There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Upala into a quick city adventure. From UPL, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at UPL:
First, verify that you can enter Costa Rica — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into Upala, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Upala from UPL
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Upala layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Upala Airport
Specific locker facilities at UPL aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Upala itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to See and Do in Upala
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Upala, two standouts are:
- Parque de Upala — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Iglesia Católica de Upala — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside UPL, you can spend time at Aeropuerto Upala Waiting Area or try Regional Aircraft Observation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near UPL
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Upala: Restaurante Rancho Pitahaya and Soda La Esquina. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Grab-and-Go Snacks or Airport Chilled Beverages. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at UPL include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Costa Rica also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at UPL, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Upala itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Costa Rica that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Upala with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Upala may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.