La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Thanks to its waterfalls and animal exhibits, the Waterfall Gardens are among the top day trips from San Jose. If you have your own transport, it’s best to book advance tickets to the nature park. Otherwise, full-day tours—both private and group tours—are available with transfers from San Jose. Some tours combine a visit to the Waterfall Gardens with nearby attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, coffee farm tours, and boat trips on the Sarapiqui River.

• This is a great stop for families with children as even younger kids can manage the walking trails.

• Wear shoes with a good tread to manage the sometimes slippery trails.

• The trails are well maintained, but several sets of stairs mean that not every area is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens are located on Highway 126 in Heredia province, roughly 1.5 hours north of San Jose. Most tours provide transport, but if you drive, you can take advantage of the free on-site parking.

The dry season, from December to April, is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. If you visit then, be sure to secure tickets in advance, as popular attractions and tours fill quickly. Find lower prices, fewer crowds, and a bit more rain from May through November—when the waterfalls and forest are especially lush.

Rushing rivers and emerald-colored coffee plantations make the Central Valley one of Costa Rica’s scenic gems. Don't miss white-water rafting the Pacuare River (Río Pacuare); hiking around the crater of Irazu Volcano National Park; and soaking in the natural hot pools at Tabacon Hot Springs. Try to make time to visit coffee farms in the area too, such as historic Doka Estate.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an eco-park and wildlife sanctuary known for its five waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. The park is located just north of San Jose, about a 45-minute drive from the San Jose airport or a 20-minute drive from nearby Poas Volcano National Park.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens are open daily, year-round, from early morning to early evening. The park is a popular day-trip destination from nearby San Jose, so it can get busy from midmorning through midafternoon, especially in peak season (December-April). Plan at least two hours to explore the park's highlights.

Yes, guided tours are available, but many visitors opt for a self-guided tour. However, you can still book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Many popular day or multi-day tours from San Jose combine La Paz Waterfall Gardens with Poás Volcano National Park, a coffee farm tour, or a Sarapiqui River cruise.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is home to Costa Rica’s largest animal sanctuary, with more than 100 animal species, all of which are rescues. The park is home to jaguars, puma, and ocelots, alongside sloths, monkeys, snakes, and frogs. There’s also a butterfly observatory, aviary, fish pond, and small farmyard.

Yes. The park has three short hiking trails, totaling about 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers), which lead through lush cloud forest and rainforest. To see all five waterfalls and animal enclosures along the main trail, you’ll need about 2.5 hours—free shuttle buses return you to the entrance.

No, it’s not possible to swim in the waterfalls. However, you can hike through the rainforest along the riverbank and climb down the steps to admire all five waterfalls up close. Guests staying at the on-site Peace Lodge can also enjoy access to the park’s swimming pool.