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La Paz Waterfall Gardens: A Costa Rican Paradise

Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty at La Paz Waterfall Gardens: majestic waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and lush rainforest trails await!

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La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning nature park and wildlife refuge in Costa Rica's Alajuela Province, showcasing five magnificent waterfalls, a diverse animal sanctuary, and lush rainforest trails, offering an unforgettable ecotourism experience.

A brief summary to La Paz Waterfall

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and increase your chances of experiencing good weather, as mornings often offer the best conditions.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing suitable for potentially wet and humid conditions, as the trails involve stairs and can be strenuous.
  • Allocate at least 2-4 hours to fully experience the waterfalls and animal exhibits; consider spending the entire day to explore all trails and attractions.
  • Bring a raincoat or poncho, as the park is located in a rainforest and rain can occur at any time of year.
  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season (December-April), to guarantee admission and potentially save money by booking through platforms like Viator.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most convenient way to reach La Paz Waterfall Gardens is by driving. From Alajuela, follow the signs for Poas Volcano. Continue past Poasito, then take the road toward Heredia/Vara Blanca/Sarapiqui. At Vara Blanca, turn left at the gas station and continue for approximately 3 miles; the entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens will be on your left. The drive from Alajuela takes approximately 46 minutes. On-site parking is available free of charge. Be aware that the road is steep and curvy, especially closer to the park.

  • Bus

    To reach La Paz Waterfall Gardens from Alajuela by bus, take the hourly COOPETRANSASI bus from Alajuela to Jaulares. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs around $2. From Jaulares, you will need to take a taxi to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The taxi ride is approximately 11km and should cost around $20 - $30.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Alajuela to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The taxi ride takes approximately 46 minutes and costs between $55 and $70. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Unlock the Best of La Paz Waterfall

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Discover more about La Paz Waterfall

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a privately-owned ecological attraction that extends over 70 acres of protected cloud and rainforest. It is home to five spectacular waterfalls: Templo, Encantada, Magia Blanca, Escondida, and La Paz. Visitors can explore well-maintained, paved trails totaling over 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) that wind through the lush landscape, providing breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding rainforest. Beyond the waterfalls, the park serves as the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica, housing over 100 species of animals. Exhibits include a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden with 26 species, a serpentarium with 30 native snake species, a frog exhibit, and a jungle cats exhibit. The park also features a historical 'casita' (small house) to showcase Costa Rican culture. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is open year-round, and it is recommended that visitors allocate at least two hours to explore the primary trails and animal exhibits. Those wishing to see every trail and fully enjoy the aviary, butterfly observatory, and other attractions may want to spend the entire day. The park's high elevation can make it chilly when the clouds roll in, so bringing a rain jacket is advisable.

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