When thinking of Costa Rica it is easy to think of green and lush spaces, volcanoes, wildlife such as toucans, butterflies and frogs as well as waterfalls created by nature. All this and more is what makes Costa Rica a preferred destination in Central America. It's as if you are somehow connected to paradise and you never want to leave paradise.
Just a few minutes East of the Poas Volcano is the La Paz Waterfall and Gardens, a wildlife refuge and nature park that also has a boutique lodge for guests to enjoy a magical stay. We are lucky to have visited the La Paz Waterfall and Gardens twice, both times we have been in for a treat. Getting up close and personal with toucans, butterflies, hummingbirds and frogs.
This is one of the places I mentioned in my 11 fun things to do with kids in Costa Rica list and it's for obvious reasons I've included La Paz in the list. It's a one stop to make sure you see most of the wildlife you have in your Costa Rica list plus see gorgeous waterfalls and enjoy a fun filled day learning about Costa Rica and how Costa Ricans are working hard to preserve their natural green scenery and wildlife. They have rescued
The park has roughly over 100 species of animals, there is a hiking trail to see the 5 different waterfalls in addition they have a delicious buffet style restaurant overlooking the hummingbird garden and another restaurant overlooking the man made trout lake with waterfall at the top of the mountain.
What will I see?
You will most likely also see the Morphos Butterfly, don't let the dark brown on the back of its wings fool you, when it flies away you will see the blue hues of its wings.
Birds are everywhere! Our favorite was the hummingbird garden in which we suggest you sit or stand still and enjoy the birds flying around you left to right.
The Frog exhibit is also magnificent! They have blue jeans frog, due to its blue legs. The colorful red eye leaf frog and the green and black poison dart frog. You are not allowed to touch the blue jeans and the green and black poison dart frog for obvious reasons {they're poisonous}, but you can ask the exhibit ranger if you may hold the red eye leaf frog in your hands and he will help you.
The last time we visited was my birthday and I had been wishing I could hold a red eye leaf frog, my wish was granted. Shortly after the frog with on my hand and we took this picture it jumped onto my daughter's face which completely caught her by surprise and of course she began jumping and waving her hands after a few seconds the frog jumped off her face onto a leaf, that is when I captured the picture above on the left.
The toucan exhibit is one of a kind, you will see the always colorful keel billed toucan and you will be allowed to hold or have it placed on your shoulder. I took advantage and pet mine to make him feel even more comfortable. You can also feed the toucans. On exhibit there is also the chestnut-mandibled toucan which has a dark brown beak.
There's also a jungle cat exhibit, in this exhibit we were able to see the very majestic jaguar. Which kept posing for us and walking around following my kids around the exhibit. They also have an ocelot that is very playful.
Ever wondered what a typical Costa Rican home looked like before electricity? La Paz Waterfall and Gardens has a traditional casita in which you will be able to try traditional snacks and drinks and be able to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of being away from it all. In front of the casita you will see the traditional ox-cart. Lovely isn't it?
Straight across from the casita you will see a hiking trail that leads to the 5 waterfalls, the highest one being 120 feet tall. There are several look out points from which you will be able to feel sprinkles of water on your face. This is what the trail looks like on the way to the waterfalls.
The prize at the end of the trail, roughly a 20 minute walk from the Casita to the main waterfall.
At the end of the Waterfalls trail you walk up steps to reach a gift shop and the bus stop, the bus is included with your admission and they will drive you back up to the main entrance to the park/parking lot.
There are monkeys and there is a snake exhibit too. You will learn about the deadliest and most poisonous snakes that Costa Rica has and believe when I say they're all there.
What should I know before I visit?
When you visit we suggest you take comfortable walking shoes since you will walk a lot, both up and downhill. We also suggest you take your rain gear be it an umbrella or light jacket since you will be outdoors walking in the rain and cloud forest, dressing in layers is a great way to ensure you are comfortable in weather changes. Strollers can be used, but honestly we don't recommend you use one since you walk up and down and floors are a bit moist making it slippery at times.
There is private parking with a security guard, please drive carefully since you are up in the mountains it is likely you will see wildlife crossing the road such as the stick bug my husband saw a few yards away.
What is the admission cost and what about restaurants?
Adults $38.00 USD
Children $22.00 USD (3 - 12 years old)
Buffet Lunch is an additional $13.00 USD per adult and $7.00 USD per children, it is a good restaurant with a delicious basil based salad dressing and several options to eat.
If you are a resident of Costa Rica your admission is $22.00 USD per adult and $13.00 USD per child. Make sure you have your proof of residency ready to show, as they will ask for it at the ticket desk.
One final tip, bring your camera and battery fully charged as I'm sure you will take many pictures. This is the place to get up close with wildlife that you wouldn't be able to hold in the outdoors.
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