Home Destinations Mexico and Central America Costa Rica Sights La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Review

Read our Costa Rica sights reviews. Or post your own.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Address: 6 km/4 mi north of Vara Blanca, Volcán Poás National Park
Phone: 482-2720; 225-0643 in San Jose
Fax: 225-1082
www.waterfallgardens.com

Category: Bodies of Water
Location: Volcán Poás

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

Five magnificent waterfalls are the main attractions at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, on the eastern edge of Volcán Poás National Park, but they are complemented by the beauty of the surrounding cloud forest, an abundance of hummingbirds and other avian species, and the country's biggest butterfly garden. A concrete trail leads down from the visitor center to the multilevel, screened butterfly observatory and continues to gardens where hummingbird feeders attract swarms of those multicolored creatures. The trail then enters the cloud forest, where it leads to a series of metal stairways that let you descend into a steep gorge to viewing platforms near each of the waterfalls. A free shuttle will transport you from the trail exit back to the main building, if you prefer to avoid the hike uphill. Several alternative paths lead from the main trail through the cloud forest and along the river's quieter upper stretch, providing options for hours of exploration—it takes about 1½ hours to hike down the waterfall trail. (Enter by 3:45 to give yourself adequate time.) The visitor center has a gift shop and open-air cafeteria with a great view. The gardens are 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Alajuela, and are a stop on many day-long tours from San José that take in the Poás volcano or area coffee tours.

Cost: $25; $37 with lunch
Open: Daily 8:30-5:30

Find more sights in Costa Rica »