La Paz Waterfall Gardens San Jose Costa Rica
A Beautiful Tourist and Hotel Complex Set in Stunning Rainforest
Nov 7, 2008
Magically constructed to give the impression of paradise La Paz Waterfalls is a popular day trip from the capital San Jose. Self-guided trails wind through an aviary, butterfly house, reptile and frog enclosures as well as humming bird and orchid gardens, before dropping down 1,400 m to pass alongside 5 roaring waterfalls.
The gardens are a colourful and educational introduction to Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife and a good place to start before venturing into the national parks.
La Paz Wildlife Attractions
At La Paz many of Costa Rica’s unique, splendid and scary species can be seen easily, without hiking for miles on hot jungle trails. Some are:
- Birds big and bright like Scarlet and Green Macaws and the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan. At the other end of the scale the tiny hummingbird is just as fascinating, especially as it flits from feeder to feeder with a flash of fluorescent green or red at each movement.
- Strawberry Poison-dart frogs warn off predators with their bright red skin and blue legs and are 1 of 8 poison dart frog species in Costa Rica.
- Butterflies are one of the delights of visiting Costa Rica. Numerous, brightly coloured or intricately patterned, they are a fascinating and beautiful sight.
- Snakes, disguising themselves as flowers or vines, are masters of camouflage. They vary greatly in size, colour and degree of danger to humans. Hopefully La Paz will be the only place you see the most dangerous snake in Costa Rica, the Fer de Lance Pit Viper.
- Monkeys in residence at La Paz are of the small, fluffy and cute variety from both Costa Rica and South America.
Hiking La Paz Waterfalls
There are 5 waterfalls strung out along a 3.5 km track complete with viewing platforms. The waterfalls range in height from 20 m to 37 m. At the exit visitors are greeted by inquisitive raccoons, a gift shop and transport.
La Paz Tourist Facilities
La Paz is a sophisticated tourist complex with 2 restaurants, gift shop and good trails that seniors and children can walk without difficulty. The gardens are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Entrance fees; adults US$35 and children US$20.
Peace Lodge Accommodation
The Peace Lodge, one of Costa Rica's "Small Distinctive Hotels", is luxurious with Jacuzzi tubs, stone fireplaces, canopy beds and views of Poas volcano from large balconies. Guests can also explore the entire complex outside of opening hours. Accommodation ranges from a villa for 5 at US$415/night to a standard double room at US$295/night.
When to Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens
The driest time to visit is from December to April, however it can rain anytime so bring a raincoat or umbrella.
Getting to La Paz Waterfalls
The waterfalls are an hour outside the capital San Jose There is no public transport so most visitors arrive on a tour or in a rental car. It is worthwhile making your own way there as time is limited on the tours and you can easily spend a day there.
Other Attractions Nearby
- Poas Volcano - tours go to the summit of Poas, an active volcano.
- Doka coffee plantation – tours show visitors the coffee process from a raw fruit to a finished cup.
- Rafting trips - white water thrills on the Saripqiui River.
- Zip line canopy adventures - high and fast above the rainforest.
National Parks of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its many national parks like remote Corcovado National Park, the popular cloud forest parks of Monteverde and Santa Helena and Manuel Antonio, a beach lovers paradise.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
