Visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica

With such a large park to explore, remember to pick up a La Paz Waterfall map when you buy your tickets. You can also plan your day in advance by clicking on the map pictured above.

The hummingbird garden has 26 documented species and there is hummingbird hand feeding in the mornings and afternoons.

The serpentarium (snake exhibit) includes a large selection of native snakes in glass terrariums. There is a zoo with a Jaguar, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundi, and margays, a ranarium (frog exhibit), as well as an exhibit of orchids, heliconias and bromeliads.

All of the animals are rescued animals; none have been captured to be exhibited. There are guides throughout the park, and tipping is gently suggested.

On the grounds is the casita de la paz, which is a replica of an original Tico house with furniture and implements. There is also a petting zoo and an ox cart.

The aviary includes a friendly toucan that will sit on your arm. As you can see, toucans look just like the Fruit Loops cereal icon. Their coloring is astonishingly vibrant.

Laurie’s favorite exhibit was the butterfly house. It is a two story structure that is so filled with butterflies that at least one will certainly land on each visitor. A morpho blue butterfly sat on Laurie’s shoulder as she wandered through.

We couldn’t help but take photograph after photograph of the dozens of different brightly colored butterflies.

The frog exhibit was a bit disappointing, as it was small and we found it difficult to see many of the small dart frogs. But we did spot a few. They are very tiny and brightly colored.

The display of orchids, heliconias and bromeliads was extensive with many exotic and gorgeous blooms.

The hiking trails go through both a rainforest and cloud forest as they wind their way down into the valley where the waterfalls can be viewed.

The park includes five separate waterfalls and, because of the construction of walkways and viewing platforms, they can be easily and safely viewed from several vantage points along the trail. The 121 feet tall La Paz waterfall is the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica.

Also on the La Paz Waterfall Gardens grounds is the Calibre restaurant in a pretty setting. A buffet lunch is served daily. We did not partake, but it looked complete and folks seemed to be enjoying it. We had a great cup of Costa Rican coffee there and enjoyed the jungle views.

For a luxurious stay, consider the Peace Lodge. This exquisite accommodation includes early and late entrance to the park and some special access to the critters. The rooms look out on the gorgeous property.

Although we spent an afternoon here, we could have wandered longer. The grounds are gorgeous and well kept, and the walking trails are more wild and less manicured. The trails included many steps, both down and up, but there was a free shuttle back up to the parking lot at the end of our hour-long hike down to the waterfalls.

The entry fee of US$38.00/ person for foreigners seemed expensive at first, but we agreed that the experience was well worth the price of admission. Plus, the money goes to preserving a unique wildlife rescue operation as well as a truly wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

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