Upala: A Hideaway in Northern Costa Rica
Upala is a remote part of northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border. Located on the northern side of Tenorio National Park, Upala is the name of a small, rural, town, but we’re using it here in a slightly wider context of the general area.
Authentic Nature Experience
Travelers come here for untouched nature and authentic ecotourism in an off-the-grid destination with a different speed to better-known tourist hubs. The rainforests of Costa Rica’s northern plains have a rich biodiversity that includes sloths, toucans, monkeys, rare orchids, and so much more. It’s also a birdwatching paradise.
A Focus on Sustainability
With fewer lodging options than busier areas like Arenal or Manuel Antonio, accommodations here are eco-focused and designed for nature lovers.They really cater to couples, families with older kids, or travelers who value sustainability and wildlife. Upala’s isolation ensures an intimate stay, perfect for exploring its hiking trails, rivers, and local culture.
Best Places to Stay in Upala
Upala’s remoteness means limited lodging, especially in terms of luxury stays, although there are options.
Origins Lodge
Origins Lodge is a tiny place offering seven upscale villas in the forest. It’s a good fit for couples or small families wanting a sustainable, comfortable stay, best for adults or families with older kids. It’s meal-inclusive and serves farm-to-table meals, with ingredients produced locally or onsite. Guests can enjoy guided hikes to waterfalls, birdwatching, or horseback riding through the rainforest.
Tocu Tent Camp
The Tocu Tent Camp is quite a bit further out from the Upala area, located in the wetlands of Caño Negro. This place provides a glamping experience in safari-style tents with basic comforts and family-style meals.
A stay at Toco is all about eco-adventure, with guided hikes to nearby rivers, birdwatching tours to spot macaws or hawks, and kayaking on local waterways. Staff can also arrange night walks to see frogs or visits to local farms. Tocu is perfect for adventurous couples, groups, or families with teens who want a hands-on jungle experience. Both properties offer personalized service and access to the rainforests and nature of a remote part of northern Costa Rica.
Other Accommodations in Upala
Outside of these places, other accommodation options are scarce. A few small guesthouses or cabinas exist in the community of Upala itself, plus a few birdwatching camps and ecolodges in the rainforest. This is a place to visit when you want to get far away from the crowds.
Why Choose Upala for Your Stay?
Staying in the northern rainforests of Costa Rica places you in a remote area teeming with wildlife, where nature is up front and center. The area offers guided hiking, kayaking, and wildlife tours, with fewer crowds than popular destinations like La Fortuna.
Sustainability is a major factor here, and accommodations are really about using solar power and supporting local conservation for a low environmental impact. Upala’s rural vibe provides a peaceful, authentic escape, ideal for nature-driven travelers.
FAQs About Places to Stay in Upala
The remote rainforests and wetlands provide a rich biodiversity that makes this part of northern Costa Rica ideal for nature lovers and true ecotourists seeking an eco-friendly, off-grid escape.
Two to three nights in this area is ideal for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, or wildlife tours while enjoying the quiet jungle setting.
Not really, no. It’s certainly possible to bring smaller children here, but there aren’t really resort facilities for family vacations. It’s better for families with older children who can partake in outdoor activities and not get bored.
This area is all about nature and outdoors activities. Hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, horseback riding, and farm tours are popular. Some of these will come included with your hotel stay.
This is a hot and humid rainforest setting, year round. Pack lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, and bug spray. Lodges provide fans and mosquito nets.
Yes. This is a remote, rural, low-crime area with friendly locals. Stick with guided tours and secure valuables, as in any destination.The biggest dangers here are getting lost or bug bites.
Yes. This is part of the country that you’ll only want to stay in for a couple of days. It combines well with the beaches of Guanacaste, which are not too far away. It’s also a nice destination sandwiched between the Arenal Volcano area and the Guanacaste beaches.
Most lodges, like Origins and Tocu, include meals with local ingredients due to the area’s remoteness.
Many lodges use solar power and limit electricity, with Wi-Fi in common areas for a nature-focused stay
