Costa Rica · 2026
Weekend in Upala
How to spend 2 days in Upala — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Upala Central Park
Free 200m from centreMain square with shaded benches, a central gazebo, and a playground. Popular evening hangout for locals.
Tip: 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.
Rio Pizote Swimming Holes
Free 5.0km from centreSeries of natural pools along the Rio Pizote, with deep swimming spots and small waterfalls. No facilities.
Tip: 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.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Santa Rosa Jungle Temple
Free Daylight hoursOpen-air shrine built in the 1940s, hidden in secondary forest. Accessed by a short, signed trail.
Tip: 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.
Catarata de Aguas Claras
0 8am-4pm daily40-metre waterfall in private property, with a small entrance fee. Accessible via a 20-minute walk through pasture and forest.
Tip: 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.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
0 8am-4pm dailyPark featuring the Rio Celeste, famous for its bright blue river. Entry fee is low by international standards.
Tip: 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.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Upala
San José Terminal Atlántico Norte (Calle 12) → Upala Central Bus Station
Upala Central Bus Station or town centre → La Carolina Lodge
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) → La Carolina Lodge, Upala
Liberia Bus Terminal (next to Mercado Municipal) → Upala Central Bus Station
Where to Stay for a Upala Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Upala — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Upala?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Upala. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Upala?
See our full best time to visit Upala guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Upala?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Upala for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Upala for a weekend?
The main transport options in Upala include San José to Upala Direct Bus and Upala Town Taxi to Lodge. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.