La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Walk through an expansive forested garden with several animal exhibits and a series of waterfalls that can be reached on a hike of about two miles. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely and circuitous drive inland, passing through some of the most spectacularly scenic countryside in Costa Rica. In time, you will arrive at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which lies between two national parks.

To reach the waterfall, you will hike about two miles along a nature trail that initially winds through an aviary, a serpentarium and exhibits devoted to indigenous animals such as jungle cats, hummingbirds and monkeys. The hike alone provides a fascinating introduction into the spectacular biodiversity within the surrounding rainforest and cloud forest.

You may encounter rainbow-billed toucans, capuchin monkeys, two-toed sloths and blue morpho butterflies. The animals within the exhibits have been rescued or rehabilitated but can’t be released back into the wild because of injury or not having the skills to survive on their own.

The trail continues along the river that is the source of the numerous cascades in the gardens, with La Paz being the last and highest waterfall. You will cross bridges, follow boardwalks and pause at lookouts that offer the most panoramic views of the river and beyond. It will be well worth the effort, as La Paz couldn’t be more naturally beautiful.

A hearty lunch at a restaurant within the gardens follows.