Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls & Coffee Day Trip from San Jose

Steam rising at Poas, hummingbirds flicker by, coffee fields rolling under clouds

You’ll learn about coffee in Alajuela’s hills, stand above steaming Poas Volcano, and wander among rescued animals at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Expect mist on your skin from the waterfalls and that feeling you get when you see something wild for the first time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Visit coffee plantation and volcano

• Travel through coffee plantations in Alajuela
• Learn coffee production history and process
• Enjoy photo views across Alajuela
• Travel to Poás Volcano
• Visit main crater of Poás Volcano
• Hike to Botos Lagoon and explore trails

Day 2: Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens

• Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natural Park
• See over 100 rescued animal species
• Enjoy buffet lunch with many options
• Visit five La Paz waterfalls
• Take picturesque photos at waterfalls

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Entry included 4h
2. Poas Volcano National Park Entry included 3h

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose, entry fees for both Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, a buffet lunch with lots of choices (even if you’re picky), plus guidance from someone who’s been sharing these places for decades.

Times

• Every day 07:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 14 2 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 49 pickup points.

Ages Adult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available

Operated by ASSISTTOURS

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts with a drive through the coffee country of San Isidro and the small plantations around Alajuela. Along the way you learn about the history of Costa Rican coffee and how this province produces it, plus a stop at a viewpoint for photos across Alajuela.

The road then winds up toward Poas Volcano and its impressive main crater. Poas is one of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes, and your guide brings more than 30 years of experience to the visit. From the crater, a hike takes you to Botos Lagoon and onto the volcano’s nature trails.

At La Paz Waterfall Gardens you meet rescued animals from more than 100 species, among them sloths, jaguars, toucans and hummingbirds. Lunch is a buffet with more than 35 dishes to choose from, so there’s something for every taste. The visit ends at the park’s five waterfalls, each offering its own spot for photos.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

Are entrance fees to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens included?

Yes, both entrance fees are covered in the tour price.

What animals can you see at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

You can see rescued sloths, jaguars, toucans, hummingbirds, and more than 100 species.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch with over 35 options is included at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

What should I wear or bring on this tour?

A casual dress code is recommended. Comfortable shoes are helpful as some trails may be wet or uneven.

Will we skip lines at attractions?

The tour guarantees skipping long queues at both main sites.