La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Wildlife Day Trip & Lunch from San Jose

Summary

Walk rainforest trails meet rescued animals and see waterfalls near San Jose

You’ll wander lush rainforest trails near San Jose with a local guide, spot rescued wildlife up close (think toucans and sloths), and stand at the base of La Paz Waterfall feeling its cool mist on your skin. Buffet lunch is included—and yes, there’s plenty of time for photos or just listening to the forest breathe around you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it’s like to stand so close to a waterfall that you feel the spray on your face? That’s how our day at La Paz Waterfall Gardens started—well, after a sleepy van ride from San Jose and a quick hello to our guide, Marta. She handed us bottled water and grinned, “You’ll need this.” The air was already thick with that green, earthy smell you only get in Costa Rica. I kept thinking about how many shades of green there actually are—turns out it’s a lot.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at the animal sanctuary. There was this toucan who absolutely refused to eat from my hand but went straight for my friend’s—maybe he sensed I was nervous? Marta told us about each animal, why they were here (some rescued from the pet trade), and even pointed out a sloth curled up like an old sock in the corner. The butterfly garden was warmer than outside, almost humid enough to fog my glasses. A blue morpho landed on someone’s hat and just sat there while we all tried not to spook it.

The walk down to La Paz waterfall itself wasn’t too tough—about 3 kilometers on paved trails—but I did stop more than once just to listen. You can hear water everywhere: rushing below, trickling somewhere off the path, even dripping from leaves overhead. When we finally reached the base of La Paz waterfall, I felt tiny in the best way. My shoes got muddy (should’ve worn boots), but honestly? Worth it for that view. The mist made everything smell fresh, almost electric.

Lunch was buffet-style—rice, beans, plantains—and I probably ate too much because we still had a few more animal enclosures left. There were jaguars lounging like house cats and hummingbirds flitting around so fast I gave up trying to count them. On the drive back to San Jose I kept replaying that moment by the waterfall in my head. It’s funny how quiet you feel after a day like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Transfer to La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Visit ten animal exhibitions
• See butterflies, monkeys, toads, snakes, birds, felines
• Hike 3 km paved trail to waterfall base
• Enjoy natural beauty and take photos

Top questions

How far is La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San Jose?

It’s about 1–1.5 hours by car from central San Jose depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose are included.

What animals can you see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

You’ll see toucans, monkeys (titi, capuchin, spider), sloths, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, hummingbirds, butterflies, snakes, frogs and more.

How long is the hike to La Paz waterfall?

The main trail is about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) on paved paths with moderate intensity.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes—a buffet lunch is included as part of the tour.

Are there guides during the tour?

A professional local guide leads the group throughout the visit.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes—the tour is suitable for families with children; infants’ seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose by air-conditioned minivan, entry fees for all exhibits at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (including animal sanctuary and trails), bottled water along the way, a buffet lunch with vegetarian options if needed—and a local guide who shares stories as you go before heading back in comfort at sunset.