I go after Uvita?

Costa Rica's beaches are infinitely charming, so consider embarking on a beach-hopping journey up the coast. Stop off at places like Savegre de Aguirre, Parrita, and Quepos. The latter also has an outstanding mangrove monkey tour.

Keep heading north along the coast to explore Jaco for more beachside adventures. Learn to surf or paddleboard here to start assimilating to Costa Rican life.