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

Summary

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

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

What’s the experience like?

I nearly spilled my coffee when our guide, Don Mario, slammed on the brakes to point out a flock of bright green parrots squabbling over something in a guava tree. He just laughed and said it happens every morning in San Isidro — apparently parrots are early risers too. The drive up through Alajuela’s coffee country was all misty hills and that rich earthy smell you get after rain. We stopped at this little place called Tres Generaciones; I tried to say “media luna” for my coffee but I think I mangled it — the barista smiled anyway and handed me a cup that tasted like chocolate and smoke.

The road wound up toward Poas Volcano, and honestly, I didn’t expect the air to feel so cold on my face when we stepped out. Steam drifted from the crater like someone left a kettle on somewhere deep below. Don Mario explained (with this half-grin) how Poas is one of only seven active volcanoes in Costa Rica — he’s been guiding here for thirty years but still gets excited when the clouds clear. We hiked up to Botos Lagoon; there was this moment where everyone just went quiet except for the wind in the trees. Kind of eerie, kind of peaceful.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens was louder — kids squealing at toucans, waterfalls thundering down rocks slick as soap. I watched a sloth blink slowly from its hammock of branches while a group next to me tried to spot jaguars behind glass (no luck). Lunch was a blur: buffet with way too many choices (I stuck with rice and beans plus something green I couldn’t name). The last waterfall sprayed us with mist so fine it felt like walking through clouds. My shoes were soaked but nobody cared by then.

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

Top questions

How long is the day trip from San Jose to Poas Volcano?

The full day tour lasts around 9-10 hours including stops at all three locations.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

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

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.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

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.

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 before heading back in the evening.