Tours/San Jose/Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip from San Jose
Viator · group up to 30 pax

Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip from San Jose

4.7(118)San Jose1 hour
VIATOR4.7(88)TRIPADVISOR4.9(30)

Description

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the # 1 most visited private ecological attraction in Costa Rica that offers you the best trails near San Jose, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, including the famous La Paz Waterfall, an animal sanctuary and private reserve of wildlife with more than 100 species of animals and environmental education programs. Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, trails, aviary with 40 species of birds, feeding toucans in the palm of the hand, titi monkeys, insect display, butterfly garden with their laboratory, 2-toed sloths, white-faced or capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, garden of hummingbirds with more than 26 documented species, feeding hummingbirds in the palm of the hand in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium, jaguar, pumas, ocelots, tigrillos, cauceles, house of peace with area of domestic animals and cart with oxen. Frog, display of orchids, display of heliconias, bromeliads.

Tour Options

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

Itinerary

Admission included480 min

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel, get on your transfer vehicle and head to the gardens of the La Paz waterfall. Visit ten animal exhibitions to see fascinating creatures, such as butterflies, monkeys, toads, snakes, exotic birds and even felines from the jungle that roam the place.  Take a moderate-intensity hike to the gardens of the La Paz waterfall, an exuberant green space where biodiversity is very present. Walk the paved trail of 3 kilometers (1.8 mi), which will take you to the base of the La Paz waterfall. This ecological park, with a height that varies between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (4,000 to 5,000 ft), is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant species.  The La Paz waterfall is a perfect and relaxing destination for the whole family, full of opportunities to take photographs worthy of a postcard of the fantastic natural beauty of Costa Rica.

Highlights

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Buffet lunch
Professional guide
Bottled water
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Transport by air-conditioned minivan

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Buffet lunch
Professional guide
Bottled water
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
Gratuities

Pickup Locations & Times

We picked up travellers at any Hotel in San Jose downtonw, Heredia downtown or Alajuela Downtown The published pick up time is for hotels located in San Jose downtown. If your hotel or pickup point is located in Escazu, Santa Ana, Belen Heredia or Alajuela, the time will be different and we will indicate the most exact time exactly 24 hours from the tour date.

Traveller Ratings

4.7
118 reviews
5
104
4
7
3
1
2
1
1
5

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Reviews(118)

9
928kristenw
July 21, 2026
Great use of time for a free day around San Jose

Great guide and it was a wonderful length of time at all of the attractions.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your review! We are thrilled to hear you had a great time with our guide and enjoyed the pacing of the tour. We hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica soon!

V
Veronica_V
April 20, 2026
Great tour

Such a great experience. Both, driver and tour guide were friendlly and so helpful! Can’t wait to come back!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind words! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience with our driver and guide. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure in Costa Rica! PURA VIDA 🌿🌿

A
Andrew_M
April 1, 2026
Great day out to a rainforest

There are a lot of steps to see the waterfalls Can be wet so worth bringing waterproof clothes boots

Operator response

Thank you for the helpful tip! We agree that being well prepared with waterproof gear makes the experience much more comfortable. We're glad you enjoyed the beauty of our waterfalls. Pura Vida!!!

J
Jason_R
March 26, 2026
Best tour of our vacation thanks to Harlan!

This was our best tour of our vacation! The park was fantastic, but as most of you already know, it's your guide that can make it a very special day. Our guide Harlan was beyond fabulous! He was extremely knowledgeable, kept us on pace and had an excellent way of providing both history, details of the park and making us laugh at the same time. He had the added task of speaking both spanish and english the entire tour and perfectly balanced this between our family and the other family. If you are lucky enough to have him as your guide, consider yourself blessed! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone considering it.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are incredibly proud to hear that your experience with Harlan was the highlight of your vacation. At Destiny Travel Costa Rica, we strive to ensure our guides do more than just share knowledge they create moments of joy and connection. We will share your kind words with Harlan right away; he will be thrilled! We look forward to welcoming you back for another exquisite adventure in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!🌿

C
CJProma
March 15, 2026
The power of nature

It was a wonderful adventure into nature. Deep in the rainforest down hundreds of stairs and paths we reached the first waterfall - where we you are overwhelmed by the power and beauty of nature.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your beautiful words! We are thrilled that the rainforest and the power of our waterfalls left such a lasting impression on you. It is true that the effort of the stairs is rewarded by the raw beauty of nature. We hope to see you again for another adventure! PURA VIDA

M
margory886
March 13, 2026
Excellent!

Guide Arturo was excellent. Knowledgeable and fun and took good care of us. Highly recommended

Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Arturo. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication truly make every tour special. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again soon for another great adventure in Costa Rica. Pura Vida! 🌿

L
LissaAnn_B
February 22, 2026
Great chance to see...

Great chance to see animals and learn about them and Costa Rica’s conservation efforts. Enjoy walking paths to various levels of the falls. Got my 20 flights off stairs. To really enjoy full beauty of falls need to do most of the various stair levels.

Operator response

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed seeing the wildlife and learning about Costa Rica’s conservation efforts. Exploring the different waterfall levels truly makes the visit even more rewarding and congratulations on conquering all those flights of stairs! We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon to discover even more of our country’s natural wonders.

S
Sharon_D
February 19, 2026
The reservation was quick...

The reservation was quick and easy. The tour company arrived on time and dropped me off closer to my destination. Comfortable mini van. Good size group- total of 7 people.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your review! We’re glad to hear the booking process was easy, the service was punctual, and that you traveled comfortably. We truly appreciate your trust and hope to assist you again on another experience!

L
Luanna_J
December 20, 2025
A very fun day! Very...

A very fun day! Very informative on the way to the attraction. Love the animals and the hike to and from the waterfalls. LOTS of steps. The hiking part may not be enjoyable for those with small children or with knee issues.

Operator response

Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the day, the wildlife, and the waterfalls. We also appreciate your feedback, as it helps other travelers better prepare for the hike. PURA VIDA .... !

N
NorthernOntarioBliss
December 10, 2025
Do this!

I don’t do many ‘tours’ - but this one was fantastic and well worth the investment. It was well organized- professional, a great combo of informative stories and also providing some ‘free’ time. What you experience in less than one day is amazing, an incredible way to end a trip in Costa Rica prior to flying home. Awe-inspiring waterfalls, intimate wildlife viewing (butterflies and toucans were a highlight!) and a satisfying buffet lunch. Definitely wear good walking shoes and be prepared to walk a lot of stairs and trails. Raincoat, umbrella or poncho in your bag would be handy- in case it rains, or if recently rained as the cloud forest drips down, or for simply being close to all the fabulous mist from the waterfalls. Opportunities to shop for local souvenirs too. Do this!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the experience, the organization, the waterfalls, the wildlife, and the overall journey. It’s great to hear that this tour was a memorable way to end your trip to Costa Rica. Your recommendations are very helpful, and we truly appreciate your kind words. We hope to welcome you back again... Pura Vida!

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