Your stay — Hotel Upala
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Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parroquia San Juan de Dios (280 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Adventista (449 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Asambleas de Dios (714 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Central de Upala — 216 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Western Union - Prides Casa Del Audio — 101 m · ~1 min walk
Farmacia La Amistad — 100 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal Municipal Upala — 484 m · ~6 min walk
Emergency Contacts
UpalaUpala uses the national 911 system for all emergencies. For the local Red Cross ambulance, call 2461-0135. The Fuerza Pública station in Upala: 2461-0261 (non-emergency). Rural areas may have no mobile reception; plan ahead.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Upala, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Upala
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Western Union - Prides Casa Del Audio — 101 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia La Amistad — 100 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
San José Terminal Atlántico Norte (Calle 12) → Upala Central Bus Station
💡 The 5.5-hour ride is scenic but bumpy—sit on the left for views of Lake Arenal. Bring snacks and water; only one bathroom stop en route.
Upala Central Bus Station or town centre → La Carolina Lodge
💡 Agree on the fare upfront. Drivers know the lodge entrance but the unmarked gravel road can be missed—have the lodge's coordinates handy.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) → La Carolina Lodge, Upala
💡 Book a 4x4 through the lodge or a local operator like Interbus—the last 12 km of gravel road are rough in wet season. Split cost with other guests if possible.
Liberia Bus Terminal (next to Mercado Municipal) → Upala Central Bus Station
💡 Buses are basic but reliable. Get off at the Upala terminal, then take a taxi (around $10-15) the remaining 8 km to La Carolina Lodge—no direct bus stops there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Hotel Upala?
Check-in at Hotel Upala is from null. Check-out is by null.
Top Attractions in Upala
💡 Come on a Friday or Saturday evening when food stalls sell grilled corn and churros. The best seat is on the bench near the church side.
💡 Park near the blue bridge on the road to Colonia Puntarenas. The best pool is 200m upstream, under a 3-metre cascade. Check water levels after heavy rain.
💡 Bring insect repellent and go early in the dry season (Jan-April) when the trail is less overgrown. The temple has no shelter if it rains.
💡 Pay the farmer directly at the gate (no credit cards). Bring coins for the lockbox. Swim at the base, but watch for rocks just below the surface.
💡 Arrive before 8am to see the river at its bluest, before afternoon clouds roll in. The 6km hike is muddy after rain, so rent boots at the entrance.