If we only have one day to explore La Paz Waterfalls because of our late arrival at Peace Lodge the day before, does it make sense to try and take a taxi over to Poas first thing in the morning (after feeding the hummingbirds) and then come back to explore the park? Are we trying to do too many things in one day? I just feel that we're so close to Poas that it would be a shame to miss it. We have a private transfer to Arenal in the afternoon. (The whole issue might be moot anyway if we wake up late due to the time difference!)

Thanks for your help!

My honest opinion is that it takes 2 nights at Peace Lodge to truly enjoy it and enjoy that fabulous room also. One full day, and it is a full day. You won't quite have that, so I'd stay right there and enjoy it in a relaxed way! Poas is interesting, nice area, really cool when you can view the crater (big if, been 4 times, saw it twice). I'd just enjoy the day at Peace Lodge. To do otherwise would put you in a state of franticism (is that a word?) all day! Have a great time!

We went to Poas and waited around 3.5 hours before the clouds parted (and we were sure lucky they did before the bus left!). That would be stressful if you were on such a timeline. I would enjoy the Peace Lodge!

We only had one night on our first trip to the Peace Lodge, and I definitely wouldn't have wanted to leave. Be sure to check out their nocturnal frog tour if you have a chance. We had the same "greeted by clouds" experience at Poas and had to wait for the clouds to break - very cool when they did, but I'd only do it if you have two nights at the lodge.

Ok, thanks for the advice. I thought I was trying to plan too much. And it would be very disappointing to try and fit it in and not see it at all due to the clouds. We'll just stay put and enjoy Peace Lodge. VG - we're really hoping we make the frog tour. Our flight gets in at 6:30 so we might just make it.

I hope you make it too, B. It's only about an hour from SJO to the Peace Lodge so I think you have a good shot. I hope they still let you hold them; we've had trips where they did and trips where they didn't. We got some neat pics there. One thing we like to do is get up early and hike the falls before it's open to the public - it's neat to have the place all to yourselves.

They said the last tour was at 9 pm so I think it will work out. Have you, or anyone else, done the guided tour? It's $45 per room and it's 3.5 hours long. I was thinking of doing it since we only have a limited time and don't want to miss anything. Here's the description they emailed me:

One of our trained staff will guide you through the trails of Waterfall Gardens. Every step of the way they will impart information that you might otherwise miss (things that aren’t in the tour book). This will be your ultimate Costa Rican
experience of flowers, butterflies, orchids, hummingbirds, Cloud and Rainforest, snakes, frogs and waterfalls. The tour offers the history and ecology of the area and interesting aspects of the construction of Waterfall Gardens. A true behind the scenes guide to Waterfall Gardens.

We've never done it; personally I think it's a great place to do on your own. If you do it, let us know what you think.