Cascada El Pavón is a small, free waterfall south of Ojochal on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, known for the big round boulder wedged at the top of the falls. From the Costanera highway (Route 34), it’s about 4 km up a gravel road, then a two-minute walk and a dozen steep steps down to a swimming pool. It’s an easy family outing from Uvita or Ojochal, but there are no facilities, parking is on the roadside and the pool isn’t deep enough to jump into.
This guide is for travelers staying in Uvita, Ojochal or Dominical who want a short, low-cost waterfall stop. It covers directions, what to expect, safety and what to pair it with.
| Cascada El Pavón | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Ojochal, off Route 34, South Pacific coast |
| Entry | Free |
| Access | About 4 km of gravel road, then a short path and about a dozen steep steps |
| Parking | Roadside, unattended |
| Swimming | Yes, in the pool and downstream; no jumping |
| Facilities | None |
| Best for | A quick swim stop, families with kids who can handle steps |
Getting there
How to Get to Cascada El Pavón
- Drive south on Route 34 (the Costanera) past Ojochal.
- Watch for a sign on the left for the waterfall just before a bridge. If you cross the bridge, you’ve gone too far.
- Turn left onto the gravel road and stay on it for about 4 km. You’ll pass the Tilapia El Pavón restaurant on your left.
- About 1 km past the restaurant, look for a small sign on the left marking the path to the falls. Park on the roadside.
Search “Cascada El Pavón” in Waze or Google Maps to confirm the route. From San José, the drive to the area takes about four hours. The gravel road has potholes: a standard car is usually fine in the dry season (December to April), and higher clearance is more comfortable in the rainy months. See our guides to driving in Costa Rica and car rental insurance.
No car? Ask your hotel about a taxi or private transfer.
At the falls
What to Expect at Cascada El Pavón
El Pavón isn’t tall, but it’s distinctive: the water pours around a large round boulder lodged at the top of the falls into a clear pool below. The path from the road is flat and takes a couple of minutes, ending in about a dozen steep, uneven steps with no handrail. They get slippery when wet.
- Swimming: the pool is good for a cool-off swim most of the year, and you can wade and explore downstream.
- Don’t jump: the pool isn’t deep enough for jumping from the rocks at the top.
- Fish: bring a snorkel mask to look at the fish in the pool.
- Time needed: most visitors spend an hour or two.
Plan your visit
Tips for Visiting Cascada El Pavón
- Go early. The falls are popular, especially on weekends and Costa Rican school holidays. Mornings are quieter and cooler.
- Protect your car. Roadside parking is unattended. Take valuables with you and leave nothing visible in the car.
- Bring what you need. There are no restrooms or changing areas. Arrive in swimwear and bring towels, water and snacks.
- With kids: the steps are the hardest part. Carry toddlers, use a baby carrier rather than a stroller and keep kids in the shallower water downstream.
- Lunch: the Tilapia El Pavón restaurant on the access road makes an easy stop on the way in or out.
- Leave no trash. Pack out everything you bring.
When to go
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, December to April, brings easier road conditions and calmer water. In the rainy season, especially September to November, the river can run too strong for comfortable swimming and the road gets muddy. The falls have more flow then, so they’re still worth a look; just stay out of the water if the current is strong. See our guide to the best time to visit by region.
Nearby
Combine It With Other Stops Near Uvita
- Marino Ballena National Park: beaches and the whale’s-tail sandbar near Uvita. See our Marino Ballena guide and whale watching in Costa Rica.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls: a much bigger waterfall near Dominical. See our Nauyaca Falls guide.
- Dominical: surf town and base for the area. See our Dominical guide.
For more waterfalls, see our guides to Los Chorros and photographing waterfalls in Costa Rica.
FAQ
Cascada El Pavón: FAQ
Is Cascada El Pavón free?
Yes. There’s no entrance fee. Parking is on the roadside.
Where is Cascada El Pavón?
South of Ojochal on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. Turn left off Route 34 just before a bridge and drive about 4 km on a gravel road.
Do I need a 4×4 to reach El Pavón?
Not usually in the dry season. In the rainy season, a car with higher clearance is more comfortable on the gravel road.
Can you swim at Cascada El Pavón?
Yes, in the pool below the falls and downstream. Don’t jump from the rocks; the pool isn’t deep enough. Stay out if the river is high after rain.
Is Cascada El Pavón good for kids?
Yes, with close supervision. The walk is short, but the dozen steep steps are slippery, and there are no facilities.
How long should I spend at El Pavón?
An hour or two is enough for most visitors.
The short version
Free, small and easy to reach: turn left before the bridge south of Ojochal and drive about 4 km of gravel.
Swim in the pool, but don’t jump, and stay out when the river is high.
Go early, bring everything you need and leave nothing in the car.