La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Costa Rica's Top Ecological Attraction

Embark on a thrilling day trip from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica’s top ecological attraction. Explore stunning waterfalls, a wildlife sanctuary, and educational programs.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel, get on your transfer vehicle and head to the gardens of the La Paz waterfall. Visit ten animal exhibitions to see fascinating creatures, such as butterflies, monkeys, toads, snakes, exotic birds and even felines from the jungle that roam the place.\n\nTake a moderate-intensity…
What's Included
  • Skip-the-line access
  • Transport in an air-conditioned minivan
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges included
  • Personalized experience with a driver/guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is Costa Rica’s most frequently visited private ecological site and boasts the best hiking trails near San Jose, as well as the country’s renowned waterfalls including the famed La Paz Waterfall. This wildlife sanctuary and private reserve is home to over 100 animal species and hosts various environmental education programs. It…

Location
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(104 Ratings)
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Chelsea
Jun 9, 2025
What a beautiful place! - I had a great time here. The tour guide Arturo was very nice and knowledgeable. I absolutely loved the views of the waterfalls. Would definitely recommend for a day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_d
Apr 27, 2025
Great Day Among Beautiful Sights and Animals - Fun day with a helpful and informative guide. Alejandro did a marvelous job leading us through the waterfalls and nature preserve. He was knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
308linettea
Apr 15, 2025
Amazing way to enjoy Costa Rica. - The tour was the perfect way to end our stay in Costa Rica. The animal refuge and the waterfalls were amazing. Edgar our tour guide was knowledgeable and wholesome. He made our day enjoyable with his stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sanewe63
Apr 2, 2025
Magical - The waterfalls are located on the same property as the Peace Lodge. I’ve traveled a lot in my life, and I will say the rainforest at La Paz Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful mountainous scenery you’ll ever see. The one caveat of this property— it is not for people with physical disabilities. It is treacherous terrain, wet very steep steps make it difficult to maneuver. If you are planning to visit I would suggest you bring a rain jacket, sturdy hiking shoes/boots and be prepared to be in the rainforest. They do have day passes, but I was suggest doing a two day visit. Spend the night at the Peace Lodge. . It is very magical. If you do stay over plan on feeding the animals, especially the sloths as you will not be able to do that in other places.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annschumacher2000
Feb 25, 2025
Seeing the natural gifts of Costa Rica! - A great introduction to Costa Rica’s natural gifts! There were just 4 of us in a minibus with Edgar, our competent and knowledgeable guide, who made the trip so interesting! Seeing the waterfall, the rescued birds and animals and the natural environment were the highlights! The buffet lunch was also great!
Review provided by Viator
Helen_l
Feb 21, 2025
Fantastic tour - This was an amazing tour. The tour guide was excellent. She was friendly and full of knowledge. I would recommend it to anyone who visits Costa Rica
Review provided by Viator
23texas
Feb 10, 2025
Feb visit - Very informative guide with enthusiasm for the park, wildlife and geography of the country. Park is exceptionally well set up and maintained. Lots of walking and steps but most people can handle it. Waterfalls were impressive
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_d
Feb 4, 2025
I loved this experience. ... - I loved this experience. The up close view of the birds and animals was very special. The park grounds are gorgeous and the waterfalls were amazing. We had a terrific guide. The walk was pretty easy, but there are some steps/cimbs between waterfalls. The buffet lunch was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Navigator274213
Dec 17, 2024
Great experience. - Wonderful to see these animals up close and personal and to hear their unique stories of rescue. And the waterfalls? Magnificent!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luisana_r
Dec 3, 2024
Magical place - If you're visiting Costa Rica for the first time and aren't sure where to start, I **highly recommend** the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Wildlife Refuge. It's hard to fully capture the beauty and magic of this place—it truly lives up to all the hype. I'm not usually one to write reviews, but my experience here was so unforgettable that I felt compelled to share it. If you you are a nature and animal lover, this is the place. And did I mention you'll get to see sloths up close? Honestly, what more could you ask for? Our driver, Daniel, and our guide, Arlene, were absolutely fantastic—friendly, attentive, and made sure my friend and I felt comfortable throughout the entire experience. A few tips: definitely wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to visit the waterfall viewpoints. There are quite a few stairs and some uphill stretches, so be prepared for a bit of a workout! Given the frequent rain, I’d also recommend packing a poncho or rain jacket just in case. The lunch was a delicious buffet with plenty of tasty options to choose from. Overall, I’d give this experience a solid 10/10. It was an unforgettable day filled with positive energy from start to finish. If you’re looking for a unique, memorable experience in Costa Rica, don’t miss this place!
Review provided by Viator
From $130
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).