catarata la paz tour

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & The Peace Lodge, Costa Rica

Nature park, wildlife sanctuary & boutique 5 star hotel located near san jose airport (45 minute drive).

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is the Most Popular Nature Tour in the San Jose Area featuring Five Famous Waterfalls and The Largest Animal Sanctuary in Costa Rica. It is by far the best place to see wildlife in Costa Rica. The Peace Lodge has been voted The Top Hotel in its region by TripAdvisor repeatedly over the years and is the perfect destination to stay for your first or last night in the country given its close proximity to San Jose Airport and, at the same time, its unique mountain rainforest environment. The property is nestled between Poas Volcano National Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park on the eco-route between San Jose and Arenal.

catarata la paz tour

The Most Popular Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica. Lush tropical rain forest, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, felines and frogs. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge, you are guaranteed to see all that and more.

catarata la paz tour

The Award Winning Peace Lodge was voted The Most Romantic Hotel in Costa Rica by Honeymoon Hotspots International. It is a perfect intimate getaway and a uniquely natural experience. We also love to host families as kids and adults alike enjoy the animal and rainforest experiences. Here every magical sight, wondrous smell and sensual touch create irreplaceable memories of a journey you wish to take again and again.

catarata la paz tour

catarata la paz tour

7 Insider Tips for Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens

May 23, 2018 | Costa Rica Excursions

Ready for a taste of Costa Rica’s wild side? This weekend we took a trip to La Paz Waterfall Gardens just north of San José, Costa Rica. Aside from the five beautiful waterfalls (hence the name), there is plenty to see. The gardens are full of Costa Rican animals ready to wow visitors.

As I’ve mentioned before, Costa Rica is an extremely biodiverse little piece of the planet. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens you get to see tons of species of birds, butterflies, frogs, snakes, and the most exciting, big cats.

If you think that you might like to visit yourself, check out these 7 insider tips for visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. That way, you’ll be prepared and can enjoy yourself to the maximum.

What Is There To See?

Before we get to those tips let’s talk about what there is to see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Then you can decide right off the bat whether a trip to La Paz is something you should add to your itinerary.

Butterfly Garden

The butterfly garden is truly a tropical paradise. Splashes of color from beautiful tropical flowers, plants, and trees fill up the space. Flitting about overhead and all around you are hundreds of brightly colored butterflies.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, butterly

The famous Blue Morpho butterfly features prominently here and you’ll notice I got quite a few good pictures of those.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, animal, butterfly, blue morpho

As you walk through, there are displays where you can learn about the life cycles of different butterfly species. They also have cocoon stations set up where you can see new butterflies emerging from their little homes.

The aviary features a number of famous Costa Rican birds. We got to see Scarlet Macaws, Chestnut-Mandible Toucans, Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks, Caracaras, and more.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, animal, toucan, bird

Here’s an interesting fact about Caracaras. They are nicknamed the bone-breakers. These clever scavenger birds will carry bones high into the air and drop them on rocks to break them open and eat the marrow.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, animal, caracara, bird

As roads and vehicles have become more prominent in recent years the caracaras have adapted. Now you can find them tossing bones into the road and waiting for a car to come by and smash open the bone.

I guess it’s easier than flying up super high!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, animal, scarlet macaw, bird

Serpentarium

There’s a small serpentarium where you can see quite a few different species of snakes native to Costa Rica. It was pretty dark in there and I’m not much of a snake lover so I didn’t get any pictures for you. If you want to check them out, you’ll have to go yourself!

Frog Garden

The frog garden was pretty small and very hot and humid. That’s how the frogs like it, I guess. The air was thick with the smell of rotting plantains, I assume they were there for the frogs to eat.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, frog

Some of the frogs are in glass cages and a bit easier to find, but the majority are allowed free reign of the garden. That means you have to work a little harder to find them hanging out among the plants.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall,

Don’t worry, there’s always an employee hanging around nearby that you can talk to. They should be able to point out a few frogs for you even if you can’t find them on your own. That goes for the whole park, actually. There are employees that speak both Spanish and English ready to direct you, answer questions, and tell you interesting facts about the animals.

Monkey Pass

There’s an area where you can see a troop of spider monkeys. If you’re not used to seeing monkeys, you’ll probably find it exciting.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, animal, monkey

We’re used to seeing monkeys in the wild around Manuel Antonio. The ones here were not nearly as active and I thought they looked kinda sad. They are well taken care of at La Paz, of course, but I guess monkeys just don’t do well in cages.

We didn’t go down to see this part, but there is a trout lake also on site. I’ve read that they allow you to fish for your own dinner if you’re staying at the Peace Lodge . That sounds like it could be pretty cool!

One of the biggest attractions at the park is definitely the big cats. When we went there was an ocelot pacing back and forth in the bottom of his cage.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, ocelot, animal, cat

The viewing area is above the cage floor and there is a lot of vegetation so I didn’t get a clear shot of his face. But you can see him pacing in these shots.

We also saw two pumas taking a nap together in a comfy corner.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, puma, animal, cat

The last cats we saw were the most majestic. At the time we went there were three jaguars hanging out. Two were together in one cage. They were sleeping when we arrived but then got up and moved around lazily while we were there.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, jaguar, animal, cat

The third jaguar was curled up in a cage across from the other two. He was asleep the whole time we were there but I did get this epic shot of him.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall, jaguar, animal, cat

Need an awesome tote to haul your stuff around for the day? Here’s a giant tote bag that just happens to have a jaguar on it!

giant canvas bag with jaguar design

The Spanish name for the area is Catarata La Paz or Peace Waterfall in English. There are actually 5 waterfalls on the grounds.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Catarata La Paz, Waterfall,

To reach the falls you do have to hike through the jungle. But don’t worry, the paths are well groomed and easy to navigate. You need to be capable of handling a lot of stairs, though.

7 Tips for Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Now that you’ve got a taste of what there is to see let’s get to my 7 insider tips for visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

1. Bring a Jacket

What? Isn’t this Costa Rica? The land of tropical beaches, heat, and humidity?

Well, yes, but Costa Rica has more weather variation than that. In fact, Costa Rica has 12 microclimates throughout the country. There’s weather for everyone in Costa Rica…well as long as you’re not looking for snow.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located up in the mountains near the famous Poás Volcano . This means that this area is far more temperate than where I live near the gates of hell in Quepos 😛 .

The temperature can range from 58 to 80 degrees F. Most of the time you’ll probably be okay in shirtsleeves, but I’d recommend bringing a light jacket just in case.

2. Bring an Umbrella

The sun shines in this area of Costa Rica, but far less than in the coastal regions. Up in the mountains, there are plenty of cloudy, drizzly days.

In fact, the weather reminds me a lot of my home in Washington State. Even a lot of the vegetation is similar since it’s a cooler climate.

Many of the exhibits are covered but the walkways between them are not. The jungle covers you a little, especially on the way down to the waterfalls. But you’ll appreciate an umbrella if it’s a bit damp the day you go.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

There are 3 kilometers of trails through La Paz Waterfall Gardens. You don’t have to hike it all if you don’t want to. But even just strolling through all the animal and garden exhibits is a bit of a trek.

Definitely wear comfortable shoes. I wore my trusty Skecher’s GoStep Lite slip-ons. These are a great, lightweight walking shoe that is super comfortable. You can see my full review here on these and other good shoes for Costa Rica.

There are a lot of stairs, especially heading down to the waterfalls. I know what you’re thinking…what goes down must come up, right? Yes, but they have a shuttle bus that will take you back up to the entrance. You won’t have to hike all the way back up.

4. Bring a Camera

Be sure to bring a camera with you. As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to take pretty pictures.

Pro tip: be respectful of people around you when taking photos, both you and them. I was holding my big, professional Canon 6D camera up to take a shot of the jaguars when this guy stepped right in front of me and started snapping with his smartphone. I hope he got a lovely shot because all I got was a shot of his back. 😒

Plan plenty of time for the excursion. You want to give yourself time to enjoy the exhibits. We spent about 3 hours strolling around the grounds. Note that we didn’t hike all the way down to the bottom-most waterfall.

6. Buy Cheese at Fresas Del Volcán

Okay, so this isn’t actually at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Fresas del Volcán is a shop on the road up to La Paz.

If you’re driving in your own car, definitely stop and buy some Queso Palmito. You can buy palmito cheese in various places throughout Costa Rica, including most grocery stores. We bought some on our trip to Zarcero , another mountain town to the west of La Paz. However, none of it holds a candle to the cheese we’ve had from this shop.

This is palmito cheese done right. If you know anything about cheese in Costa Rica you know that it’s quite different from what we’re used to in the States. A lot of it is pretty bland and lacks flavor.

This cheese, however, is absolutely delicious. You’ll find it at most shops and roadside stands along the road to get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. I can’t vouch for it, though. We’ve bought palmito in other places and none of it is as good as what we’ve found at Fresas del Volcán.

7. Buy Strawberries Along the Side of the Road

The cooler climate up here is perfect for growing sweet, delicious strawberries. You have to hit it at the right time for the sweetest most delicious ones. But since the weather is similar all year round, the strawberry season is almost the entire year and you have a good chance of getting some amazing fruit.

You’ll find strawberries everywhere in this area. People will be selling them out of the back of their trucks along the side of the road. Plus, practically every roadside shop will have them. At Fresas del Volcán, the place where you should buy palmito cheese, you can buy them as well. Roadside, though, you can get a better price and practice your Spanish!

Many places will also sell them as a dessert with chocolate, condensed milk, or both. Costa Ricans love their sweets!

Ready for La Paz?

There you have it. My 7 insider tips for visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Have you been to La Paz? What did you think? Feel free to leave me a comment below!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments as well. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll do my best to find out!

Finally, I have a new photo jewelry collection that features one of the photos of the jaguars from this post. Plus, check out this post to learn more about jaguars in Costa Rica .

Until next time…

catarata la paz tour

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Kamira G

I’ve never been to La Paz however it’s beautiful. I have been to Dunns Rivers Falls in Jamaica. It was a wonderful experience I won’t soon forget. Beautiful pics!

Cara K.

Thank you! Yes, it’s such a beautiful spot and there are tons of them in Costa Rica. I’ve never been to Jamaica but the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is influenced by Jamaica in their culture and food. I think it would be fun to visit someday too. There are so many awesome places in the world to visit!

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  • African Animals in Costa Rica: An Unexpected Twist in the Rainforest - […] As always, if you have any questions about Costa Rica, drop me a line. I’m happy to help if…

Hello! I'd love to hear your thoughts, feel free to comment below! Cancel reply

Privacy overview.

Free Shipping to the US on all orders over $75! Dismiss

Don't Miss Out!

Want to learn more about Costa Rica? Or maybe you want to be the first to know about fun new Costa Rica merch? Sign up for the newsletter here and get 10% off your first order!

Success! Now you won't miss out!

We noticed you're visiting from Costa Rica. We've updated our prices to Costa Rican colón for your shopping convenience. Use United States (US) dollar instead. Dismiss

Antisocial Tourist

Complete Guide: La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning nature park located in one of Costa Rica’s cloud forests, and it’s one of the most visited ecological attractions in the country. The park covers 70 acres (28 hectares) and has a total of five waterfalls. It’s named after La Paz Waterfall, which means “the peace” in Spanish, so it’s also often called Catarata de La Paz.

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the most peaceful and serene place we’ve visited in all of Costa Rica. We spent two days exploring the park and even stayed overnight at the onsite hotel called the Peace Lodge . Luxury suites, lush tropical forests, stunning waterfalls around every corner, and all the animals that Costa Rica is known for in one place — it ticks every box.

If you’re looking for a complete guide on how to plan your time at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re just passing by or planning to stay on the property overnight, this guide has you covered.

RELATED POSTS: ➟ The Hike to Catarata del Toro: Costa Rica’s Most Epic Waterfall ➟ 17 Best Travel Scratch Off Maps

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions allow us to continue creating this blog’s content.

What is La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

Waterfall at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a popular tourist attraction located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. In a nutshell, it’s a privately-owned nature park and wildlife refuge that features five waterfalls, numerous scenic hiking trails, and animal encounters. It’s actually the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica and has over 100 species of animals!

You can spend a couple of hours here or a couple of days, depending on how much you want to do and see. It’s recommended to give yourself at least 2 hours to see all the animals, but you’ll need longer if you want to see all the waterfalls, too. You do need to Purchase a Ticket to access the park.

The park also has an on-site luxury resort called the Peace Lodge , which is breathtaking. We were fortunate enough to stay at this resort and it was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had! The 18-room resort is perched on the side of a hill overlooking the cloud forest, and guests at the resort have free access to the entire property! Resort guests can also access the park before and after normal business hours.

Where is La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

Cloud Forest Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located in the town of Vara Blanca, in between San Jose (the largest airport in Costa Rica) and La Fortuna (home to the famous Arenal Volcano). It’s a little over an hour north of San Jose or two hours south of La Fortuna. It makes for a perfect day trip from either location.

It is possible to take an Uber or Taxi from San Jose to this nature park. Just be sure to get your driver’s contact information so you can reach out directly for your return trip. If you plan on driving yourself, rest assured, the roads leading to the gardens are paved and well-maintained, especially compared to other parts of the country. You could also sign up for an official Day Tour from San Jose !

La Paz Waterfall From Behind the Falls

Travelers can actually see one of the main waterfalls, La Paz Waterfall, right along Route 126, without ever entering the park. This is a popular stop for many tourists. It’s not uncommon to see police here, directing traffic, and local vendors set up along the road selling fruits and juices. Once you’ve found a place to park, you can even take a short walk directly behind the waterfall!

About a minute or so from this massive waterfall along the side of the road, you’ll find the parking lot to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. To the left of the parking area is the magical Peace Lodge , a gift shop, and a restaurant. All the animals and hiking trails are in front of and below the parking lot because it sits on the side of a mountain. There are many stairs and steep walkways throughout the park.

What to Expect at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Ticket Office

When you arrive at the Gardens, you’ll park and show your ticket or purchase a ticket in the ticket office. If it’s raining (which is very common in this area), you can purchase a poncho at the office, or use one of their complimentary umbrellas during your visit. If you plan to hike to the waterfalls, you will likely get wet anyways from the force of the spray.

To the left of the ticket office, you’ll find the Peace Lodge , a gift shop, and a restaurant. The trail begins directly behind the ticket office. Don’t forget to ask for a map before you start your journey! You’ll want to follow the trail marked in orange on the provided map to see the animals and waterfalls. Click Here for an electronic version of the map.

💣 Antisocial Tourist Tip  — The park does offer guided tours, which we recommend if you’re looking for an educational experience. To reserve a guided tour, you should email [email protected].

You’ll start by walking down a steep hill to the refuge and wildlife areas. Here you’ll find several large domes and buildings, housing birds, butterflies, monkeys, snakes, jungle cats, frogs, and fauna. There are also two other restaurants and several bathrooms in this area, as well as a traditional Costa Rican Casita that can be explored.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Trail Signage

Just past the frog exhibit, you’ll find the start of the waterfall hiking trail. The trail will take you to the very top of the mountain, where the Templo Waterfall is found. From there, you’ll make your way down to the bottom again, stopping at each of the other waterfalls along the way. Some of the falls have two lookout points worth stopping at — one from above and one from below. The trail is well-marked.

The trail ends near the bottom of La Paz Waterfall (the same waterfall that can be seen along the side of the road). From there, you can walk the 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) back to the ticket office, or hop on the free shuttle bus (it runs every 20 minutes or so) to take you back to the entrance. You could also retrace your steps and take the same trail back to where you started.

💣 Antisocial Tourist Tip  — Bring a light jacket and consider wearing long pants! La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located in the highland cloud forest, so the temperature here is much cooler than in most other parts of Costa Rica.

Entrance Fee

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Hiking Trails

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm year-round. There is a fee to enter the park. Entrance Tickets cost $49.24 for adults (13+) and $32.83 for children. You can Purchase Tickets in Advance or just pay when you arrive at the park. Local residents will receive a significant discount if tickets are purchased on-site.

Remember that guests of the Peace Lodge have free access to the park, including before and after normal park hours. If this luxury lodge is outside of your budget, be sure to factor in the savings from free admission. You may be surprised at how affordable to resort is once you deduct the ticket price.

You can also upgrade your ticket to include a Buffet Lunch once you arrive. We had a delicious meal in their restaurant during our stay but did not try the lunch buffet. If it’s anything like the meal we did have, it’s likely wonderful. The buffet includes traditional Costa Rican dishes, a full salad bar, pizza, french fries, fruit, desserts, and juices.

Leopard at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

The animals who call the La Paz Waterfall Gardens home include many rare birds, sloths, monkeys, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, snakes, spiders, and butterflies. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and many employees will be around to answer any questions you have about the animals.

There are some mixed reviews about the size of the cages where many of the big cats are held. This is a sticky topic but it’s important to remember that this is a refuge, not a zoo. The park does have signage that explains that all of its animals come from the Costa Rican Wildlife Ministry, which confiscates illegal pets that cannot be released back into the wild for various reasons. Every single exotic bird and big cat on the property is a rescue animal.

There is also a lake full of trout on-site, next to Fern Trail, on the far left side of the park. We first saw this lake from the resort’s balcony and thought it was a large pool. It’s a man-made lake that is shallow with bright blue water. But we quickly learned it was a lake where guests can try their hand at fly fishing! If you’re interested in this, ask the front desk about it when you arrive (we did not try this).

Hiking Trails

Hiking at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The hiking trails leading to the waterfalls in the park are stunning, but let’s be honest — the word trail is used loosely. It’s mainly stairs! The good news is that the ascent is gradual, so most of the trail will consist of walking down the steps. The trail also has handrails from start to finish.

You’ll want to follow the trail signage and your map closely, so you don’t miss any waterfall lookouts. Several waterfalls have both an upper and lower lookout area, and the view is worth seeing from both.

Several of the lookout areas consist of small platforms at the bottom of a narrow set of stairs that extend from the trail. Because of how small these platforms are, it’s common courtesy to wait for other tourists to come back up the stairs before making your way down. Don’t worry, you will be able to gauge how many people each platform can fit before you approach.

The park also offers two lesser-known trails, called the Rio La Paz Trail and Fern Trail. These two trails are found on the left side of the park, near the Aviary. They’re unpaved and less maintained than the rest of the park, but they boast some stunning tropical fauna and offer a more authentic jungle hiking experience (although there are no waterfalls found on these trails).

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Waterfalls

There are five waterfalls along the main trail at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. They’re lined up one after another as they descend the mountain, ending with the epic La Paz waterfall, which can be seen from Route 126. The five waterfalls, from top to bottom, are Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada, Escondida, and La Paz, each of varying heights.

  • Templo Waterfall 85 feet (26 meters) tall
  • Magia Blanca Waterfall is 120 feet (37 meters) tall
  • Encantada Waterfall is 65 feet (20 meters) tall
  • Escondida Waterfall is 15 feet (5 meters) tall
  • La Paz Waterfall is 110 feet (34 meters) tall

It is possible to see all five waterfalls in less than an hour once you begin the hike. Just be careful and try to take your time to enjoy the surrounding magic. And remember the trail is mostly made of stairs, so it can be quite a workout for some. It will take about two hours for most people, especially when you factor in photos.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Casita and Ox Cart

If you’re interested in exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens as part of a tour, you have several options. All of these tours are highly rated and a great choice if you’re visiting Costa Rica without renting a car. They each leave from San Jose.

  • Day Trip from San Jose — If you’re only interested in an organized tour to the Gardens (without stopping at any other attractions), this tour is perfect. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in (or near) San Jose and brought to the park to enjoy all it has to offer. The tour lasts about 6 hours, including transportation.
  • Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens — For the ultimate day, this tour includes a stop at a coffee plantation, a hike to the incredible Poas Volcano, and a stop at the Gardens. You’ll spend about 3 hours in each place, making for a long day (about 13 hours total), but it will certainly be magical and well worth it.
  • Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens — If you’re set on seeing a coffee plantation (a must-see for first-time visitors) but you want to skip the hike to Poas Volcano, this tour is for you. During this 8-hour tour, you’ll have an authentic coffee experience and a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River — This 10-hour tour will take you to the Gardens before taking you on a relaxing boat trip down the Sarapiqui River. The Sarapiqui River is famous for having a variety of environments: humid tropical forests, mountains, pastures, and more.

Hotels Near La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Peace Lodge La Paz Waterfall Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens has its own resort called the Peace Lodge , and it’s absolutely magical! It’s probably the coolest hotel we’ve ever stayed at! Balconies overlooking the cloud forest, huge canopy beds, a fireplace, and a jungle-themed shower and tub. Our suite even had a hot tub a small hot tub built right into the balcony!

If a stay at the Peace Lodge is in your budget, you won’t regret the splurge. Just remember to deduct the cost of admission to the park, since hotel guests have free access. This is how we justified the cost of our stay here (and we have absolutely no regrets).

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE PEACE LODGE!

If a night at this luxury hotel is simply not in your budget, there are a couple of other options nearby. If you do your own hotel research, you’ll want to look for places in the town of Vara Blanca . Here are the other hotels nearby, all with high ratings:

  • Casa Volcano Panoramic View Hotel
  • Poas Volcano Lodge
  • Villa Calas

Things To Do Near La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Overlooking Lake Arenal Costa Rica

There are plenty of things to do near La Paz Waterfall Gardens! Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Catarata del Toro — Catarata del Toro is one of Costa Rica’s most stunning waterfalls. It plunges 270 feet into an ancient volcanic crater. Click Here to read all about how to get to this epic waterfall.
  • Blue Falls  — Blue Falls, also known as Cataratas Las Gemelas, is also found on the private reserve where Catarata del Toro is located. You can purchase a combo ticket that includes both waterfalls.
  • Poás Volcano Crater  — The Poás Volcano National Park is a short 30-minute drive from La Paz Waterfall Gardens and you can actually hike to the rim of the Poás Volcano Crater! The volcano’s gasses are monitored daily to ensure it’s safe, so you’ll want to check the  Park’s Website  before your hike.
  • Doka Estate Coffee Tour — Doka Estate Coffee Plantation is located just outside of San Jose, so you’ll pass it on your way to the Gardens. Experiencing a coffee tour while in Costa Rica is one of the top things to do for tourists!
  • La Fortuna  — La Fortuna is a popular town about two hours north of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. There are tons of things to do there, including hot springs, waterfalls, hikes, and ziplining. There are also tons of guided and combined tours in the area. Check them out  Here .

Final Thoughts: La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Enjoying Our Balcony at the Peace Lodge

We loved our time at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, but our stay at the amazing Peace Lodge played a large part in our experience. We only stayed one night, but would have loved to stay longer. It was our favorite hotel in Costa Rica, and we can’t wait to return one day! If you ever have a chance to stay here, don’t hesitate — it’s worth the splurge!

As for the actual gardens (the animal exhibits, the hiking trails, and the waterfalls), we believe it’s absolutely worth a stop if you’re passing the area. That said, we wouldn’t go out of our way to get back here unless we planned on staying at the property overnight.

Why do we say this? Costa Rica is filled with many animal refuges, hiking trails, and waterfalls. And while the Garden’s exhibits and trails are spectacular, they are not necessarily better than all the others. If you already have a couple of wildlife refuges and large waterfalls on your itinerary, and you’re having a hard time squeezing La Paz Waterfall Gardens in, don’t sweat it. It’s amazing , but not necessarily better than the rest.

Antisocial Tourist Logo

Sign up for our newsletter to have new travel inspiration delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides  here  and follow us on  Instagram  ( @AntisocialTourist ) or on  Facebook  to see our latest adventures!

catarata la paz tour

Simply Wander

curated travel guides to help you wander simply and simply wander

Meet the Youngs

  • Privacy Policy

Search this site

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Caribbean , Costa Rica · March 2, 2022

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to See Waterfalls in Costa Rica

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the best place to see waterfalls in Costa Rica. You will discover a total of 5 unique waterfalls along a two-mile scenic trail, along with the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica!

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a stay or tour through the link provided, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

Everything you need to know before visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Visitor Information

  • Address: 6R3Q+Q9P, Alajuela Province Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
  • Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily all year round. Arrive no later than 3 pm as it takes a minimum of 2 hours to walk through the whole park. Although you could easily spend a half or whole day here.
  • Admission: Free for guests at the Peace Lodge, or day passes are available for $49 for adults and $33 for kids 3-12 years. Guests at the Peace Lodge are also granted access to the gardens before and after hours.
  • Parking: Free
  • Included in the admission: Access to all trails and attractions including the waterfall trail, animal sanctuary, butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, and historical house museum with petting zoo.
  • Reservations: Advanced tickets can be purchased online but are not required.
  • Notes: Wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. It also rains quite often so come prepared with a rain jacket or poncho. The Waterfall Gardens are also at a high altitude so bring a jacket incase it gets cold.

How to get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens can be found in the Alajuela province in the central highlands of Costa Rica.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

It is located about an hour north of San Jose. It is also about a 25-minute drive from Volcan Poas if you want to combine the two for a day trip.

Bus routes run from San Jose to La Paz. You can also take a taxi, or look into tour options.

Tour packages include:

  • Waterfall Gardens
  • Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour
  • River Cruise and Waterfall Gardens Tour

If you are renting a car, directions are pretty straightforward if you enter “La Paz Waterfall Gardens” in the Waze app or the Google Maps app. Apple Maps will not work for driving directions in Costa Rica.

The road is paved and the conditions are completely fine from San Jose to La Paz, you will not need 4wd or a high-clearance vehicle.

What is there to do at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

The 70-acre La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a privately owned ecological park.

The expansive grounds offer space for visitors to spread out so it never feels crowded.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

We visited on a weekday during the peak season and felt like we had the park almost entirely to ourselves.

La Paz is home to not only the stunning waterfall trail, but also includes the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica, the largest butterfly observatory in the world, and the upscale Peace Lodge that boasts 5-star accommodations and several top restaurants.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Guided tours are available upon request, contact [email protected] for more information.

While the guided tour would be highly educational, most visitors just take the self-guided tour.

There are well-marked maps and informational signs throughout the park that are easy to follow with a self-guided tour.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Waterfall Trail

La Paz is situated on the mountainside at an altitude of around 5000 feet where the cloud and rainforest coexist.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Here you’ll find a network of over 2 miles (3.5 km) of paved walking and hiking trails meandering throughout the cloud forest and native rainforest.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

The beginning of the waterfall trail is located not too far from the main park entrance.

The trail follows along the La Paz River as it cascades down a series of 5 distinct and equally breathtaking waterfalls.

You’ll be able to view the falls from above, below, underneath, and right beside!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

The trail is paved but there are a lot of stairs so unfortunately, it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.

Templo Waterfall

The first waterfall you’ll come to is Templo. You’ll need to walk down a series of stairs to reach the viewing platform where you can get right up close to the falls.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Templo Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #templowaterfall #simplywander

As you continue along the trail you’ll come to another viewpoint of the Templo Waterfall at the river level.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Templo Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #templowaterfall #simplywander

This is my favorite spot in the whole park. It just feels so remote and serene in the heart of the mist-shrouded rainforest.

It’s as if you walked onto the set of Jurassic Park!

I especially love the small sandy beach area, it makes for a great photo spot.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Templo Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #templowaterfall #simplywander

There is also a bridge that crosses over the river for another unique vantage point.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Templo Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #templowaterfall #simplywander

Magia Blanca Waterfall

The next waterfall you’ll come to is Magia Blanca Falls. This waterfall also offers two distinct viewing points.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Magia Blanca Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #magiablancaowaterfall #simplywander

The first will bring you right behind the 120-foot waterfall where you can feel the cool mist and even get soaked the further under you go!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Magia Blanca Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #magiablancaowaterfall #simplywander

The second platform is at the bottom of the waterfall where you can appreciate Magia Blanca Falls in its full glory.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Magia Blanca Waterfall #costarica #lapaz #magiablancaowaterfall #simplywander

Encantada and Escondida Falls

The next set of falls is a two-for-one!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Encantada and Escondida Falls#lapaz #magiablancaowaterfall #simplywander

Two rivers converge at this point, with the larger 65-foot Encantada Falls in the forefront and the smaller 10-foot Escondida Falls in the back.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Encantada and Escondida Falls#lapaz #magiablancaowaterfall #simplywander

La Paz Waterfall

The final waterfall is the park’s namesake. The Catarata La Paz translates to ‘peace waterfall’, which is exactly what this 121-foot waterfall exudes.

The viewpoint is actually on the same platform as the Encantada and Escondida Falls.

However, you can only see the top of the waterfall from this point.

For the best view, you’ll actually want to drive outside the park where you can see the waterfall from the road.

A Guide to Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica | Simply Wander

There is even a trail where you can walk back behind the waterfall.

It is free to view the falls from this point, but many travelers snap a quick picture and then drive on without realizing a whole ecological wonderland lies just above the falls!

Once you reach the bottom of the trail, there is a covered shelter where you can wait for the shuttle bus to take you back to the main entrance.

After walking up and down so many stairs, you’ll be grateful that you don’t have to turn around and do it again!

Just keep in mind that the last shuttle leaves at 5 pm.

*And if you want to visit the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica, check out our guide to Rio Celeste Waterfall!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Animal Sanctuary

While the waterfall trail is the main attraction at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the animal sanctuary is also a must-see.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

This wildlife refuge is actually the largest animal sanctuary in all of Costa Rica.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Wildlife Animal Sanctuary #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

The animals in the sanctuary have all been rescued. Most were kept as illegal pets and cannot be released back into the wild.

They all seem to be well cared for as they are given a second chance at life. It’s important to note that no animals were taken from their natural habitat.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Wildlife Animal Sanctuary #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Some of the most popular animals you’ll see at the sanctuary include sloths, spider monkeys, and white-faced monkeys. The monkeys were all so active and playful while we were there.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Wildlife Animal Sanctuary #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

The Jungle Cats are also a big draw with jaguars, pumas, and ocelots. Feeding time is around 3:30 pm if you want to stop by and watch.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Wildlife Animal Sanctuary #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Be sure to step into the Butterfly Observatory, the largest observatory of its kind in the world.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | The Butterfly Observatory #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Here you’ll be surrounded by 20 different species of butterflies fluttering freely about.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | The Butterfly Observatory #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

They also have a butterfly lab where you can see the different stages of metamorphosis and possibly even see a butterfly emerge from a cocoon.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | The Butterfly Observatory #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

The Hummingbird Garden is home to 26 different hummingbird species, which is the only documented place in the world to have that many species in one place.

The hummingbirds are so tame that they may even feed right from your hand.

Step into the dark Serpentarium cave where you’ll meet 30 of the most beautiful and most deadly snakes in Costa Rica.

A few of the most popular include the Bushmaster, Green Vinesnake, and the Golden Eyelash Viper.

Continue along to the Ranarium, a frog pond where poison dart frogs and leaf frogs are feely climbing, hopping, and swimming in a natural setting.

The Aviary houses 40 species of Costa Rica’s most exotic and colorful birds, including toucans and macaws.

Casita de La Paz

Casita de La Paz is a replica of a traditional early 1900s Costa Rican farmhouse.

It was constructed using local raw materials just as the local farmers would have over a century ago.

Step inside to learn more about Costa Rica’s farming history in the historical house museum. You can also find a petting zoo and ox cart outside of the house.

* Related post:  Discover two incredibly unique waterfalls in one place in our guide  Hidden Gems of Costa Rica: Catarata del Toro and Blue Falls

The Peace Lodge and restaurants

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens were completed in 2000. Three years later construction on the award-winning Peace Lodge began.

This luxury 5-star boutique mountain lodge boasts 18 cozy guest rooms adorned with rich wood, river stone fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and waterfall showers.

The hotel is nestled in the heart of the rainforest with views of the Poás Volcano and La Paz River Valley.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | The Trout Bar #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

Staying a night at the Peace Lodge is a bit of a splurge.

But there really is something magical about opening your window at night to let in the cool mountain air and falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.

It would be the perfect place to stay for a memorable honeymoon or anniversary.

In fact, the Peace Lodge was one of only eight resorts outside the US that were featured on the Travel Channel show Trista and Ryan’s Honeymoon Hotspots International .

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | The Peace Lodge #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

It was also voted as the 4th Best Resort in all of Central and South America by Conde Nast Traveler and is repeatedly rated the #1 hotel in the region by Tripadvisor .

If you are looking for a similar mountain lodge stay that is a little more affordable, consider staying at the nearby Poas Volcano Lodge .

There are also 6 dining options at the Peace Lodge that are open to guests and visitors alike.

We grabbed lunch at the La Terraza and the food and view were both amazing!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | La Terraza Cafe #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander #laterrazacafe

We ordered the Cheese Tortilla, which is nothing like the cheese tortilla you would expect.

The thick tortilla is made with fresh corn masa and stuffed with Turrialba cheese.

It is cooked to perfection on a comal skillet and served with homemade sour cream. It was divine.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | La Terraza Cafe #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander #laterrazacafe

We also ordered the Entradita de Bocas and Chifribowl and they were both so good, I’m still dreaming of the fried tico cheese that came with it!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | La Terraza Cafe #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander #laterrazacafe

The buffet at Colibries is also a popular and affordable lunch option.

It is located near the hummingbird garden and features a cozy ambiance as well as the highest rating (4 forks) possible from the Tourism Council.

For $14, guests can enjoy a buffet that includes a variety of traditional Costa Rican dishes, a full salad bar, pizza, garlic bread, french fries, fresh seasonal fruits, rice pudding, and unlimited fresh fruit juice, coffee, and tea.

The Big Trout Bar is also a unique place to eat.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Big Trout Bar #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander #bigtroutbar

The beautiful outdoor grill offers a peaceful setting overlooking the pond.

Guests have the option to catch their own rainbow trout and have it prepared fresh for lunch! Other menu options are also available.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Big Trout Bar #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander #bigtroutbar

Overall, we loved visiting the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It was one of our favorite stops on our 5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary .

We appreciate their efforts to protect and preserve the environment and local wildlife.

They also strive to support the local economy by employing 90% of their employees from the surrounding towns within a 12-mile radius.

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from San Jose then consider visiting the La Paz Waterfall Gardens!

*Related post: If you are planning to spend time in La Fortuna, be sure to see our guide to 6 Fun Things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica !

Pin it for later:

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Best Place to see Waterfalls in Costa Rica | Simply Wander #costarica #lapaz #waterfalls #simplywander

About Jamie

Family travel expert and content creator who has been inpsiring millions with her travel guides since 2018.

You’ll Also Love

The Perfect 5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary | Rio Celeste Waterfall #simplywander #rioceleste #costarica

Reader Interactions

'  data-srcset=

March 3, 2022 at 12:12 am

Your photos are always so beautiful. I love all of them so much! You do a great job capturing scenery. I want to visit this waterfall, ahh!

'  data-srcset=

March 8, 2022 at 3:25 am

Thanks so much, Justin, I really appreciate your kind words! Costa Rica really is so beautiful!

[…] post: Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a high concentration of waterfalls and Costa Rica’s largest animal […]

[…] *Related Post: If you want to see 5 unique waterfalls on a short 2-mile trail, then visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens! […]

[…] *Related post: For even more incredible waterfalls, check out the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens! […]

[…] For more information, see our guide to visiting the La Paz Waterfall Gardens! […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2024 Simply Wander · Theme by 17th Avenue

logo

Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour

  • INFORMATION

Poas Volcano National Park & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour

Poas La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a perfect combination tour that you can take from our capital City San Jose Costa Rica . Come with us and enjoy our exclusive and unique tour with a professional naturalist tour guide and explore two of the most famouls attraction in Costa Rica.

Your Poas La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or Van.

On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the countryside with multiple Dairy Farms, Tropical Flowers Nurseries, Strawberries Plantations, Cheese Factories, picturesque souvenir stores and small local vendors. Taste the local flavors and give yourself a chance to try a Prestiño, a very traditional tin pastry cover with a special typical syrup made in the sugar mills.

Once at Poas Volcano National Park , the visit to the crater will be in small groups accompanied with a park ranger and for only 30 minutes per group for security reasons. Poas is an active volcano, that has erupted 40 times since 1828. It has an elevation of 2.708 meter above sea level (8.885 feet). There are two crater lakes near the summit. The northern lake is known as the Laguna Caliente (“hot lagoon”) and is located at a height of 2,300 m in a crater approximately 1.7 km wide and 290–300 m deep. It is one of the world’s most acidic lakes and possible the largest crater in the world. Lake Botos, the southern lake, fills an inactive crater, which last erupted in 7500 BC. It is cold and clear, and is surrounded by a cloud forest within the National Park boundaries.

Poas Volcano National Park is the most visited one by locals and international tourist from all over the world. Following the visit to the volcano we will continue to La Paz Waterfalls Gardens . La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals, and an environmental education program.

With the fine attention and explanations of our naturalist tour guide, during our exclusive Poas La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour enjoy: Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with numerous species of birds, toucan feeding, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory, capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand feeding in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, traditional typical house with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit.  All these offered at one place, makes us the best eco park in Costa Rica.

Our tour includes a delicious Buffet Lunch. It includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican Dishes, Full Salad Bar, Pizza, Garlic Bread, French Fries, Fresh Fruits, Rice Pudding and unlimited Fresh Fruit Juice, Coffee and Tea.

After finishing all these unique Eco Attractions, and by the middle of the afternoon, return to your hotel in San Jose.

PRICE PER PERSON: $285 adults / $228 Children (If you have a group contact us for a special rate)

Greenway Nature Tours is a Certified Travel Agency and Tour Operator by the Costa Rican Tourist Board with special certification in Sustainable Travel (CST) . We offer 40 unique private tours from San Jose Costa Rica.

Start planning your Costa Rica Day Tours today. Email us

Destination

Departure time, return time, what´s to bring, not included, from our gallery.

catarata la paz tour

Pick Up Time - 07:00am

  • Meet our Guide and Private Transportation from your hotel
  • Drive to Alajuela Province and final destination Poas Volcano

Arrival to Poas Volcano National Park - 09:00am

  • Check In at the Park´s entrance and get ready for the visit to the crater.

La Paz Waterfalls - 10:00am

  • After the Volcano visit, transfer to La Paz Waterfalls. Time to explore the attractions.

Lunch- 12:00pm

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch

Admire the Waterfalls: 1:00pm

  • After lunch, explore the rain forest and magnificent waterfalls.

Return to San Jose: 3:30 PM

  • After have a great time, get ready for the return to San Jose & Hotel.
  • Enjoy a pleasant & colorful drive along the countryside.

Arrival to your Hotel in San Jose: 5:00pm

  • Drop off at your hotel and good bye.

catarata la paz tour

Reviews Scores and Score Breakdown

Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus. Phasellus viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet. Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ullamcorper ultricies

Hospitality 0

Reception 0.

catarata la paz tour

Alice Martin

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Gerardo was our guide for the La Paz Waterfall tour. He was FABULOUS. He informed us about all of the history of Costa Rica and on the drive and we learned about all of the crops that are grown in the hills on the way to the waterfalls. We were especially impressed with his knowledge of ALL of the animals in the waterfall gardens from birds to snakes! Everything! We had our three active grandsons with us and he was great with all of them. Gerardo made the trip into a spectacular day for us. Our driver was also terrific – careful and considerate.

February 22, 2019 at 11:18 pm

Adeline stewart.

Over the top This place is absolutely amazing… Our party of 25 had reserved and upon arrival we were given bracelets, a map, and our guide began the tour. You go through a bunch of different sections where you see sloths, monkeys, wild cats, butrerflies, toucans, and other birds.. Lots of staff around to provide plenty of information. There is a little hut or home to show you what life was like years ago, and you get a taste of the sugar cane, cheese and tortilla. The walk around the waterfalls is a bit strenuous but very manageable. They are absolutely magnificent, refreshing, just lovely. There is a restaurant with an all inclusive buffet, with pizza, salad bar, local dishes, fresh fruit and 1 dessert. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Gift shops, restrooms, etc… The ride was a bit long to get there, but totally worth it!!!

April 28, 2019 at 11:16 pm

Arianna bailey.

Personable, professional and informative Our guide Herardo was on time, very professional in the way he dealt with all the arrangements he had to make. He had a very personable style and was very easy to communicate with. He was very well informed about Poas volcano and the La Paz gardens and all the waterfalls that can be visited. I would highly recommend this tour.

June 23, 2019 at 11:17 pm

Post a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Sign In Here!

Log into your account in just a few simple steps.

You don't have permission to register

TripTins

The Stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens | Complete Guide & Map

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 25, 2023

The Stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens | Complete Guide & Map

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park in Costa Rica is full of hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls, and plenty of nature all around. Situated within the rainforest, this eco park offers a little bit of everything for its visitors.

Whether you want to trek the 2+ miles of hiking trails, see a variety of wildlife, or explore the 5 different waterfalls, La Paz offers all of that and more during a day in the park.

This guide will give you a complete background and overview of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens to better help you plan your visit to one of Costa Rica’s best attractions.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) About the Nature Park

To start off, below is a quick background about the nature park and what it entails:

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Background

Opening : The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is privately owned and was opened in 2000 . Throughout the years, there have been numerous additions and upgrades to the park

Mission : The mission statement of the park is “ to preserve and protect the natural environment of the area for the education, entertainment, and enjoyment of all ages ”.

Size : The park is 70 acres (28 hectares) is size and is protected under the Private Wildlife Refuge Status

Trails : There are 2.2 miles / 3.5 kilometers of hiking trails throughout the park . Interestingly, these were all designed and constructed without cutting down one tree or vine system.

Peace Lodge : Also on the property is the Peace Lodge , which opened in 2003. You have the opportunity to stay at this stunning hotel overlooking the rainforest.

Community : The park employs 95%+ of its workers from the surrounding towns of the area to help support the local community.

Purchase Your La Paz Waterfall Ticket Today!

Laz Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Facts

Here are just a few helpful facts about La Paz and what to expect in the park:

  • Hour of Operation : 8:00AM – 5:00PM (year-round)
  • Last Shuttle Bus to Entrance : 5:00PM (more on that later)
  • Ticket Prices : $50 USD Adults / $34 USD Child (3-12 years old)
  • Lunch Option : $14 USD Adults / $8 USD Child (3-12 years old)
  • Restrooms : located throughout the park
  • Recommended Time : ~3 Hours
  • Year Opened : 2000
  • Property Size : 70 acres / 28 hectares
  • Length of Trails : 2.5 miles / 4 km
  • Number of Paver Stones on Trails : 16,000
  • River Frontage : 0.65 miles / 1 km
  • Road Frontage : 1.5 miles / 2.4 km
  • Altitude : 5,225 ft to 4,200 ft / 1,592 m to 1,280 meters
  • Number of Waterfalls : 5
  • Type of Forest : Cloud and Rain Forest
  • Geology : cooled magma from 2 million years ago
  • Origin of the La Paz River : Rainfall on the Poas Volcano flows to the Caribbean Sea via the La Paz River

Costa Rica Itinerary : Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens as part of a longer 10 Days in Costa Rica  that takes you around the country

2) Weather & Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica is known to have a dry season and rainy season. Depending on where you are in the country, there may be more or less rain during those seasons.

The area around La Paz does experience quite a good amount of rain (nearly 15 feet per year!). While the rainy season sees more rain, that doesn’t mean the dry season sees none at all.

You should always be prepared for some showers no matter what time of year you are visiting .

Here are some quick rain and weather facts about La Paz:

  • Average Rainfall per Year : 14.5 feet / 4,420 mm
  • Rainiest Months : January, May, June, July, August, November, December
  • Less Rainy Months : February, March, April, September, October

Average Temperatures

  • Daytime : Low to Mid 70’s / 24 Celsius
  • Nighttime : Low 60’s to High 50’s / 15.5 Celsius
  • Coldest Temperature : Upper 40’s / 9 Celsius
  • River Water Temperature : Low 60’s / 16 Celsius

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Pathway

Considering travel insurance for Costa Rica? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. For years, World Nomads has been protecting, connecting & inspiring independent travelers, offering travel insurance & safety advice to help you travel confidently. Their mission is to support and encourage travelers to explore their boundaries . World Nomads has simple and flexible travel insurance that has been designed by travelers for travelers. Even if you leave home without travel insurance or your policy runs out, you can buy or extend out on the road. Get a quote for a World Nomads travel insurance policy today!

3) La Paz Waterfall Gardens Location

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located in the Alajuela Province of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. It is situated at the bottom of the eastern flank of the Poas Volcano.

La Paz is located just 1.5 hours away from San Jose, and 1.75 hours away from La Fortuna.

You can visit La Paz either as a day trip from either one of these cities, or you can visit La Paz as a pit stop between the two cities.

Below is a map showing the La Paz Waterfall Gardens location as well as the routes from San Jose and La Fortuna.

Getting There

To get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, there are a few different ways to go about it depending on your preference.

Rental Car : the easiest way is to have your own rental car and be able to set your schedule and go at your own pace. This way you do not need to worry about public transport and other difficulties. Simply just type in “La Paz Waterfall Gardens” into you GPS and be on your way.

Renting a Car : Feel free to take a look at Rentalcars.com for a variety of car options to choose from for your time in Costa Rica. You will be able to filter by price, car type, rental company, & more to find the best car rental for your trip.

Tour : you can also visit La Paz as part of a group or private tour from San Jose There are several different companies to choose from that offer these types of tours.

I would recommend checking out La Paz, Poas, and Coffee Tour for one of the most highly recommended options.

You can also purchase a Skip the Line Pass ahead of time if you just want to head to La Paz without a tour.

4) Map of La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Here is a helpful map of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens that outlines everything you can expect to see during a visit. I will go into detail about each one of these spots later on in the guide.

Starting at the entrance you will have the ticket office, gift shop, restaurant and the nearby Peace Lodge. From there, the journey into the park begins.

Hiking Trails

Main Trail (orange) : the “main” hiking trail is highlighted in orange here. You can see it starts at the main entrance, heads down to the several wildlife points of interest, and then finally down towards the 5 waterfalls.

The trail ends near the bottom of the final waterfall (La Paz), where you can find the La Terraza gift shop and shuttle bus station. Here you can decide to take the shuttle bus back to the entrance, or retrace your steps.

Rio La Paz and Fern Trails (yellow and red) : there are two less frequented trails that head further into the rainforest and along the river. If you are looking to get away from the main trail and have a less crowded experience, then I would recommend a walk here as well.

There are many different animal habitats in La Paz. It is very important to note that none of these animals were taken from their natural habitat.

Rather they were given to the park by the Costa Rican Wildlife Ministry, who helped save these animals from various circumstances.

In the park you can find birds, insects, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, jungle cats, orchids, frogs, and the trout lake.

Lastly, you can find five different waterfalls making their way down the river. Follow the main trail up and down the river to see them all.

These include Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada, Escondida, and La Paz .

5) The Peace Lodge & Hotels Near La Paz Waterfall Gardens

If you not trying to do the day trip from San Jose / La Fortuna, or don’t want to just make La Paz a quick pit stop along the way, you have the chance to stay right near the gardens.

Your main option here is to stay at the Peace Lodge, which is located on the property of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

You get to wake up and go to sleep with the sounds of the rainforest surrounding you and will get to experience the park like no other.

If you would like to book a stay at the Peace Lodge, head over to the Peace Lodge booking page to reserve your spot today . This is a popular place and will sell out during peak season.

On the other hand, there are also options to stay near the gardens at hotels that are just a short drive away.

I would recommend taking a look at Hortensias Chalets Vara Blanca and Villa Calas , both fantastic highly rated places to choose from.

Peace Lodge Costa Rica

6) A Complete Overview of La Paz Waterfall Gardens

I will now walk you through what a day at La Paz Waterfall Gardens nature Park could look like. The below will take you all along the main trail from the entrance, visiting all the habitats, and then down to the waterfalls.

Note that walk to the habitats and then further to the waterfalls is mostly downhill and does require heading down stairs as well.

Animal Habitats

After leaving the main reception area, you will follow the pathway down towards the habitat area. Right away as you begin the walk, you will be welcomed to the beauty of the surrounding rainforest.

Aviary / Birds

The first stop is the aviary, which is full of 30+ different types of birds. Just some of these birds include Scarlet Macaw, Keep Bill Toucan, Vermiculated Screech Owl, Gray Hawk, Blue Gray Tanager, along with plenty of others.

Laz Paz Waterfall Gardens Birds

Connecting the aviary and the butterfly garden is a small section full of various insects (both live and dry).

Butterfly Observatory

Next up is the Butterfly Observatory, where you can find over 25 different species of butterflies and over 4,000 actual butterflies.

Here you will also get to see the life cycle of a butterfly and learn in more detail about how butterflies become to be.

Butterfly Garden La Paz

After the butterflies, you will continue on to the monkey enclosure. Here you will find Spider and White faced monkeys (two of the four Costa Rican monkeys), making their way all around the habitat.

If you want to see all four types of monkeys out in the wild, there is no better place than Corcovado National Park .

Hummingbirds

Once you are all done with the monkeys, the trail leads to the Hummingbird section of the park. Here you can find 26 different species of hummingbirds (out of the 57 in Costa Rica). This makes the La Paz hummingbird garden the most diverse place in Costa Rica to see these types of birds.

You can get right up and close to these hummingbirds as they quickly fly around the garden and find spots to get their nectar.

Hummingbirds La Paz Waterfall

The trail continues outside towards the snake enclosure near the Colibries Restaurant.

There are over 30 different snakes here including some quite dangerous ones. These can include Vipers, Bushmasters, Boas, and more.

Snakes Laz Paz Waterfall Gardens

Jungle Cats

Next up are the jungle cats, the largest of the animals out in La Paz. Here you will find several different habitats that house some big cats. These include a Margay, Jaguar, Ocelot, and Puma.

Jungle Cats Laz Paz Waterfall Gardens

The trail continues downwards as you reach the last section of habitats before you make your way to the waterfalls.

You will first reach the Orchid Garden, where you can take a few minutes to enjoy these beautiful flowers.

The last of the habitats to visit for now is the frog ranarium. Here you will find many species of frogs roaming freely through the enclosure.

It is a nice change of pace here as you wont need to look at them through glass. Keep your eyes open as you make your way through!

Frog Ranarium La Paz

Waterfalls / Cataratas

After exiting the ranarium, and walking by the casita, you will be welcomed to the entrance of the waterfall section of the trail.

Like the rest of the park, everything is very well marked here, so you should have no trouble getting an idea of where to go on the trail.

The path heads further down into the rainforest as you are surrounded by plenty of trees, plants and greenery all around.

It is now time to explore the five waterfalls of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.

Templo (85 feet)

The first waterfall up on the list is called Templo. You will continue down on the trail until you reach an intersection.

To your left will be the Upper Templo Lookout point, straight ahead will be a lookout point to see Templo from further away, and to your right will be the rest of the waterfalls.

I would recommend first heading to the Upper Templo lookout point so you can get right up close and personal to this majestic waterfall.

Be careful as it can get wet and slippery on the viewpoint platform as the waterfall is directly next to it.

You can then turn back around and head back to the intersection, where you can get some great views of the waterfall from further away including a small secluded beach.

Upper Lookout Templo Waterfall

Magia Blanca (120 feet)

You can then continue along to the next waterfall up on the trail – Magia Blanca. Head down the staircase, where you will soon be eye to eye with the waterfall.

Once again, the platform here can get quite slippery so just be careful. The viewing platform is on quite an angle here as you can really get the view from behind the waterfall itself too.

After checking out the view from up close, continue a few more minutes down the trail, where you can then view the waterfall from a bit farther away. It can give you a bit more perspective of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

Magia Blanca Upper Lookout

Encantada (65 feet) & Escondida (15 feet)

Next up is the double waterfall of Encantada and Escondida.

As you follow along on the trail, you first will have a beautiful viewpoint, where you can see both of these waterfalls as well as Magia Blanca further out back.

But then as you walk down towards the viewing platform, you will just have Encantada and Escondida in view.

Encantada is more of the spectacle here as it is the larger, more powerful one. Hidden in the background you will also see the smaller Escondida between the greenery and rocks.

Encantada Waterfall Costa Rica

La Paz (110 feet)

Directly below from the Encantada and Escondida viewing platform is the La Paz waterfall. You will be able to take in the view from above of the water falling off this 110 foot cliff down into the pool below.

However, you cannot actually see La Paz waterfall from the nature park’s pathways. The better way to see it, is from the road across the way (seen in the photo below).

After I left the park, I ended up driving along the road, parking the car, and was able to get some great photos from different angles before continuing along with my day.

Once you are all wrapped up visiting the waterfalls (within the park), the trail continues down to a gift shop and shuttle bus area.

If you do not want to walk back the same way you came, you can opt for the shuttle bus that runs back and forth to the entrance of the park.

La Paz Waterfall Costa Rica

Rio La Paz and Fern Trail

A less frequented part of the park includes the Rio La Paz and Fern trails ,which run right alongside the river in a more secluded part of the area.

You can decide to head on the trail before or after the waterfalls if you want to enjoy this section of La Paz.

The walk along this trail definitely feels a bit more authentic as you walk along this serene river surrounded by rainforest in all directions.

It is also nice to get away from the crowds as not many people venture to this side of the park. Check out some of the pictures below to get a sense of what I mean.

Laz Paz Waterfall Gardens Hiking Trail

You have the chance to exit the trails right near the Trout Lake. The spring fed lake is mostly meant for Peace Lodge visitors, who can fish in the lake and even catch their own dinner!

There is a bar overlooking the lake, as well as two hot tubs for those that want to relax, sit back, and enjoy the view.

7) La Paz Waterfall Gardens Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the La Paz Waterfall Gardens along with some helpful answers.

Is La Paz Waterfall Worth It?

While the cost for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is on the high end, I believe that La Paz Waterfall is worth the visit . You get a little bit of everything during a visit to La Paz.

Whether it is hiking trails, waterfalls, Costa Rica wildlife, or being surrounded by nature, La Paz has it all for you. There aren’t many other places in the country that can offer what this park can.

Can You Swim in La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

No, you cannot swim in La Paz Waterfall Gardens . However, if you are a guest of the Peace Lodge, there is the opportunity to jump into the Trout Lake and nearby hot tubs!

What Can You Do at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

There is plenty to see and do at La Paz Waterfall Gardens . You have 2+ miles of unique hiking trails to walk on and explore.

There are several animal habitats with so many different species to enjoy. And finally you have the five beautiful waterfalls to view from all different angles.

What Should I Wear to La Paz Waterfall?

La Paz is located right in the middle of the rainforest, and because of that you should always be prepared for the rain.

I would recommend very comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket just in case . You may also want to consider an additional layer as it can get chilly on a cloudy day.

Can You See La Paz Waterfall From the Road?

You actually can only see La Paz Waterfall from the road . While the other four waterfalls can only be seen from inside the park itself, to see La Paz Waterfall, you must head to the main road to take in the view.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Flowers

That about does it for a complete guide to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park of Costa Rica. If you have any questions or comments about the place, feel free to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the remaining Costa Rica itineraries and guides up on the site. Have fun out there and safe travels!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

Related posts:

Things To Do in Manuel Antonio

Sharing is caring!

Two Weeks in Costa Rica Logo

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Wildlife Up Close

  • Jenn and Matt
  • Activities , Family Travel

If you’re coming to Costa Rica to see as much wildlife as possible, there are several ways to do so. Our favorite always has been to trek through as many national parks as we can. But if you’re short on time or not able to scour the country’s extensive park system, a wildlife center may be your best bet. There are many of these centers around the country. One of the nicest is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, not far from San Jose. This facility has a beautiful layout, an amazing array of animals, and several waterfalls. In this post, we’ll tell you all about La Paz Waterfall Gardens and how you can plan a visit.

Note: While we highly recommend a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, this is a popular, touristy attraction. It can get very busy during high season (late December through March).

Pumas at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

About La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Driving from San Jose, the ride to La Paz is a little more than an hour, depending on traffic.

Once you arrive, you’ll realize that in that short amount of time, you have entered a completely different environment. That’s because La Paz Waterfall Gardens sits at a higher elevation (around 4,000 ft/1,219 m) and is surrounded by lush rain and cloud forest. The vast property sits nestled into the mountainside on the back slope of Poas Volcano.

The property is 70 acres (28 hectares) in total. Forty acres (16 hectares) of this is cloud forest and rainforest. The remaining 30 acres (12 hectares) was cleared previously to pasture cattle.

One of La Paz’s goals is environmental preservation so the forest land is currently protected and they are working to reforest the other patch of pasture land.

As the name implies, La Paz Waterfall Gardens has a series of beautiful waterfalls worth checking out if you have time, but in our opinion, that isn’t the main draw.

We’ll go into more detail below, but what makes this place special is its separate exhibits (buildings) for jungle cats, frogs, birds, snakes, monkeys, and butterflies. Many of these are enclosures you can walk right through, giving an up-close view of animals.

Traditional zoos are outlawed in Costa Rica. That means that all the animals at La Paz Waterfall Gardens have either been confiscated as illegal pets or injured and unable to return to the wild. The frogs and butterflies are the exception since they are bred onsite or bought.

Exhibits at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Property Layout

At the entrance of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you’ll find secure parking, the main reception area, gift shop, a restaurant, and bathrooms.

Next door is the popular Peace Lodge , which is located above the wildlife exhibits. This hotel is known for its luxurious rooms and forest views. It’s a great base for exploring not only La Paz, but also Poas Volcano and the nearby Catarata del Toro , a beautiful waterfall.

Tip: Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket since temperatures on the mountain can sometimes be chilly. On our visit, we saw a lot of cold visitors buying expensive sweatshirts from the gift shop!

From the reception area, it’s a somewhat steep walk down a concrete path and several sets of stairs to the main exhibits. If you have trouble walking, they also have a golf cart that can bring you down to this level (or back up).

If you can walk, we’d recommend it, since the property is beautifully landscaped with tropical plants and flowers. There are also hummingbird feeders right after the reception area that are worth checking out.

Stairs at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Once you reach the lower area, you’ll find a large buffet-style restaurant with more restrooms. The exhibit areas and animal enclosures are spread out from there and make an easy loop.

If you’re up for it after visiting the wildlife exhibits, you can walk the property’s 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of hiking trails. These lead to a series of five waterfalls. The last one, located at the lowest point on the property, is La Paz Waterfall. This also can be viewed from the main road (Route 126).

The Wildlife Exhibits 

Like we mentioned above, the animal exhibits are the major highlight when visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This is a great way to see wildlife up close that would normally be hard to see in the wild.

Although the basic entrance fee is for a self-guided tour, each station has helpful employees that will share information about what you are seeing and answer any questions. Here’s more information on what you can see.

The large bird enclosure at La Paz allows you to walk right through. Watch out when you enter since there are several Toucans that like to fly right overhead. You can get a close-up view of these beautiful birds and many others.

We saw several types of green parrots, Scarlet Macaw Parrots, Whistling Ducks, and even a Long-Tailed Manakin.

Outside, near the monkey enclosure, there is also another nice hummingbird area with flowers and feeders set up.

Scarlet Macaw

La Paz has three of the four types of monkeys that live in Costa Rica. You’ll be able to see howler monkeys, known for their loud calls that can be heard from miles away, spider monkeys, which have only four fingers and like to swing from branches with their long arms, and white-faced capuchin monkeys, which are quick and playful.

The fourth type of monkey, which you won’t see, is called a squirrel monkey. These are the smallest monkeys in Costa Rica and are mostly seen in either Manuel Antonio National Park or on the Osa Peninsula in places like Corcovado National Park .

Butterflies

If you like butterflies, you’re going to love the gigantic butterfly enclosure. You can take your time to walk around to see the many different species such as Blue Morpho, Great Owl, Monarch, and Malachite. The inside is set up like a botanical garden so there are interesting tropical plants as well.

In the hatchery, you can learn about the lifecycle from egg, to caterpillar, cocoon, and finally adult.

Butterfly Enclosure at La Paz

Costa Rica has some amazing frogs but the chances of seeing the most spectacular ones in the wild are slim. That’s because many frog species are active at night and live along rivers or deep within the jungle.

At the frog exhibit, it is easy to see some of these beauties. The most famous is the red-eyed tree frog, which many people recognize from posters and advertisements. You’ll learn about two species of these, one that lives on the Caribbean slope and another that lives on the Pacific slope.

Some other favorites that we saw were the tiger-legged tree frog, green and black poison-dart frog, and blue jean poison-dart frog.

Red Eyed Tree Frog Costa Rica

Jungle Cats

Jungle cats are another group of animals that you’ll have a hard time seeing in the wild during a vacation to Costa Rica.

Most of the big cats at La Paz have been confiscated from people holding them illegally as pets. La Paz has given them a good home since they will never be able to return to the wild and fend for themselves.

Through large glass windows, you can see smaller wild cats like ocelots and margays. You’ll also be able to see the larger felines like pumas (also known as mountain lions), and of course jaguars, which are the largest of them all.

Jaguar at La Paz

If you’re into snakes, La Paz Waterfall Gardens has a large variety. If you’re a bit scared, you can take comfort in knowing that they are all safely kept behind glass.

The snake room has dozens of species of venomous and non-venomous types. Some of the highlights are the fer-de lance, the deadliest snake in Costa Rica, and oriole snake, which has a beautiful pattern on its skin. There’s also a large boa constrictor that is fun to see.

Other Exhibits

Some other exhibits that are smaller but still interesting are the sloths , which are located at the edge of the bird and butterfly exhibits. This exhibit was under construction during our visit, but you’ll be able to see both two- and three-toed sloths through the glass.

Next to that is an insect exhibit with hundreds of species of dried insects displayed and labeled.

Finally, you can find a small orchid garden next to the casita/farmhouse. At the orchid garden, you can see some of the delicate flowers that grow in the rainforest.

The farmhouse next door is a replica of an old country home from hundreds of years ago. Outside there is a stable with a large ox and next to that is a small petting zoo with a very feisty goat. Our son Sam had a lot of fun with him!

The Waterfalls

You can spend several hours visiting the animal enclosures, but if you are up for a hike, your entrance fee also allows access to La Paz’s hiking trails. These cover a distance of about 2.2 miles (3.5 km).

According to the staff, you’ll want at least 2-3 hours to complete the walk and you must be able to do quite a few stairs. We didn’t venture down the waterfall trails this time since Jenn was one week overdue with our second child (he was born three days later), but we did grab a shot of the waterfall (see below) from the road.

A shuttle service back to the top is offered during certain hours, so make sure to inquire before heading down the steeper trails.

La Paz Waterfall Costa Rica

Planning Your Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (we suggest planning for at least a 2-hour visit, more with lunch)

$49 per person adults, $33 per person children (ages 3-12)

Buffet Lunch

$14 per person adults, $8 per person children (ages 3-12)

Lunch is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The buffet includes several traditional Costa Rican dishes like rice and beans, chicken, fish, tortillas, soups, as well as a salad bar, pizza, breads, French fries, and fruit. Unlimited juices, coffee, and tea are also included.

Have you visited La Paz Waterfall Gardens? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more articles to help you plan your visit check out these posts:.

Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing up the Confusion – Nervous about renting a car and getting overcharged? Read this article to understand how renting a car doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve also included a special discount for our readers.

Packing List for Costa Rica : Ready to zip up your suitcase? Did you remember the …? Make sure you’ve got all the basics covered with this post. Includes tips for rainy season travel too.

Best National Parks in Costa Rica : Want to search for some of these animals in the wild? Check out this list of the country’s best national parks.

Related Posts

Tamarindo Estuary Tour

Which is the best volcano to visit if we’re staying in San Jose and only have one day?

Hi Elizabeth, Right now it’s probably Irazu Volcano. That’s east of San Jose, near Cartago. It has a cool crater lake and you can see it easily from a viewing platform. If you need transportation, let us know and we’d be happy to help set you up. There’s also Poas Volcano but access here recently changed and now it’s a lot harder to go.

The La Paz Waterfall Garden is well worth a visit. The waterfalls are spectacular. We loved seeing the “cats” on display in the small zoo. The drive through the surrounding countryside is also very scenic. As mentioned, bring a light jacket or at least wear long sleeves and pants. It can be a little chilly.

Hi there, we are coming to Costa Rica for the first time in February, and I find your blog so very useful. Please could you let me know if tickets to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens can be bought on site? Or if pre-booking is needed? Their official website does not seem to work at the moment. Many thanks.

Hi Gio, You should be fine buying the tickets when you arrive in February. I don’t think they’ll sell out.

Hello, your blog is fantastic, it has been a great help in planning my upcoming trip! I’m wondering if you are aware of any tours/shuttle services that would pick up from a hotel in San Jose, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a few hours, and then drop off at a hotel in La Fortuna? I’d love to see La Paz but will not have my own vehicle. Thanks!

Hi Miranda, We don’t know of a shuttle service that offers a stop at La Paz on the way to La Fortuna, unfortunately. You could always pay extra for the van to wait for you, though. This is usually around $25-30/hour. You don’t need a guide to visit La Paz so that would be the only additional cost. Feel free to contact us through our Shuttle Booking page if you’d like help arranging this.

Thanks for the great info. I will be visiting Costa Rica for 12 days this December. Is it worth visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens when I will be spending 3 nights each at Monteverde and La Fortuna?

Hi Hoyon, La Paz is unique in that you can see animals close up. This is very hard to do in the wild. In La Fortuna, there are some good wildlife hikes like at the Bogarin Trail . And there is also a wildlife Rehab Center in the area called Proyecto Asis. Monteverde is more about experiencing the cloud forest ecosystem than seeing wildlife, though there are wildlife exhibits in town. If you do decide to add La Paz, we would recommend spending a couple of nights in the area since it’s very beautiful there and not directly on the way to either of your destinations. Hope that helps you decide!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Add Trees to Your Order

catarata la paz tour

Become a Subscriber!

Receive our newest articles by email. It’s free.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

catarata la paz tour

La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Qué SABER antes de ir (ACTUALIZADO 2024) - Tripadvisor

  • Tarjeta de un día a La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park y Wildlife Refuge (desde $984.88)
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens desde San José (desde $2,147.10)
  • Excursión privada a los jardines de las cascadas de La Paz (desde $3,938.86)
  • Excursión de lujo de un día fuera de lo común Volcán Poás y alrededores (desde $9,218.60)
  • Excursión privada al volcán Poás y a los jardines de las cascadas de La Paz (desde $4,776.91)
  • (0.14 km) The Peace Lodge & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • (0.20 km) Villa Lago at Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • (0.08 km) Peace Lodge
  • (4.70 km) Poas Volcano Lodge
  • (5.19 km) Villa Calas
  • (0.11 km) Vista Poas Restaurant
  • (6.41 km) Restaurante Freddo Fresas
  • (6.15 km) Restaurante El Sabor de la Montaña
  • (8.46 km) Chubascos
  • (5.22 km) Restaurante Colbert
  • Planning Your Trip
  • All hotels in Costa Rica

Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Image

Central-Valley

catarata la paz tour

Telephone (506) 2482-2720

Fax (506) 2482-2722

Located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natural Park, just an hour from San Jose International Airport, the award-winning Peace Lodge presents guests with a symphony of purely Costa Rican experiences celebrating the wonders of rainforest and the splendid creatures that inhabit this magical environment.

  • Conference Hall
  • Handicapped rooms
  • Internet Access - WiFi
  • Jacuzzi or Sauna
  • Parking Lot
  • Private Bathroom
  • Room Service
  • Room Telephone
  • Safety Boxes
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Swimming Pool
  • Travel Agency

catarata la paz tour

Hotel del Sur

Villas Valle Verde

Villas Valle Verde

Wyndham Garden

Wyndham Garden

Planning your trip to costa rica.

Visit Costa Rica

Suggested itineraries

Visit Costa Rica

Accommodations

Visit Costa Rica

Restaurants

Visit Costa Rica

Other Activities

Visit Costa Rica

Local Travel Agencies

Visit Costa Rica

Travel Tips

#EssentialCostaRica

Share your experience, ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌      ‌   .

Logo

Cataratas La Paz  | Costa Rica Jade Tours

Cataratas La Paz

Sobre este tour.

Duerma antes de ser transportado a los Jardines de la cascada de La Paz para un recorrido de todo el día en uno de los mejores parques ecológicos de Costa Rica. La excursión está diseñada para comenzar más tarde que la mayoría de los tours para que descanse cuando experimente lo que los Waterfall Gardens se jactan como la esencia de Costa Rica en una caminata guiada por la reserva.

Waterfall Gardens ofrece extensos senderos para caminar a altitudes que alcanzan más de 5000 pies (1524 m) a través de ecosistemas de bosque nuboso y selva tropical completos con ríos y 5 cascadas. El parque de 70 acres (28 ha) está abierto todo el año y presenta muchas exhibiciones diferentes donde los visitantes pueden ver gatos de la jungla, mariposas, pájaros tropicales, colibríes, monos, serpientes, ranas, varios insectos, perezosos y flores tropicales.

Información del tour

  • ¿Tiene alguna pregunta sobre cómo reservar un paquete con diversas actividades?
  • ¿Necesitas acomodar a un grupo grande?
  • ¿Tienes necesidades especiales en tu viaje?

Por favor contáctenos

Galería de imágenes

Galería de imágenes

  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominican Republic
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • The Netherlands
  • The Philippines
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Bucket List
  • Budget Travel
  • Expat Guide
  • Solo Travel
  • Travel Stories
  • Beauty + Fashion
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jetset Jansen

Travel Blogger

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica

By Ashley   |    Updated On: March 3, 2024   |   6 Comments

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica.

One of the things about Costa Rica is that there are waterfalls all over the country. With so many options, you sort of have to make a decision on which ones you are going to spend time at. A popular option is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens because of its proximity to San Jose and how many waterfalls you can see in one place.

But those two things are also why I was a little skeptical on going. Any attraction that is close enough to be a day trip from a major city is usually pretty touristy. But also, this is one of the more expensive attractions to go to and you can see waterfalls all over that are more secluded and much cheaper.

We decided to take a chance since we didn’t have any other plans for the afternoon before starting on our Costa Rica itinerary . We also needed to stay in the area since we had booked tickets to the Poas Volcano for the following morning.

About the La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are located about an hour and a half north of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. It’s a popular place for organized tours and an easy day trip from San Jose. It’s location is really accessible. If you’re heading to La Fortuna, it’s an easy stop off one of the main roads. It takes you on a different route than just going straight to La Fortuna, but it doesn’t add that much time on your drive–maybe 30 minutes. And if you plan on seeing other things in the area, like the Poas Volcano, or some of the waterfalls (Catarata del Toro or Rio Agrio ), then you’ll be on this route anyway.

catarata la paz tour

The Waterfall Gardens consists of 70 acres and is a nature park and a wildlife refuge. There are just over 2 miles (3.5km) of paved trails that take you through cloud forests and rainforests, as well as the wildlife refuge and along five beautiful waterfalls. The property is very cute with stone and wood accents that blend it in to the surrounding nature.

General Info:

Tickets: $49 per person + tax

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm

Average Time: 2.5 hours

Main Trail: .8 miles

catarata la paz tour

There are three paved trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens that take you through the beautiful property.

  • Fern Trail – (Peach trail below) Starts at Trout Lake and takes you through the forest to the La Paz River. Out and back trail, or connects to the Rio La Paz Trail.
  • Rio La Paz Trail – (Yellow) Connects from both trails and takes you along the La Paz River or can start at the trail behind the aviary.
  • Main Trail – (Orange) Takes you through the wildlife refuge and through each of the five waterfalls and ends at the gift shop and shuttle bus.

catarata la paz tour

Restaurants:

There are several dining options throughout the property, so you can stop along the way for lunch or dinner. Or if you want to just enjoy nature and have a cocktail, you can do that too.

  • Tortillas Restaurant – Casual dining open for breakfast 7am-10am, and lunch 11am-4pm. Has views of the cloud forest and Poas Volcano.
  • Colibries Restaurant – Buffet lunch open from 11am-4pm.
  • Big Trout Bar – Lakeside bar and grill open for lunch 11am-4:30pm and cocktails from 11am-6pm. They’ll even prepare your freshly caught trout!
  • Vista Poas Restaurant – Fine dining with traditional Costa Rican dishes. Open for dinner 5pm-9pm, reservation only.
  • Las Tucas Bar – Cocktail bar open from 5pm-10pm.
  • La Terraza – Coffee and pastries open from 8am-4pm.

Peace Lodge

You can actually choose to stay at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well. The Peace Lodge has accommodations within the nature park that allow you to stay on the beautiful property. Picture balconies overlooking the rainforest, hammocks, jacuzzi tubs, wooden accents throughout the rooms and stone fireplaces. When you are a guest of Peace Lodge, you have exclusive access to the Waterfall Gardens before it opens and after it closes.

catarata la paz tour

Located on the property is Trout Lake: a lake, restaurant and fishing/swimming area. You can try your luck at fishing and if you catch something, the restaurant will cook it up fresh for you anyway you like. To cool off, you can take a plunge in the cold water or just head to one of two jacuzzis to soak.

Guided Tours:

You can explore the waterfall gardens at your leisure but you can also choose to do a guided tour. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour with garden and wildlife information along the way. It also allows you to interact with the animals, though I’m not sure what that entails.

There are two guided tours offered daily at 8:45am and 1:30pm. You’ll need to make reservations with the front desk when you check in to reserve your spot.

Parking is on-site and there are two main large lots with plenty of spaces. When you pull in, they’ll hand you a ticket to keep with you and you’ll need to hand it back when you leave. There is no additional cost for parking.

Wildlife Refuge

The Wildlife Refuge at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens has over 100 species of Costa Rican animals within the park and where you can see some exotic animals up close. I’m always wary about places that have animals in cages or enclosures because I fully believe they should be in their natural habitats if possible. However, there are signs below all over the park stating the following:

catarata la paz tour

“None of the animals that you will see in this Wildlife Refuge have been taken from their natural habitat; they were entrusted to our care by the Costa Rican Wildlife Ministry (MINAET), most of them were illegally held as pets when the Wild Life Ministry found and confiscated them. For various reasons these animals cannot be released back in to the wild.”

For animals that aren’t able to survive on their own in the wild, I’m glad they have a place to be, though I feel like some of them need larger enclosures. That aside, there are quite a few animals you can see here such as:

This part I am gutted about. So, when we arrived, we glanced at the map and then just took the main path down. Well, the first thing you see going down the main path is the monkey section and to the left are the butterflies. We didn’t see another building past the butterflies and once we entered the butterflies and exited out the other way, we STILL did not see the section for birds and ended up at the monkeys again. We just kept walking and exploring and…we missed the freaking birds.

The aviary is where you can see Costa Rica’s exotic birds up close and personal. You’ll see scarlet macaws, tanagers, toucans, parakeets and many more. You might see some of these in the wild while you’re exploring Costa Rica, but they are pretty hard to see up close and especially photograph.

A scarlet macaw in Costa Rica.

Luckily we were able to spot many scarlet macaws on the beach in Playa Hermosa, but even with a telephoto lens, they were hard to photograph since they were pretty active. But I was so, so bummed not to see toucans up close. So, my note to you, don’t just get caught up with whatever is in front of you and make sure you get to the aviary.

Butterflies

The butterfly observatory is actually pretty large and a space that you can walk around freely to see the different butterflies fluttering around you. There are flowers and fruit bowls scattered around as well so it’s really easy to see the different types here (and get some pretty great pictures). There are over 25 species of butterflies to try and find within the observatory, including one of my favorites: the Blue Morpho Butterfly, a large butterfly with bright blue wings on the inside.

catarata la paz tour

They also have a section that has many butterflies in the pupa or chrysalis stage hanging from a display. Apparently only about 5% of butterfly eggs make it to the adult stage in nature, but within the observatory, that number has gone up to 55%.

catarata la paz tour

Hummingbirds

The hummingbird section is a little garden outside with feeders hanging around and 26 species of hummingbirds buzzing around that you might see. The feeders are pretty low so you can get a close look at them as they land.

Costa Rica hummingbird.

The monkey pass is the first section we came to and it captures your attention right away since there are White Faced Monkeys or Capuchins in one of the main sections. They are pretty high energy and were chasing each other around and wrestling for most of the time we were there.

White-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica.

These monkeys were all rescued from illegal captivity and grouped together by sociability.

catarata la paz tour

There are no pictures here for a reason. I poked my head through the door and then walked back out and sat outside to wait for my husband. I’m not about to contribute to the snake nightmares I already have.

If you want to subject yourself to this sort of thing, there’s about 30 different, some deadly, (all vile), snakes to observe from within glass cases.

Jungle Cats

The jungle cats are fun to see. When we walked up to the enclosure, they were definitely curious and came right up to the glass and were walking around. We saw pumas and jaguars, and smaller cats. At 3:30pm, you can watch them being fed as well.

A puma at the wildlife refuge in Costa Rica.

Like the other animals at the refuge, the cats were either injured, very old or had been around humans too long to be returned to the wild. The refuge also has a breeding program and according to their website, they want to eventually release the offspring into a protected zone if that were ever a valid option.

The Wildlife Refuge at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica.

There’s several enclosed cases in this area and for some reason I expected to see a bunch of brightly colored frogs. Maybe because their website has some great photos of different kinds of frogs in Costa Rica.

But frogs are kind of hard to spot and the ones we did find weren’t too exotic looking or anything. There’s also a Ranarium with a fountain and plants around that has signs up about frogs you might see in there. There weren’t any cases so I assumed they would be freely roaming, but we didn’t see any when we were in there and I feel like we looked pretty thoroughly. There’s also a few in enclosed cases that are poisonous.

There is a little orchid pavilion as well. It’s a quick walk in and out to admire the different types of orchids before you move on.

catarata la paz tour

Casita De La Paz

I did not understand this area while we were there. There’s a section right before the waterfalls that was a little strange. There were some farm animals that were in really small corridors and it was a little sad looking. Apparently it is a reproduction of what life would have looked like a hundred years ago as a Tico living on a farm. You can take a ride in a cart driven by an ox, taste fresh cow milk or home made tortillas. When we were there, none of this was happening and it just looked a little sad to me.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

I have to say, most places in Costa Rica have one, maybe two waterfalls on a hike that you can see, so the fact that you can see five here is pretty cool. While the paths are obviously man made, they blend in well with nature and take you through some beautiful scenery. And while I was worried about it being too touristy, we only ran into about 3 groups of people on the trails. We were the only ones at the waterfalls and felt like we had the place to ourselves.

One thing to note: while the trails are paved, there are a LOT of stairs. The waterfalls here have different viewpoints and you’ll be walking up and down quite a bit. We (me) were wheezing by the end.

1. Templo Waterfall

85ft tall (26m)

The first waterfall you’ll come to on the main trail is the Templo Waterfall. If you take the Rio La Paz trail, you can reach the Upper Templo Lookout, but honestly the upper lookouts aren’t my favorite. You can’t see much of the waterfall, only the water going over the edge.

Walking down to the first viewpoint puts you right up close to the Templo Waterfall that you can feel the water spray from the platform.

The Templo Waterfall Costa Rica

Continuing along the trail, there’s an optional hike down which I recommend taking. It gives you a different vantage point of the Templo Waterfall from further away and you get more of a jungle vibe at the bottom. There’s a sandy area by the water and a great photo op.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica–Templo Waterfall.

2. Magia Blanca Waterfall

120ft tall (37m)

The second waterfall that you’ll come to is the Magia Blanca waterfall which also happens to be the tallest at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Like the one before, there is a viewing platform right near the falls, but this one doesn’t do as much justice as the next one.

Magia Blanca Waterfall hike.

There is another viewing platform from afar that lets you see the waterfall in its entirety. Or you can walk down another set of stairs to the platform at the foot of the waterfall. Water warning, you will get fairly wet at this platform. I could hardly keep my eyes open because of the water spray.

The Magia Blanca Waterfall at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica.

3. & 4. Encantada Waterfall + Escondida Waterfall

Encantada: 65ft tall (20m), Escondida: 15ft tall (5m)

The next section is where you’ll see two waterfalls. The Encantada and Escondida waterfalls are side by side and feed into the same pool. These two are the shortest and it’s a bit hard to see the second one.

Encantada and Escondida Waterfalls.

5. La Paz Waterfall

110ft tall (34m)

The La Paz Waterfall is the fifth and final waterfall that you can see. However, take note that you can’t actually see the full waterfall from within the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. You can only see the top of it. The trail down will take you to a small overlook where you can only see the water going over the edge. And if you take the trail down, you’ll have to take many stairs back up to get to the main trail that leads to the restrooms and then back down again to get to the gift shop and where the shuttle will be.

catarata la paz tour

To see the full waterfall, like these pictures, you can see it right by the road and don’t even have to have access to the park. So yes, you can still see the La Paz Waterfall even if you don’t want to visit the Waterfall Gardens.

Going up to the La Paz Waterfall.

You’ll just follow the road around until you see it. People park along the side of the road and just walk up to it from there. You can take a dirt path that takes you up to the fall and you can also walk up the road to get a nice shot of the waterfall with the bridge.

Scenic view of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica.

Shuttle Service

Once you get to the La Paz Waterfall, which is the last waterfall, you’ll end up at the gift shop and bathrooms. There’s a shuttle stop at the bottom near the road that runs from 8am-5pm and takes you right back up to the main lodge and parking area. (Then you can drive down the road to see the full waterfall.)

What to Bring

There’s nothing in particular you need to make sure to bring here except for the general Costa Rica things. You’ll want comfortable tennis shoes to walk and hike in. And you may want a raincoat/any rain gear if you are traveling in the rainy season and the weather looks questionable. Bring a water bottle. Other than that, you shouldn’t need too much as most visits here are typically about 2.5 hours.

Camping at La Paz

This is a rather random one and only applicable to those who are camping in Costa Rica. But while searching for places to camp, the La Paz parking lot showed up on our map. There are two large lots and the further one is a flat, open area. We thought it was kind of a strange place to just set up camp, but it was our first night and we were already there.

After a conversation with the guards through google translate, they assured us it was completely fine to camp there and that the gates would close at 10pm and open at 6am.

catarata la paz tour

We had stayed until the park was about to close anyway, so by that time, most people had already left. It was safe, secure and worked for the night. The guards were really nice and said we could use the water up by the buildings and bathrooms inside, etc.

Where to go next

There are several other things to see around the La Paz Waterfall Gardens that are a 30 min-1 hour drive.

  • Poas Volcano – If you haven’t visited this volcano yet, you will be backtracking a bit, but this is what we ended up doing because that’s just what worked with tickets and entry times. The Poas Volcano is an easy trail up to the crater of an active volcano. You’ll want to visit on a clear day though so you have visibility!
  • Catarata del Toro – This popular waterfall is on the other side of the Poas Volcano but the easiest way to get to it is driving up and around the volcano. This waterfall is incredibly unique as it happens to fall into an extinct volcanic crater.
  • Rio Agrio Waterfall – Located just south of Catarata del Toro, this hiking trail leads you through a beautiful area that looks more like a trail through Jurassic Park. The landscape is simply stunning as you arrive at the waterfall.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

Exploring the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica.

Related Travel

catarata la paz tour

Reader Interactions

' src=

February 27, 2024 at 9:01 pm

How safe is the parking lot? Would it be ok to leave my suitcase in the trunk here? If not, what options for something in this area would you say is safe with my suitcase in the trunk? (Or are there no options?)

' src=

February 28, 2024 at 1:40 pm

Hi! We actually camped here so had all of our things in the car when we walked around. The parking lot sort of sits at the top of a hill–next to the edge of a decline on one side and the road is on the other but also declines down a hill, so the layout is more secluded. They have security guards at the entrance to the lot as they hand you a ticket to park. In my experience, it’s safe to leave it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

catarata la paz tour

Join the Community

Costa Rica Natural Tours

  • Doka Coffe Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

catarata la paz tour

DESCRIPTION

Tour includes, recomendations.

We will visit Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast and a coffee tour, in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn about the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce one of the best coffees in Costa Rica

As we ascend the mountain, we will notice a change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful array of colors and textures.

We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. The careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean will then be illustrated, very hands-on, and then we will savor the delectable product.

After the coffee tour, we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Garden for a scrumptious lunch and tour. As we arrive to La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the park, we will also visit the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden and the frog’s exhibit; to be enjoyed by those of all ages.

Departure from San José: 7:00 a.m.

Return to San José: 04:30 p.m.

Children’s Rates:

(0 – 2 years old): $20.00

(3 -10 years old): 25% off discount

-Transportation -Bilingual guide (English/Spanish) -Entrance fee to La Paz Waterfall Gardens -Entrance fee to Coffee Tour -Breakfast -Lunch

– Hat – Jacket – Walking shoes – Insect repellent – Binoculars – Camera – Raincoat

Latest Tours

catarata la paz tour

Crocodile Safari Expedition and Carara National Park

catarata la paz tour

Total San Jose with Gold Museum.

Paseá con Nómadas

Tour a Cataratas La Paz

catarata la paz tour

Mi gente, hoy les traemos, «Cataratas La Paz» es más que un lugar con cascadas. Usted puede visitar cascadas en cualquier lugar, y muchas son gratis o de bajo costo. Pero visitar Cataratas la Paz es otro nivel de experiencia.  Es un lugar con encanto propio al que con muchas ganas de trabajar y con gran talento, le han agregado tantos elementos atractivos y bonitos como la creatividad de los diseñadores ha podido imaginar.

     Desde el estacionamiento donde hay una persona cuidando y brindando la información, usted comienza a sentirse como en casa. Una vez en la oficina de recepción las personas le hacen sentir como todo un turista, me refiero a esa experiencia incomparable de fascinación  y de ganas de tomarle foto a todo, o si usted es de los nuestros, también de guardar el celular y la cámara y leer con atención cada info que brindan en cartelitos.

     Al iniciar el recorrido tanto las mariposas como el trinar de los pajarillos y un que otro rugido de algún tigrillo o un puma, le hacen sentir que está completamente inmerso en la naturaleza.

     Ni que decir de cuándo se comienza a descender cada uno de aquellos escalones,  con aquellas lindas y ya características barandas a los lados que le dan más seguridad a los visitantes. 

¡Y llega el momento! este momento es clave, es aquí donde usted anota en su memoria cuanto le gustó ese lugar, aquí se da usted cuenta de cuanto ama visitar cascadas, es justo allí donde usted se vuelve completamente fanático a este tipo de tours. Y ese momento es cuando – con los cinco sentidos – usted saluda a la catarata y abre sus brazos para detenerse en el tiempo simplemente y disfrutar.

     Sentirse inmerso en la naturaleza mientras entra en aquel lugar escuchando el sonar de los pájaros que de repente se ven interrumpidos por aquel impetuoso sonido de las Cataratas, es sencillamente mágico.

     Apreciar tan de cerca la fuerza del agua mezclada con el viento, sentir el aroma de la naturaleza, la llovizna de las cascadas… sencillamente te hace parte de allí.

     Después de descender hasta la última catarata, sólo llega a su mente que así como bajó tiene que regresar. PERO como ellos han pensado en todo hay una salida hacia la carretera en la parte de abajo de las cataratas, que le lleva a un edificio bellamente construido donde venden snacks y souvenirs, ahí, un bus estilo antiguo pero en perfecto estado está esperando para llevarle nuevamente al inicio del recorrido, donde usted o podrá entrar nuevamente si se le ha quedado algo sin recorrer (porque hay tantas atracciones dentro que es posible que se haya perdido de algo con el afán de llegar a las cataratas antes de que una lluvia le haga salir empapado), o simplemente utilizar los baños, comprar algo en la tienda de conveniencia o llegar al parqueo para coger su transporte y volver a casa.

     Nosotros íbamos en nuestro vehículo, llevábamos dos turistas que viajan por el mundo en un estilo de mochileras, y ellas dos, Grissel y Carolina, nos contaban que ya han viajado a 30 países distintos y que desde sus inicios con lo que más tuvieron que luchar fue con que sus padres no podían imaginar a sus pequeñas viajando por el mundo sin dinero y sin comida, pero agregaron ellas con una enorme y modesta sonrisa de auténtica felicidad, que nunca les ha faltado nada, y que sus vacaciones y sus ahorros los utilizan para viajar por el mundo, porque saben verdaderamente que eso es lo que les da la felicidad, y que el dinero jamás les podría brindar.

     Es emocionante ir de regreso a casa (la casita rodante) (Ítaca), después de una experiencia con la naturaleza y escuchar testimonios de esos. Y es que realmente en lo personal me hacen pensar que voy en el camino correcto, saber que haber renunciado a un trabajo de salario fijo y dedicarme a hacer exactamente lo que me gusta no a sido una simple estupidez, visitar lugares maravillosos, darlos a conocer y ayudar a otros a encontrarlos, es lo que me hace vibrar.

     Para nosotros los nómadas (mi hijo y yo) poder servir a un extranjero o a un costarricense llevándole a alguno de esos destinos turísticos que ofrece Costa Rica, es suficiente para alimentar el alma y continuar nuestra existencia.

     Usted puede contactarnos a través de esta nuestra página:  https://www.nomadascr.net o a través de nuestras redes sociales incluso el WhatsApp y con mucho gusto le orientamos, le enviamos un itinerario, le hacemos una reservación o le llevamos a vivir una aventura como esta.  Más allá del dinero lo que nos satisface es vivir el día a día con sencillez y adrenalina.

     Así que le invitamos a que visite este encantador lugar y si quiere visitarlo con alguno de nuestros servicios y nuestro soporte, solo avísenos, estamos para usted.

IMAGES

  1. Catarata La Paz, Heredia, Costa Rica. Qué ver, hacer y visitar

    catarata la paz tour

  2. Jardines de la Catarata La Paz (Vara Blanca)

    catarata la paz tour

  3. Tour a Cataratas La Paz

    catarata la paz tour

  4. La Paz Waterfall

    catarata la paz tour

  5. How to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica

    catarata la paz tour

  6. Cataratas de La Paz

    catarata la paz tour

COMMENTS

  1. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & The Peace Lodge, Costa Rica

    The Most Popular Tour Near San Jose Costa Rica -This Famous Nature Park offers Waterfalls, Trails, Wildlife Sanctuary & Boutique 5 Star Hotel La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & The Peace Lodge, Costa Rica Nature Park, Wildlife Sanctuary & Boutique 5 Star Hotel Located Near San Jose Airport (45 Minute Drive) La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature ...

  2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    La Paz Waterfall Gardens From San José. 17. Full-day Tours. from. $128.10. per adult. All-inclusive package 7 nights 8 days in the best destinations in Costa Rica. 51. Recommended.

  3. 7 Insider Tips for Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    The jungle covers you a little, especially on the way down to the waterfalls. But you'll appreciate an umbrella if it's a bit damp the day you go. 3. Wear Comfortable Shoes. There are 3 kilometers of trails through La Paz Waterfall Gardens. You don't have to hike it all if you don't want to.

  4. La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide

    Often, companies offer a combined tour of Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and/or a coffee plantation tour. This is a great option for maximising your time in Costa Rica! ... Also known as Catarata de La Paz and Catarata La Paz, the La Paz Waterfall is 34 metres high. It's truly a spectacular waterfall. Seeing it is a highlight of ...

  5. La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Central Valley

    Currently, an entrance ticket to La Paz Waterfall Gardens costs USD 51.20. Guided La Paz Waterfall Gardens tours start around USD 51.20 per person. Book tours and tickets to experience La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Reserve a ticket for your trip to Central Valley today. Free cancellation and payment options - Viator.

  6. Complete Guide: La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

    La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a popular tourist attraction located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. In a nutshell, it's a privately-owned nature park and wildlife refuge that features five waterfalls, numerous scenic hiking trails, and animal encounters. It's actually the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica and has over 100 species ...

  7. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. If you're looking for an incredible day trip from San Jose on your next Costa Rica vacation, choose La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, beautiful hiking trails and a coffee plantation, La Paz is an eco-tourist attraction that is privately owned and the perfect place for family tour in the central highlands of Costa Rica.

  8. La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Costa Rica's Best Waterfalls

    Guided tours are available upon request, contact [email protected] for more information. While the guided tour would be highly educational, most visitors just take the self-guided tour. ... The Catarata La Paz translates to 'peace waterfall', which is exactly what this 121-foot waterfall exudes.

  9. Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour

    Poas La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an amazing ecological tour for families with children. Enjoy an active volcano and stunning waterfalls from San Jose. [email protected] WhatsApp +(506) 8530 2973 Office (506) 22970889 San José, Costa Rica

  10. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

    Jardines de las Cataratas de La Paz: El Parque Natural La Paz Waterfall Gardens es el tour de naturaleza más popular en el área de San José con cinco famosas cascadas y el santuario de animales más grande de Costa Rica. Es, con mucho, el mejor lugar para ver la vida silvestre en Costa Rica, es la atracción ecológica más popular de Costa ...

  11. The STUNNING La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    3) La Paz Waterfall Gardens Location. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located in the Alajuela Province of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. It is situated at the bottom of the eastern flank of the Poas Volcano. La Paz is located just 1.5 hours away from San Jose, and 1.75 hours away from La Fortuna.

  12. LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDEN COSTA RICA

    The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a beautiful privately owned ecological attraction near San Jose featuring some of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica and 3.5 kilometers of hiking trails through the lush tropical rainforest. You will need at least 2 hours to explore everything in the park, but the longer you have, the better.

  13. La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Wildlife Up Close

    That's because La Paz Waterfall Gardens sits at a higher elevation (around 4,000 ft/1,219 m) and is surrounded by lush rain and cloud forest. The vast property sits nestled into the mountainside on the back slope of Poas Volcano. The property is 70 acres (28 hectares) in total. Forty acres (16 hectares) of this is cloud forest and rainforest.

  14. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    Reserva La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Vara Blanca en Tripadvisor: Consulta 3,238 opiniones, artículos y 4,718 fotos de La Paz Waterfall Gardens en Tripadvisor. ... Volcán Poás, Café Doka y Cataratas de la Paz Tour de Día. 76. Recomendado. El 92 % de los críticos le dio a este producto una calificación por burbujas de 4 o superior. Tours de ...

  15. Entradas y Tours

    Jardines de la Catarata de La Paz Tours; Jardines de la Catarata de La Paz. 1383 opiniones. Desde jaguares hasta monos capuchinos, más de 100 especies de animales residen en este pintoresco parque natural. Pase por aquí para disfrutar de las exhibiciones de animales, cene en el restaurante y camine los 3,5 kilómetros (2,2 millas) de senderos ...

  16. Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    Located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natural Park, just an hour from San Jose International Airport, the award-winning Peace Lodge presents guests with a symphony of purely Costa Rican experiences celebrating the wonders of rainforest and the splendid creatures that inhabit this magical environment.

  17. Cataratas La Paz

    Información del tour. 5 hrs. Transporte, guía turístico bilingüe, entrada, almuerzo buffet. US $120 por persona. El horario de recogida desde San José es entre las 10 a.m. y las 11 a.m., y el horario de entrega es entre las 5 p.m. y las 6 p.m. Cámara, zapatos para caminar, pantalones cortos o pantalones cómodos, chaqueta ligera o ...

  18. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica • Jetset Jansen

    The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are located about an hour and a half north of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital city. It's a popular place for organized tours and an easy day trip from San Jose. It's location is really accessible. If you're heading to La Fortuna, it's an easy stop off one of the main roads.

  19. Cataratas De La Paz 2023

    Excursión de día completo con experiencia en el volcán Arenal desde San José. 560. Cancelación gratuita. Inglés, Español. 14 horas. a partir de 142,36 €. Excursiones de un día. San José, Valle Central. Tour de Cafe , Volcán Poás y Jardines de la Catarata La Paz.

  20. Doka Coffe Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    As we arrive to La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the park, we will also visit the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden and the frog's exhibit; to be enjoyed by those of all ages. Departure from San José: 7:00 a.m.

  21. Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour 2024

    Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour. 280. 1 hour 24 minutes. Free Cancellation. $98.07. Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San Jose. 23. 10 hours. Free Cancellation.

  22. Tour a Cataratas La Paz

    Tour a Cataratas La Paz. Etiquetas: bosque / cascadas / cataratas / cataratas la paz / forest / magic / mágico / naturaleza / nature / paz / selva / waterfalls / wonderful. Mi gente, hoy les traemos, «Cataratas La Paz» es más que un lugar con cascadas. Usted puede visitar cascadas en cualquier lugar, y muchas son gratis o de bajo costo.