La Paz Waterfalls is the kind of day trip that feels like two trips in one. You start with coffee and farm-crop stops near the Poás de Alajuela area, then shift into rainforest mode at La Paz Waterfall Gardens with birds, butterflies, animals, and three waterfalls along the La Paz River. I especially like the way the day builds toward the falls, so the waterfalls feel earned instead of rushed.

My second favorite part is the structure once you arrive: a guided walk on a marked trail, time for a buffet lunch inside the rainforest, and then more walking to reach the waterfalls. One drawback to plan for: the route includes steps and can be damp and slippery, and road time can run long depending on weather and hotel pickup routing.

Key facts (before you go)

• Farm-to-falls flow: Coffee bushes, a golden grain stop, and strawberry tasting come before the park walk.
• A full rainforest stop: Aviary, hummingbird gallery, butterfly observatory, plus frog, serpent, and monkey/cat areas.
• Three waterfalls, same river: You’ll walk to multiple viewpoints along the La Paz River.
• Rainforest buffet included: Lunch is included and served buffet-style in the middle of the rainforest.
• Moderate walking: Humid forest trail with steps, best for travelers with moderate fitness.
• Budget for extras: Government service fee up to $12 per person and tips are not included.

From San José to Poás Country: the farm stops that set the tone

This is a half-day style tour with an overall time of about 6 hours. You’re picked up in the San José area, then driven toward the Poás de Alajuela region. The payoff of the early stops is that you get a Costa Rica overview before you ever step into the humid park trail.

First, you’ll get a quick guided talk tied to the local crops. The tour mentions a golden grain stop (you’ll see the crop in its growing setting), plus a visit to coffee bushes. This isn’t just a photo stop. The guide explains what you’re looking at, and you’ll have a moment for a view and a picture toward the Central Valley area from the plantation region.

Then you continue past ferns, flower crops, and strawberry growing areas. One practical upside: if you arrive at the park feeling “waterfall only,” these farm sections make the day more rounded, and they give you context for why the region looks the way it does.

If strawberries are in season and timing works, the tour includes a stop to try fresh strawberries. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys seeing how food is grown (even when it’s just a short look), you’ll likely enjoy this portion more than you expect.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: what you actually do once you arrive

Once you reach La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the day shifts into a walking itinerary inside the park. You’re not doing one isolated waterfall viewpoint and calling it a day. Instead, you’ll move along a trail that connects several attractions.

Here’s what to expect inside the park:

• Aviary and bird-focused areas: There’s an aviary plus a hummingbird gallery. If you like wildlife watching, this part can be a calm warm-up before the harder waterfall steps.
• Butterflies: The park features the largest butterfly observatory in the country, which is a big reason people enjoy this stop even on misty days.
• Animal exhibits: The tour also includes a serpentarium, and an exhibition that covers frogs, monkeys, and cats.

After working your way through the park attractions, the tour includes lunch (buffet-style) served in the middle of the rainforest. That matters. Eating here helps you stay on the rainforest schedule instead of racing out to a restaurant elsewhere and losing momentum.

You’re also likely to hear plenty from your guide as you go—guides highlighted in past departures include people like Frank, Ronnie, Antonio, Philander/Filander, Ricardo, Max, and Eduardo. The common theme is clear: they don’t just point. They explain how the animals and plants fit into the place.

The waterfall walk: steps, humidity, and three viewpoints

The “main event” is the walk to the waterfalls. You’ll take a trail through a humid tropical forest sector where the route has steps in some parts. This is one of those places where good shoes matter. Even if the day isn’t rainy, the ground can feel slick and the air can be heavy.

A key detail: the walk leads to three imposing waterfalls formed by the same La Paz River. So rather than hopping to far-apart spots, you’re seeing how the river creates multiple waterfall moments as you climb and progress along the trail.

What to consider:

• Expect a physical challenge if you’re not used to stairs.
• In bad weather, the falls can look different. Costa Rica’s rain can change the water’s look and color fast, and that can affect photos.

That said, if you pace yourself, go slowly on the steps, and take breaks when you need them, this part is well worth it. Many visitors rate the waterfalls as the best part of the day because the viewing points stack on each other—each one is a “next reveal.”

Lunch in the rainforest: a buffet break that’s part of the day

Lunch is included, and it’s buffet-style inside the park. That’s a big value factor for a day trip: you’re saving time and hassle, and you get to eat where the experience is happening instead of departing the forest for food.

What’s good:

• It’s described as delicious and plentiful.
• You get a real break before the waterfall section, which helps your energy for the steps.

What to watch for:

• Some people found parts of the buffet experience just okay. For example, there’s a specific mention of the pineapple drink not being the best choice, and one review wished the beverage selection could be better.
• So if you care a lot about drinks, you might be happier sticking to standard beverage options rather than expecting a standout specialty mix.

Practical tip: if you’re a light eater, don’t overdo it right before the final waterfall walk. The day already includes walking, and humidity can make even a short hike feel longer.

Price and value: what $135 buys, and what to budget beyond it

The tour costs $135.00 per person and runs about 6 hours. For that price, you’re getting:

• Transportation
• A guided experience (half day style)
• Entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Lunch (with lunch entrance included)

Two add-ons to plan for:

1. A government service fee listed as up to $12.00 per person
2. Tips (not included)

So your real “trip math” is roughly $135 plus the government fee (up to $12), and then tips based on your guide and driver experience. That’s not unusual in Costa Rica, but it’s worth budgeting so you’re not surprised at the end.

Where the value really comes in is the mix:

• You’re not paying just for waterfalls.
• You’re also paying for guided farm stops, park entry, rainforest lunch, and multiple wildlife attractions in one flow.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes short, guided structure—rather than self-driving and trying to pick the best park route on your own—this pricing makes sense.

Transportation reality: pickup timing and why the day can stretch

The tour runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (Monday through Sunday). Your exact pickup time can vary based on where you’re staying. The listing notes you’ll be near public transportation, which is useful if you ever need backup plans.

Still, here’s the reality to plan around: Costa Rica road time is part of the experience. One traveler had a long day with late rain and multiple vehicle changes. Even without weather chaos, hotel pickup routing can mean you wait, consolidate with other hotel pickups, or shift vehicles if the group changes.

If you’re traveling solo or you’re very schedule-sensitive, I’d treat this as a flexible day—not a tight “drop me at 7 and I’ll catch dinner at 8” promise.

Who should book La Paz Waterfalls, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you want a guided, structured nature day with built-in breaks. It’s a strong match for:

• Couples who want an easy-to-follow day with plenty to see
• Families with kids old enough to handle a good walk and some steps (assuming moderate fitness)
• Wildlife lovers who enjoy seeing birds, butterflies, and animals along the way
• People who want a rainforest lunch included rather than figuring out food logistics

It’s less ideal if:

• You have mobility limits or struggle with stairs (the waterfall walk has steps)
• You hate surprises in the schedule (weather and pickup routing can shift timing)
• You’re only interested in one thing (if you want just waterfalls and nothing else, the extra park attractions may feel like filler)

Quick packing checklist (so you enjoy it more)

For a humid rainforest walk, don’t overthink it, just be practical:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip (steps can be slippery)
• A light rain layer or poncho (Costa Rica weather can change quickly)
• Something for wet hair or sunscreen protection
• A small towel or extra layer if you’re sensitive to getting soaked

Also, if you care about photos: heavy rain can make the water look darker and muddy, which can reduce the “crystal waterfall” effect you see in postcards.

Should you book La Paz Waterfalls with VIAJES NANA?

If you want a guided half-day that mixes farm country context (coffee and strawberries) with a rainforest park and a waterfall trail, this is a very sensible choice. At $135, you’re paying for more than entry—you’re paying for the route, the guide, the included lunch, and the connected attractions that make the time feel full.

My advice: book it if your main goal is a guided day with lots of variety. Book it with realistic expectations on weather and timing. Treat it like a rainforest outing, not a tight clock-punching activity.

If you’re worried about rain or you’re highly sensitive to schedule changes, consider choosing a day with calmer weather when possible. And bring shoes you trust on damp stairs.

FAQ

What is the duration of the La Paz Waterfalls tour?

It’s listed as approximately 6 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $135.00 per person.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s in Costa Rica, with pickup starting in the San José area and the route heading toward the Poás de Alajuela area and then La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens and along the way you’ll have stops connected to golden grain, coffee bushes, and strawberry crops (including an opportunity to try fresh strawberries).

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is buffet-style in the rainforest.

What park activities are included at La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

The tour includes a walk that covers the park’s aviary, butterfly observatory, hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and exhibitions for frogs, monkeys, and cats, plus the waterfall walk.

Is there an extra government fee?

Yes. A government service fee is listed as max. $12.00 per person, and it is not included in the base price.

What’s not included besides the government fee?

Tips are not included.

What time does the tour run?

The listed opening hours are 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (Monday through Sunday).

How much walking is involved?

The tour is for travelers with moderate physical fitness. The waterfall walk happens in humid tropical forest and includes steps in some parts of the route.

Is the tour private?

The listing states it’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What if it rains or the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.