Upala Canton

Upala Canton is an administrative region in Alajuela Province composed of eight districts spread across the landscape, each with its own center and surrounding areas. These communities are linked by a network of roads that form the backbone of local travel and commerce.

The territory became an independent administrative canton in 1970, separating from the larger region and establishing its own governmental structure. This change allowed the area to develop local governance and manage its own affairs.

The region's identity is shaped by farming practices, particularly rice growing and cattle raising, which remain central to how people live and work in the communities here.

Visitors can travel between the districts on well-maintained roads that connect the entire region, making local transportation straightforward. The dry season offers better road conditions for getting around and exploring the different communities.

The southern edge is marked by four volcanoes—Rincón de la Vieja, Santa María, Miravalles, and Tenorio—that create a natural geological boundary. These volcanic peaks shape the landscape and remind visitors of the natural forces that have molded the region over time.

Location: Alajuela Province

Inception: March 17, 1970

Capital city: Upala

Elevation above the sea: 457 m

Shares border with: Guatuso Canton, Cañas Canton, Los Chiles Canton, Bagaces Canton, Liberia Canton, La Cruz Canton

Website: https://muniupala.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 10.89780,-85.01310

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31