Hotel Cristal Ballena

Uvita


About 7km south of Uvita, surrounded by 12 hectares of private nature reserve and with sweet views of the coast from its hillside location, this blue and white boutique hotel is a top birding destination, with knowledgeable guides arranging birdwatching excursions. An excellent restaurant, light, bright comfortable rooms, vast, gorgeous suites and a tranquil ambiance complete the picture.

Two nature trails (800m and 2km) run across the property, where you're very likely to spot some wildlife during early-morning rambles, as well as some of the 250 bird species resident in the surrounding tropical lowland forest. The gift store sells colorful Boruca masks of excellent quality.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Uvita attractions

1. Playa Ventanas

2.67 MILES

Tucked behind a grove of coco palms, this crescent-shaped, black-sand-and-pebble beach has elaborate rock formations at either end, and is called …

2. Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

4.02 MILES

Famous for its wide, 4km-long beach, part of which is shaped like whale's tail at low tide, this small but important marine park protects coral and rock…

3. Farmers Market

4.33 MILES

Held a short distance from the main entrance to Uvita, along the unpaved road, this sweet little farmers market on Saturdays is a good place to mingle…

4. Cascada Verde

4.33 MILES

Around 2.5km inland and uphill (toward Cascada Verde hostel), this waterfall plunges into an inviting deep pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Visitors…

5. Reserva Playa Tortuga

4.42 MILES

Set up in 2009 by Costa Rican scientists, this excellent center conducts several important projects, including an inventory of local mammals and…

7. Reserva Biológica Oro Verde

6.92 MILES

A few kilometers before Uvita is a signed turnoff to the left. A rough dirt road (4WD only) leads 3.5km up the hill to this private reserve on the farm of…

8. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

10.8 MILES

Around 1.5km east and uphill from Dominical, this wildlife sanctuary takes in injured and orphaned animals as well as illegal pets. Its mission is to…