La Paz Waterfall Gardens (PL)

La Paz Waterfalls offer a way to see a beautiful cross-section of Costa Rican wilderness. With species exhibits like the Butterfly Observatory, the Jungle Cat Garden, and these gardens are a great way to see a cross-section of Costa Rican wildlife.

On this tour, you’ll take an interesting look at rainforest ecology. Other attractions in the gardens are a serpentarium, a ranarium (for frogs), and an aviary. For even more up-close interactions with animals, visit the petting zoo at Tica House. The trail takes you past five waterfalls, an orchid garden, and covers rainforest as well as cloud forest. There’s a scenic trout lake with clear water next to a bar and a covered dining area. You can swim in the lake, and then take a dip in the adjacent hot tub.

Since it’s a rainforest, you can expect to get a little wet, and it tends to rain off and on throughout the day. Bring a poncho and/or umbrella, and there are a few canopies along the trail. Also, make sure to bring a camera — these gardens have no shortage of photo opportunities.

Poncho or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, and money for personal expenses.

Entrance fee