La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Outdoor Activities in the Central Valley

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.

What are La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and where are they located in Costa Rica?

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.

What are the opening hours of La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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.

Are there guided tours available at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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.

What wildlife can visitors expect to see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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.

Are there hiking trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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.

Can visitors swim in the waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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.

Ways to explore

There’s plenty to see and do at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Follow the scenic hiking trails between the five waterfalls, stroll around the butterfly observatory and aviary, and try your hand at fishing in the Trout Lake.

Most visitors explore the site on a day trip from San Jose, often with hotel transfers and lunch included. Combine it with other activities such as a hike to Poás Volcano, a coffee plantation tour, or a boat cruise along the Sarapiqui River, or visit as part of a multi-day tour en route to Arenal Volcano or Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Accessibility

Parts of the wildlife sanctuary are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but the trails to the waterfalls are not accessible, and there are several flights of stairs

Age limits

The park is popular with families, with tickets discounted for 3–12 year olds, and free for kids under 3.

What to pack

Raincoat or poncho (it can rain year-round in the cloud forest), reusable water bottle, camera, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat

What to wear

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, hiking boots or enclosed shoes with a good grip, a warm fleece or jacket (it can get chilly at high altitudes)

Not allowed

Swimming is not permitted in the river or at any of the waterfalls

Amenities

Rainforest lodge, restaurants (buffet lunch included with some tickets), restrooms, gift shop, free parking

Address

La Paz Waterfall Gardens are in the foothills of Poás Volcano, in Heredia province, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of San Jose. They’re easy to reach by car or by joining one of the regular guided tours from San Jose.

Driving

From San Jose, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive north along Route 126. There’s plenty of free parking on-site.

Public transportation

There’s no public transit directly to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The closest you can get by bus is the nearby town of Vara Blanca, about a 10-minute taxi ride away. If you do take a taxi, make sure to arrange a return taxi.

Best times to visit

The gardens are open daily from 8am to 5pm, and it’s best to plan at least two hours for your visit if you want to see it all. Get there when the park opens to beat the crowds—tour buses typically start arriving at 10am.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the quietest days, as the Poás Volcano area is a popular weekend destination for both locals and travelers.

Best months to visit

Many travelers come to Costa Rica during the dry season, from December to April, but plan ahead to avoid the crowds. For lower prices, the wet season can still be a great time to visit, and the extra rainfall means that the waterfalls will be at their most powerful.