La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

• Hacienda Café Doka, Volcán Poas & Jardines de la Catarata La Paz

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose

• Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip from San Jose

• All-Inclusive Package 7 Nights 8 Days in the Best Destinations in Costa Rica

For international travelers, admission to La Paz Waterfall Gardens costs US$56 for adults and US$40 for children ages 3–12. There are lots of tours available that can enhance the experience, often with the added convenience of round-trip transportation from San Jose. Tours start at US$63, with some including additional sightseeing stops.

Yes, La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is worth visiting. Scenic trails to the park's five waterfalls are the main draw, but visitors can also observe tropical wildlife in a series of enclosures. In addition, the site features a recreated historic farmhouse to learn about traditional Costa Rican life, and a freshwater lake where it's possible to fish for trout.

Per one customer who booked the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Half-Day Tour from San José, "This was the most fabulous day. Gardens, birds, butterflies, snakes, and beautiful jungle cats. And of course, the beautiful waterfalls. Do keep in mind there are hundreds of steps so be prepared with your walking stick!"

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.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Costa Rica's Central Valley:

• La Fortuna Waterfall

• Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

• Arenal Volcano National Park

• Baldi Hot Springs

• Poas Volcano National Park

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in the Central Valley.