Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour from San José

Summary

La Paz Waterfalls & Wildlife: Private Day Trip Experience

If you want to see Costa Rica’s famous waterfalls and wildlife without crowds or hassle, this private tour covers it all—scenic hikes, rescued animals, and local flavors. You’ll get personal insights from your guide and plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

The air up in the hills near Alajuela always feels a bit cooler, especially when you’re winding through the cloud forest on your way to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Our guide, Andrés, picked us up right at our hotel in San José—no fussing with buses or figuring out directions. The drive itself was a treat: windows down, you catch that earthy scent after last night’s rain, and every so often, a roadside stand selling fresh strawberries or cheese pops into view.

Once inside La Paz Waterfall Gardens, it’s hard not to get distracted by the sound of water everywhere. Five waterfalls thunder and trickle along the trails—each one different. We lingered longest at Magia Blanca; the mist there clings to your skin and makes everything feel alive. Andrés pointed out tiny orchids tucked between mossy rocks and showed us where hummingbirds darted around feeders (they move so fast you almost miss them). The animal sanctuary is bigger than I expected—jaguars napping in the shade, toucans hopping along branches, even capuchin monkeys eyeing us from above. There’s a traditional farmhouse too, with an old ox cart and a spot where kids can feed goats—felt like stepping back in time for a minute.

Lunch was served buffet-style overlooking one of the gardens—nothing fancy but hearty and fresh. I tried gallo pinto and some sweet plantains while watching blue morpho butterflies float past the window. If you’re into frogs or snakes (or just curious), don’t skip the ranarium and serpentarium; Andrés knew all sorts of odd facts about local species I’d never heard before. We wrapped up with coffee before heading back—a little tired but honestly glad we didn’t have to drive ourselves home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour

• Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Pass by Alajuela province

Top questions

How long does the tour usually last?

It typically takes about 7-8 hours including travel from San José, but timing can vary depending on how long you want to spend at each spot.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids love seeing the animals and feeding goats at the farmhouse. Just keep in mind there’s some walking involved on hilly trails.

What should I bring for the day?

I’d suggest comfy shoes for walking, a light rain jacket (weather can change quickly), sunscreen, and maybe a camera for all those waterfall shots.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your hotel in San José, entrance fees to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, lunch with coffee or tea, and a professional naturalist guide who’ll tailor the experience just for you.