La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Wildlife Refuge Tour with Lunch

Summary

Walk lush trails, meet rescued wildlife, stand by the falls

You’ll follow forest trails past waterfalls, feed toucans in your hand, and watch sloths blink lazily from their branches. With a local guide leading the way and lunch included, this day trip from San Jose lets you slow down and really feel Costa Rica’s wild side.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the van at La Paz Waterfall Gardens was the air—cooler than San Jose, with that damp, mossy smell you only get in cloud forest. Our guide, Diego, grinned as he handed out bottled water and warned us about the “ambitious” hummingbirds. He wasn’t kidding. Two minutes later, one zipped so close to my ear I flinched and nearly dropped my phone. I’d seen photos of this place but didn’t expect how alive it would feel—birdsong everywhere, leaves dripping after last night’s rain.

We wandered through the animal sanctuary first. The toucans looked like they’d been painted on purpose—Diego let us try feeding them (messier than it sounds). There was a moment with the sloth enclosure where everything just slowed down; one of them blinked at me so slowly I almost laughed out loud. It’s weirdly calming to watch an animal move that unhurriedly. I tried to say “oso perezoso” and got it wrong—Diego corrected me gently but then admitted he still mixes up English words sometimes too.

The walk down to La Paz waterfall itself is mostly paved but there are some steps (my knees felt it by the third cascade). You hear the water before you see it—a kind of low thunder that gets louder as you go. When we finally reached the main viewpoint, spray hit my face and everyone went quiet for a second. It’s not just about taking pictures; there’s something about standing right there with all that noise and green around you that sticks with you longer than you think. We took our time heading back—nobody rushed us—and lunch was this big buffet where I ate way too many fried plantains. I still think about that view under the trees while my shirt dried off from the mist.

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, and felines
• Hike 3 km paved trail
• Reach base of La Paz waterfall
• Enjoy photography and nature views

Top questions

How long is the drive from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by transfer vehicle from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included during your visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Are hotel pickups available in San Jose?

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

Can children or people with limited mobility join?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What animals can I see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

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

How long is the hike to the waterfall?

The paved trail is about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) round-trip with moderate intensity.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided as part of your tour inclusions.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available; just let them know when booking if you have dietary requirements.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose by air-conditioned minivan, entry fees for all animal exhibits at La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Wildlife Refuge, a professional local guide throughout your visit, bottled water along the way, skip-the-line access so you don’t wait around outside—and a buffet lunch before heading back into town.