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.

You have the option to have a break for lunch included in your tour. La Paz has a lunch buffet that features traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as pizza, french fries, and other comfort foods. Help yourself to coffee, tea, and fresh fruit juice.

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. You can add lunch for an extra cost