Flutterby House

Top choice in Uvita


Is it possible to fall in love with a hostel? If so, this ramshackle collection of colorful Swiss Family Robinson–style tree houses and dorms has beguiled us. It's run by a pair of expat sisters, and the clientele here tends to be of the barefoot, surfing variety. The bar is a social hub. Breakfast is extra, but delicious, local and organic.

Flutterby also rents out boards and bikes, sells beer for a pittance, and has a tidy, open-air communal kitchen as well as a restaurant which offers many vegan and vegetarian options. It employs downright visionary sustainability practices; single-use plastics are banned.

It's in a great location a short stroll from Marino Ballena's beaches, near the south entrance gate of the park. Follow the signs from the Costanera Sur.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Uvita attractions

1. Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

0.72 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…

2. Farmers Market

1.22 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…

3. Cascada Verde

1.8 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 Biológica Oro Verde

3.69 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…

6. Playa Ventanas

5.94 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 …

7. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

7.41 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…

8. Reserva Playa Tortuga

7.74 MILES

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