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 the guide in the hotel lobby, board the transfer vehicle, and journey to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Explore ten animal exhibits featuring captivating creatures like butterflies, monkeys, toads, snakes, exotic birds, and even jungle felines that roam the area.
    Embark on a moderately challenging hike to the La Paz…
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
(117 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Veronica_v
Apr 20, 2026
Great tour - Such a great experience. Both, driver and tour guide were friendlly and so helpful! Can’t wait to come back!
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_m
Apr 1, 2026
Great day out to a rainforest - There are a lot of steps to see the waterfalls Can be wet so worth bringing waterproof clothes boots
Review provided by Viator
Jason_r
Mar 26, 2026
Best tour of our vacation thanks to Harlan! - This was our best tour of our vacation! The park was fantastic, but as most of you already know, it's your guide that can make it a very special day. Our guide Harlan was beyond fabulous! He was extremely knowledgeable, kept us on pace and had an excellent way of providing both history, details of the park and making us laugh at the same time. He had the added task of speaking both spanish and english the entire tour and perfectly balanced this between our family and the other family. If you are lucky enough to have him as your guide, consider yourself blessed! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone considering it.
Review provided by Viator
Cjproma
Mar 15, 2026
The power of nature - It was a wonderful adventure into nature. Deep in the rainforest down hundreds of stairs and paths we reached the first waterfall - where we you are overwhelmed by the power and beauty of nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margory886
Mar 13, 2026
Excellent! - Guide Arturo was excellent. Knowledgeable and fun and took good care of us. Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lissaann_b
Feb 22, 2026
Great chance to see... - Great chance to see animals and learn about them and Costa Rica’s conservation efforts. Enjoy walking paths to various levels of the falls. Got my 20 flights off stairs. To really enjoy full beauty of falls need to do most of the various stair levels.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_d
Feb 19, 2026
The reservation was quick... - The reservation was quick and easy. The tour company arrived on time and dropped me off closer to my destination. Comfortable mini van. Good size group- total of 7 people.
Review provided by Viator
Luanna_j
Dec 20, 2025
A very fun day! Very... - A very fun day! Very informative on the way to the attraction. Love the animals and the hike to and from the waterfalls. LOTS of steps. The hiking part may not be enjoyable for those with small children or with knee issues.
Review provided by Viator
Northernontariobliss
Dec 10, 2025
Do this! - I don’t do many ‘tours’ - but this one was fantastic and well worth the investment. It was well organized- professional, a great combo of informative stories and also providing some ‘free’ time. What you experience in less than one day is amazing, an incredible way to end a trip in Costa Rica prior to flying home. Awe-inspiring waterfalls, intimate wildlife viewing (butterflies and toucans were a highlight!) and a satisfying buffet lunch. Definitely wear good walking shoes and be prepared to walk a lot of stairs and trails. Raincoat, umbrella or poncho in your bag would be handy- in case it rains, or if recently rained as the cloud forest drips down, or for simply being close to all the fabulous mist from the waterfalls. Opportunities to shop for local souvenirs too. Do this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Experience798023
Nov 5, 2025
Day trip to La Paz waterfalls and animal refuge - Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed the bonus stop at the coffee plantation on the way to La Paz. The "wildlife refuge" is essentially a beautifully kept zoo, only you can get in close to the birds, sloths and butterflies. The La Paz waterfalls were awe-inspiring.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $135
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).