The quaint town of Dominical, lovingly known amongst locals as “Domi”, is a quiet unsuspecting place full of adventure! Probably best known for its surf, there is much more to this sleepy surf town than meets the eye.
Just a quick day trip south from Los Sueños Resort & Marina, Dominical offers lush green landscapes, great surf, lots of nature and a laidback Pura Vida vibe! With so much to explore, here is our suggested itinerary.
A Day of Adventure
Departing in the early morning from Los Sueños Resort & Marina you start off your day heading south down the beautiful central pacific coastline. After a short 90-minute drive you will have arrived! Note: We recommend hiring a private driver through our concierge services, so everyone in the group can sit back, relax and enjoy the day ahead.
Feeling hungry? We recommend checking out Café Mono Congo! Located directly as you enter town, they have an incredible menu including vegetarian options. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your drive, as you sip coffee and enjoy a delicious bite to eat overlooking Rio Baru. On your way out, we recommend checking out their bakery. They have amazing treats to go including their famous “monkey balls” as well as fresh juices and locally made kombucha, which may prove useful later in the day.
Next Stop: Souvenirs
As you drive down the little dirt road towards the beach, not to be missed is all the amazing souvenir shopping to be had. Every day, local vendors set up along the beach, creating makeshift stands in between the palm trees. Selling everything from jewelry to sarongs, hammocks and crafted handmade wooden souvenirs. It’s one of the things that make Dominical so memorable and unique. If you enjoy the art of haggling, here is your chance!
Tip: if you forgot a hat, here is your chance to grab one before heading off to the next part of your adventure.
Nauyaca Waterfall
Nauyaca is by far one of the most visited waterfalls in Costa Rica and in our opinion, with its proximity to Los Sueños Resort, it’s not to be missed! Heading out of the town of Dominical, you will turn left on the main road to start working toward the entrance.
The trail to Nauyaca Waterfalls is about 6km or 3.7 miles each way, so definitely bring your hiking shoes. If you have shoes with traction, that’s your best option, if not any close toed shoes will do just fine. We also recommend that you bring your own water and snacks. Once you arrive at the waterfall it’s the perfect place to rest and have a snack while enjoying the breathtaking views. Pro Tip: if you are unable or don’t want to walk the whole way, there are alternative options including tours via horseback riding or hiring a truck to take you to the falls.
While you can climb up and jump into the pool below in some areas, depending on the season and the power of the falls, most people spend their time at the lower falls swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature!
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate (stair climbing up and down is required), accessed by 6km walk each way, option to rent a horse or truck onsite to take you all the way to the falls.
What to bring: close toed shoes with traction, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, change of clothes, swimsuit, towel, snacks/water as needed. $10 entrance fee**
The Journey Home
After finishing your day hiking and touring Nauyaca, you will likely be ready to head home. Arriving home just in time for the sunset and a cocktail to reminisce over the day’s adventures, topped off with a relaxing dinner at one of our restaurants on site at Los Sueños. The perfect ending to a day in paradise!
Looking for more information or wanting to book a private driver for the day? Contact our amazing concierge team that can help with any requests you may have.