Upala

Travel Guide

A bird perched on a branch amidst dense foliage.
A toucan perched on a branch in a lush, green forest.
Toucans perched on a branch with a slice of watermelon.
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

3.5 out of 5
600 m West of la Puente and Rio Azul Guayabo Alajuela
$140 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
$158 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Guayabo. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (476 reviews)
"Loved everything about the property lush, tropical, sounds of birds and animals. Just what everyone needs to relax."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2026

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs
Hideaway Rio Celeste

Hideaway Rio Celeste

5 out of 5
700 meter west of national park Tenorio Katira Alajuela
$289 nightly
The price is $326 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$326 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Katira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Hideaway Rio Celeste
Lake Arenal Hotel, Brewery & Farm

Lake Arenal Hotel, Brewery & Farm

3 out of 5
Arenal, ruta 142 Santa Rosa Guanacaste
$73 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
$82 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"My family and I had a great stay here! JP and his associates welcomed us and made us feel at home. Complimentary breakfast was great and the other meals were delicious. The room itself was great given you are in the jungle, so there was no a/c and typical sugar ants but nothing unexpected. The pool ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2026

Lake Arenal Hotel, Brewery & Farm
See all 304 properties in Upala
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rio Celeste Birds Garden Apartment with A/C, Comfort in a Natural Environment

Rio Celeste Birds Garden Apartment with A/C, Comfort in a Natural Environment

Provincia de Alajuela Provincia de Alajuela
Stay at this apartment in Upala. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Peace Tree and El Pilon Station are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Truly a gem !! Spotlessly clean, well appointed with all necessities, welcoming, friendly and professional hostess, along with her son. We could not have asked for better - made us wish were staying longer !"

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Rio Celeste Birds Garden Apartment with A/C, Comfort in a Natural Environment
Simply the best, incredible views, pool, breakfast and a friend in the area!

Simply the best, incredible views, pool, breakfast and a friend in the area!

Nuevo Arenal/Tilaran
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Arenal. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
10/10 Exceptional! (313 reviews)
"We’ve stayed at many properties, but Patrick is undoubtedly the best host we’ve ever had. Hospitable, knowledgeable, responsive, friendly. The property was perfect for our party of 5. We did breakfast 2 days, which was great. And the toucan off the porch MADE the visit. Tons of birds around. Lovely ..."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

Simply the best, incredible views, pool, breakfast and a friend in the area!
Destino Hotel & Hot Spring

Destino Hotel & Hot Spring

2 out of 5
La Fortuna de Bagaces Fortuna Provincia de Guanacaste
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Fortuna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Las Hornillas Hot Springs and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"Suite deluxe propre, accueil chaleureuse, ambiance détente et excellente vue sur les montagnes/volcans. Resto de pizza/pâtes excellent. Plusieurs activités sur place incluse !!"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2026

Destino Hotel & Hot Spring
See all properties in Upala
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Upala attractions

Upala Central Park

10.0/10 (2 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Upala Central Park, a lovely green space in Upala. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.
See properties

Things to do

Tubing in Rio Celeste

Tubing in Rio Celeste

$50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tubing in Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste Hiking , Sloth Farm Tour & Waterfall

Rio Celeste, Sloth Watching & Waterfall Rainforest Experience

$160
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rio Celeste, Sloth Watching & Waterfall Rainforest Experience
Río Celeste: Tubing Adventure in the Río Celeste

Río Celeste: Tubing Adventure in the Río Celeste

$47
per adult
Río Celeste: Tubing Adventure in the Río Celeste
WILDLIFE BOAT SAFARI CAÑO NEGRO CANOA AVENTURA

Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Safari from La Fortuna (Full-Day Tour)

$96
per adult
Caño Negro Wildlife Boat Safari from La Fortuna (Full-Day Tour)
Bijagua: Rainforest Wildlife Walk, Sloths and Floating Tour

Bijagua: Private Sloth Safari & Floating Lagoon Tour

$43
per adult
Bijagua: Private Sloth Safari & Floating Lagoon Tour
Rio Celeste Tubing : The perfect mix of thrilling, safe rapids and calm floating sections. Ideal for families and first-timers.

Rio Celeste Tubing & Swimming Adventure

$85
per adult
Rio Celeste Tubing & Swimming Adventure
See all activities in Upala

Frequently asked questions

Is Upala worth visiting?
Upala is worth visiting for its Latin American and seafood dining. Travelers can enjoy local flavors and explore attractions such as Upala Central Park, a central gathering place. This destination offers a blend of culinary experiences and a key urban green space.
When is the best time to visit Upala?
The best time to visit Upala is from October through February, when the weather is typically most pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of April through June are a good option, with pleasant temperatures still making it enjoyable.
What is Upala known for?
Upala is known for Upala Central Park, a significant landmark and green space in this Costa Rican city. Travelers can enjoy the park's local atmosphere, which serves as a central gathering point for the community.
What is a good itinerary length for Upala?
A good itinerary length for Upala is two to three days to explore Upala Central Park and enjoy activities like a rainforest tour with sloths and birds. For a longer visit of four to five days, you can also experience an authentic chocolate tour and savor the local Latin American, seafood, or Italian cuisine. See Upala Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Upala?
Upala offers travelers natural beauty and unique local experiences to discover nearby:

  • Visit Upala Central Park, a central point of interest
  • Explore the rainforest near Bijagua de Upala to see sloths and birds
  • Take an authentic chocolate tour in Bijagua.

What cuisines can you find in Upala?
In Upala, travelers can find Latin American cuisine, featuring popular dishes such as tacos, empanadas, flavorful ceviche, and hearty burritos. You can also enjoy fresh seafood options, alongside classic Italian fare like pasta and pizza.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Upala?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Upala by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Upala with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Upala trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Upala?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Upala can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Upala trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Upala trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Upala trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Upala trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Upala?
If it's your first trip to Upala, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Upala hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Upala hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Upala

A child with a toy frog on their head, surrounded by greenery.

Bijagua

A waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush greenery.

Katira

A calm lake with a tree in the center reflecting the sky and clouds.

Caño Negro

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