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
(116 Ratings)
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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
Brian_s
Oct 19, 2025
Great trip - Our guide Arlen was so wonderful and extremely knowledgeable about the history of Costs Rica, coffee production and the wildlife. And the driver Daniel was perfect,
Review provided by Viator
Joshua
Sep 7, 2025
Great experience - Great experience. Fantastic guides. He took times to explain lots of things and make the experience memorable. Would recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Mayra_v
Oct 20, 2025
Raiders - Lousy Service sent us the wrong date I lost 5000 pesos and they didn't refund anything Lousy lousy.
Review provided by Viator
From $135
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).