Costa Rica · 2026 itinerary
Upala 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Upala: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Main square with shaded benches, a central gazebo, and a playground. Popular evening hangout for locals.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 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.
Hotels near Upala Central Park →Series of natural pools along the Rio Pizote, with deep swimming spots and small waterfalls. No facilities.
🕐 Daylight hours
Free entry💡 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.
Hotels near Rio Pizote Swimming Holes →Restaurante Tres Retornos · ££
Bar Ríos · ££
Deeper Into Upala
Open-air shrine built in the 1940s, hidden in secondary forest. Accessed by a short, signed trail.
🕐 Daylight hours
💡 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.
40-metre waterfall in private property, with a small entrance fee. Accessible via a 20-minute walk through pasture and forest.
🕐 8am-4pm daily
💡 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.
Bar San Fernando
Bajo Mundo
Final Favourites & Departure
Park featuring the Rio Celeste, famous for its bright blue river. Entry fee is low by international standards.
💡 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.
La Terraza
Los Comalitos
Getting Around Upala
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.
Agree on the fare upfront. Drivers know the lodge entrance but the unmarked gravel road can be missed—have the lodge's coordinates handy.
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.
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
Is 3 days enough for Upala?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Upala Central Park and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Upala?
See our full best time to visit Upala guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Cabinas Maleku, Hotel Marakabú, Albergue Heliconias. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.