Catarata El Santuario / La Catedral (Dos Ríos de Upala)
Waterfall · Arenal & La Fortuna · hidden gem
A tall waterfall pouring into a cathedral-like rock amphitheater on the González family's farm in Gavilán, Dos Ríos de Upala, on the wet northern side of Rincón de la Vieja.
- Time there
- 4 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 9 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 9 / 10
- Effort
- 6 / 10
- Location
- 10.90857, -85.33174 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.8 on Google (78) · 5.0 on Facebook (6)
Before you go
- Entry
- ₡10,000 for residents
- Tickets
- Better to book ahead
- Walk
- 5,000 m
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Visits are guided by the family's tour (Aventuras El Santuario) — message them ahead to set a time.
Be careful
About 5 km of intermediate trail with river crossings and mud; wear shoes with grip and don't go after heavy rain.
Places nearby
- Blue River Resort & Hot SpringsDay Passes & Hot SpringsRustic hot-spring resort on the north side of Rincón de la Vieja with a hot river, pools, a spa and a dinosaur-themed park.
- Sensoria Rainforest ExperienceParks & Wildlife · from $132Private rainforest reserve on the north side of Rincón de la Vieja with blue waterfalls, thermal pools and mud, visited on guided half-day experiences.
- Hotel Buena Vista del RincónDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 4 h–9 h · from $75A big ranch-style adventure park on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja volcano where one day pass covers ziplines, hanging bridges, a record-long jungle waterslide, a horse ride to a waterfall, volcanic mud baths and hot springs, plus a buffet lunch.
- Rincon Thermals & AdventuresTours & Adventure · from $50Big activity park on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja that mixes hot-spring pools and mud with zipline, horses and a jungle waterslide.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/11920440969 · https://lafiebredeviajar.com/blog/ · https://monteverdetourscr.com/ · https://www.instagram.com/catarataelsantuario/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/11920440969