Welcome to Costa Rica, home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, amazing volcanoes, and lush rainforest.
Nestled on the backside slope of a volcano in Costa Rica, the captivating La Paz Waterfall Garden awaits your visit. I highly recommend this destination to every tourist for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
As you explore, you’ll encounter amazing animals and witness the enchanting dance of butterflies. Come over and immerse yourself in the wonders of La Paz Waterfall Garden.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning nature reserve nestled in the mountains just north of San Jose, about an hour’s drive. Tickets here cost around $107 for two people, which is standard for what you find in Costa Rica.
If you’re coming from Poás Volcano, it’s just a 30-minute car ride to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Alternatively, consider starting your day with a visit to Poás Volcano, then driving back through Frejones. Be sure to check out the restaurant, Trader Phrases. From there, continue your journey to Waterfall Gardens, which is about halfway.
Whether you choose to dine at Waterfall Gardens or prefer lunch at Trader Phrases, the choice is yours.
Upon arrival, you’ll discover a peaceful lodge area with various attractions. As a nature reserve, it features beautiful waterfalls and scenic trails leading to them. Additionally, there are enclosures with several animals. It’s worth noting that these animals were not taken from the wild but were either rescued from illegal ownership or given to the reserve by the Costa Rican Nature Authority.
Here, you’ll find a fascinating stair construction right in the heart of the jungle. Descend through the crazy stair construction to the deepest woods, providing a breathtaking view of the waterfalls below. La Paz is an incredible place with a wonderful garden.
La Paz waterfall gardens provide a close-up view of its vibrant colors. The reserve also houses a butterfly section, offering a relaxing scavenger hunt for various butterfly species.
La Paz Waterfall Garden is home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, big cats, snakes, and the iconic red-eyed tree frog.
La Paz waterfall is situated in the mountainous region of Barra Blanca, which is considered the cloud forest, so expect temperatures to be a bit on the cooler side, but check the forecast and pack accordingly. La Paz Waterfall Garden is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Nestled on the backside slope of a volcano in Costa Rica, La Paz Waterfall Garden is a true paradise that envelops everything. Home to five stunning waterfalls, this destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
While heading towards this magnificent destination, take a moment to stop at one of the several stores during the descent from Poas Volcano, aptly named “Strawberries from the Volcano.” Besides offering fresh strawberries, these stores present a variety of wines, liquors, and regional sweets, providing a delightful break on your journey.
Moving on, La Paz Waterfall Garden reveals itself not only as a garden surrounding five waterfalls but as a sanctuary for diverse fauna. Encounter a butterfly garden, amusing monkeys, tranquil sloths, and even the most lethal snakes in the country. The garden also boasts a hummingbird haven, felines, and the typical Costa Rican house.
As part of the tour, you’ll encounter an aviary showcasing 40 bird species, including the yellow-throated toucan, the largest species of Toucan. The park emphasizes the importance of not bringing food, as it can be harmful to the animals.
Arriving at the area with sloth bears, observe these captivating creatures in captivity. The tour continues to a butterfly garden, home to a variety of butterflies showcasing their remarkable life stages.
The journey unfolds with a visit to the white-faced monkeys and spider monkeys, both native to Costa Rica. A stop to admire hummingbirds in flight follows, offering a close interaction with these tiny, vibrant birds.
The serpentarium houses Costa Rica’s snakes, including the most poisonous ones. The tour proceeds to the feline section, featuring ocelots, jaguars, and pumas. Don’t miss the orchid garden and the frog house, where different species of native frogs can be observed.
The tour concludes with a visit to a representation of a Costa Rican house, where you can sample the region’s coffee and delightful desserts. The final section involves a walk through trails to witness the enchanting waterfalls: The Temple, Enchanted, White Magic, La Escondida, and Peace—the most recognized waterfall that gives La Paz Garden its name.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Food
La Paz Waterfall offers an open-air restaurant on-site that is buffet-style and serves exceptionally delicious food. The menu includes a variety of classic Costa Rican dishes, providing numerous options for every palate. You can savor traditional Costa Rican delights such as rice, beans, chicken, plantains, and mixed veggies. For beer enthusiasts, we highly recommend trying the local beer PDL; it’s exceptionally good.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is incredibly gorgeous. While swimming in the falls at the park is prohibited, there is another section where it is allowed, and the water temperature is much warmer. Plan to spend two to three hours here to enjoy it fully.
Tobacon Hot Springs
Hot springs are located just outside of Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. You can swim in all the hot springs here, and the water feels amazing. The depth of Tobacon Hot Spring is 0.40 MT / 1.31 FT, and the Temperature is 39C/102.2F
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Accommodation
Many lodging options are available, but one of the tourists’ favorite quaint cabins is the Vehicle Cabin, which is priced at $70 per night. It’s a super cute place that has everything you could want. This accommodation offers a fireplace and a space heater that they provide, making it perfect. If you’re willing to splurge, you can also stay at the Peace Lodge, which is a lot pricier but right on-site at La Paz. If it’s within your budget, this place is amazing.
Tips for visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim in the pool at the waterfall’s base.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Be aware that the steps to the waterfall can be slippery, so be careful.
- Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- What is La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a private ecological complex located on the backside slope of a volcano in Costa Rica. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse fauna, and five enchanting waterfalls. - How far is La Paz Waterfall Gardens from Alajuela?
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located 24 kilometers north of Alajuela, making it easily accessible from this city. - What can visitors expect to see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including a butterfly garden, aviary, serpentarium, feline section with ocelots and jaguars, hummingbird haven, and frog house. The gardens also feature diverse fauna, sloth bears, and the representation of a traditional Costa Rican house. - Are there guided tours available at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
Yes, La Paz Waterfall Gardens offers guided tours in both English and Spanish. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the flora, fauna, and history of the gardens. - Is there an admission fee to enter La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
Yes, there is an admission fee for entering La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The fees may vary, so it’s recommended to check the official website or contact the gardens for up-to-date pricing information. - Can visitors bring food into La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
It is strongly advised not to bring food into the gardens, as animals can mistake it for their natural diet, leading to potential harm or even fatalities. - Is there transportation available within La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
The gardens provide a convenient bus service that takes visitors from the end of the tour back to the entrance at no extra cost. - Are there dining options at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
Yes, there are dining options available within La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Visitors can enjoy Costa Rican coffee and desserts, adding to the overall experience. - How long does the tour at La Paz Waterfall Gardens take?
The duration of the tour may vary based on individual preferences, but it typically takes a few hours to explore the various attractions and waterfalls. - Can visitors purchase souvenirs at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?
Yes, there are souvenir shops within La Paz Waterfall Gardens where visitors can purchase mementos to commemorate their visit.
