10 May 2025
Ever stumble across a place so beautiful and so underrated that you kind of want to keep it to yourself... but also can’t help telling everyone about it?
That’s exactly how we feel about Cascada El Pavón, one of the most special little waterfalls you’ll find near Uvita and Ojochal, in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.
This is one of those places that feels straight out of a jungle fairytale. Lush greenery, a cool river you can actually swim in, and a waterfall that drops right over a giant boulder that looks like a perfectly placed egg (yep, nature’s got a quirky sense of humor!) 🥚
Where Is It and How Do You Get There
El Pavón is tucked away in Ciudad Cortés, about 16 km south of Uvita. It’s super easy to reach if you’re staying anywhere between Bahía Ballena and Ojochal. Once you're on Route 34 (the Costanera), keep an eye out for a small turnoff marked by signs for the local restaurant "Restaurante Tilapia" and the waterfall itself.
The last stretch, around 2 to 3 km, is a gravel road. If you’re in a high-clearance vehicle, great! But even a regular car can usually make it without any issues, especially in dry season (December to April)
Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
📍 Waze | Google Maps
What’s So Special About It?
You mean besides the fact that it’s free?! 🙌🥳
Cascada El Pavón is just downright beautiful. The walk from the road to the waterfall is super short, like, less than 3 minutes. It’s a bit rocky and has some stairs near the end, so wear good shoes or sandals with grip.
The waterfall itself has this epic rock smack in the middle of the cascade, giving it a unique and almost surreal look. During the rainy season, the water rushes over, around, and behind the rock, making it even more dramatic and photogenic. People often take a dip in the pool below, and while some locals (and brave tourists) love to jump from the rock, I prefer just watching with my heart in my throat. 😂
Can You Swim There?
The pool at the base is small but you can float and splash around a bit. If you explore a bit downstream, you’ll find more spots to wade or just sit on the rocks and enjoy the sounds of the river. There are plenty of places to lay out a towel and have a snack too, so definitely bring a little picnic if you're planning to stay for a while.
Bonus: The area is surrounded by tropical forest, so if you're lucky, you might spot toucans, butterflies, or curious monkeys nearby.
Things to Keep in Mind
-
No facilities: There are no bathrooms or changing areas at the waterfall, so come ready.
-
Wear sturdy shoes: The trail is short, but can be slippery, especially after rain.
-
Respect the space: It's a free, local spot that stays beautiful because visitors take care of it. Please don’t leave trash behind.
-
Best time to visit: Mornings or weekdays tend to be quieter.
Need a Place to Stay Nearby?
If you're planning to explore this gorgeous part of Costa Rica, I can’t recommend AJ House & Suites enough (and okay, yes—it's out family´s, but still 😄). We’re located in Bahía Ballena, just a short 20-minute drive from Cascada El Pavón. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, we’ve got you covered with:
-
A big beach house for up to 10 people
-
Three comfy suites for 2–4 guests each
-
A pool, BBQ area, fast Wi-Fi, and a super central location close to the beach, restaurants, and tours
Book directly at ajhousesuites.com/en/reservation for the best price. We even offer discounts for stays of three nights or more. 😉
So next time you’re heading down the coast, skip the overly crowded spots for a day and take a detour to Cascada El Pavón. Bring a swimsuit, your camera, and maybe a little fruit or sandwich, and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems (or should we say "hidden eggs"?)
Let us know if you go, we would love to hear how you liked it!