El Santuario Waterfall in Upala: A Hidden Gem in Northern Costa Rica

El Santuario Waterfall is located in the canton of Upala, in the province of Alajuela, very close to the border with Nicaragua. It is a waterfall of approximately 30 meters that plunges into a turquoise pool, surrounded by tropical vegetation and cattle farms. Unlike other more crowded destinations, here you can still breathe tranquility and enjoy the sound of the water without crowds.

Access to the waterfall is via a dirt trail that crosses pastures and secondary forest. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes between 20 and 30 minutes on foot, with some slopes and sections that can be slippery during the rainy season. It is recommended to wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, bring water and sunscreen, as much of the route is exposed to the sun.

Once at the base, visitors can swim in the pool and carefully approach the curtain of water to receive a natural massage. The place is ideal for photography, especially in the morning when the light comes in from the side and creates rainbows in the mist. It is also possible to observe birds such as the motmot and the kingfisher, typical of the northern part of the country.

To get there from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, take Route 1 towards Bagaces and then Route 6 to Upala, a journey of approximately 2 and a half hours by vehicle. Transportes Padilla offers private transfers from Liberia with drivers who know the area and can coordinate the stop at the waterfall. The trip includes air conditioning, luggage space, and the possibility of making photo stops along the way.

The best time to visit El Santuario Waterfall is between December and April, during the dry season, when the trail is firmer and the water maintains its turquoise color. In the rainy months, the flow increases and the landscape becomes greener, but access can be more complicated. It is recommended to go early to avoid the midday heat and have the pool almost to yourself.