Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour combines the raw power of an active volcano with the serene beauty of lush rainforest and waterfalls, all in a single day. You’ll witness the dramatic landscape of Poás Volcano from a safe and accessible viewpoint, while learning fascinating stories about its eruptions and natural history.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you’ll get up close to Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife, from colorful butterflies and hummingbirds to rescued monkeys and jungle cats. The trails, gardens, and waterfalls are carefully designed to immerse you in nature, creating unforgettable moments for photography, exploration, and discovery.
Available options
Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Entrance fee to Poas Volcano & La paz waterfall gardens
Buffet lunch
WiFi on board
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Port pickup and drop-off
Bilingual tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders. The main crater, nearly 1.5 km wide, is among the largest active craters in the world. Visitors follow a short 0.5 km trail (about 10 minutes each way) to reach the overlook, where breathtaking views reveal the immense power of this active volcano.
Along the way, your guide will share fascinating facts about Poás —from its last major eruption in 2017, to the acidic lagoon inside the crater, and how volcanic gases shape the surrounding ecosystem. You’ll also learn how scientists monitor the volcano daily to ensure safe visits, and why the fertile volcanic soil supports such rich biodiversity.
2
Stop 2
Discover one of Costa Rica’s most complete nature attractions. Walk through trails leading to five stunning waterfalls, explore Central America’s largest butterfly observatory, and enjoy the Hummingbird, Orchid, and Bromeliad Gardens.
Visit the Frog Pond, Serpentarium, Insect Exhibit, and the wildlife sanctuary where you can see monkeys, sloths, jungle cats, toucans, and more. La Paz combines waterfalls, wildlife, and rainforest into one unforgettable experience.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Written guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
7 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
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Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
The traveler needs to bring a rain jacket
Meeting point
Important notes
• Dress code is casual
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
