La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour: Waterfalls and wildlife

Walk accessible trails past five waterfalls surrounded by monkeys, birds and hummingbirds

A full-day tour from Alajuela to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park includes hotel pickup, transportation through changing mountain climate, a coffee plantation stop, park entry, and lunch. You walk accessible trails past five waterfalls and see over 100 animal species including monkeys, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, snakes and frogs in cloud and rainy forest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation

• Stop at coffee plantation tour
• Learn coffee production process
• Buy coffee products and souvenirs
• Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Walk accessible trails around waterfalls
• Observe wildlife and nature
• Enjoy buffet lunch at the park

The experience

Six to seven hours gets you from your hotel in Alajuela up the mountain and through the province's shifting climate to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The drive itself is part of the experience: the landscape changes as you climb, and the guide points out how the vegetation shifts from one forest type to another. Before you reach the park, you stop at a working coffee plantation to learn how the beans go from plant to cup, with a chance to buy local coffee and souvenirs if you want them.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the most visited nature park in Costa Rica, built around five waterfalls that cascade through cloud and rainy forest. The trails are accessible for walking at your own pace, so you move through the property without rushing. Over 100 animal species live here (monkeys, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, snakes, cats and frogs), and the combination of water, forest and wildlife means you're likely to spot several. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout.

Lunch is a buffet included in the tour price, so you eat at the park without hunting for a restaurant. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the day, and the air-conditioned vehicle means you're not managing your own transport on unfamiliar roads. Bottled water comes with you, and all park fees and taxes are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• entrance fee and admission to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
• buffet lunch at the park.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sky Solutions CR

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Alajuela means you don't need a car or navigate mountain roads yourself, which matters if you're staying in the city or renting is not an option. The fixed schedule and included lunch let you focus on the waterfalls and wildlife instead of planning logistics.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is home to over 100 animal species including monkeys, hummingbirds, butterflies, birds, frogs, snakes and wild cats. You walk the trails where these animals live, so sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guide knows where to look and will point them out as you move through the forest.

How difficult are the trails at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

The trails are registered as accessible for walking, meaning they are built for visitors of varying fitness levels. You set your own pace and can rest whenever you need to. The guide does not rush the group. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and the trails involve some elevation change as you move between the waterfalls.

What happens at the coffee plantation stop?

Before arriving at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the tour stops at a working coffee plantation where the guide explains how coffee is grown, harvested and processed from plant to final product. You can buy coffee and souvenirs there if you choose, but it is not required.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. You eat at the park, so there is no need to find a restaurant or bring your own food.

What should I wear on this tour?

Smart casual dress is recommended. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the trails, a light rain jacket or poncho since the cloud forest is wet, and sunscreen. The elevation and forest canopy mean the temperature is cooler than in the lowlands, so layers are useful.