La Paz Waterfall Gardens Full-Day Tour from San José
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s breathtaking rainforest on a full-day visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the country’s most iconic nature parks. Walk along lush jungle trails and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of this tropical paradise.
Discover the butterfly observatory, home to the stunning blue morpho, and visit wildlife exhibits where you may see pumas, monkeys, toucans, colorful tropical birds, and more native species. Stroll through the enchanting orchid, hummingbird, and frog gardens, and admire five spectacular waterfalls surrounded by dramatic cloud-forest scenery — a dream for nature lovers and photographers.
Enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch featuring Costa Rican favorites and international dishes before continuing your adventure through this magical natural sanctuary.
Perfect for families, couples, and eco-travelers, this tour blends wildlife, waterfalls, and rainforest discovery into one unforgettable experience near San José.
Available options
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Full-Day Tour from San José
Pickup included
What's included
Transportation included from San Jose Hotels and nearby
Let us know if you have some special meal restriction or allergy
Certified Bilingual Tour Guide during the visit to La Paz Waterfalls
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fee/Admission La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Detailed itinerary
1
As we ascend the terrain we will notice a change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful array of colors and textures.
2
Stop 2
We will continue our way to La Paz Waterfalls, upon arrival we will walk along a beautiful trail, which leads to different attractions of the park, including the aviary, the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the exhibition of frogs, monkeys and cats. Eventually a delicious buffet lunch awaits us in the middle of the rainforest, after lunch we will take a hike where we can visit three impressive natural waterfalls formed by the same La Paz River.
It should be noted that this hike takes place in the tropical rainforest sector and consists of steps in some parts of the route, the trail is paved.
Estimated collection of travellers from San José: 10:20 am thru 11 am.
The time spent in the gardens is approximately 3 hours.
Estimated Return to San José: 6:00 pm
What's not included
Tips
Bottled water
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
18 reviews
5★
15
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.5
13 reviews
5★
10
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What to bring? Hat – Jacket - Walking shoes - Insect repellent - Binoculars – Camera – Raincoat
If you are travelling with children please let us know their ages, during the booking process
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
