Where thunderous cascades meet rescued wildlife above Alajuela

ALAJUELA PROVINCE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Where thunderous cascades meet rescued wildlife above Alajuela

Admission grants access to the park’s hiking trails, multiple waterfalls and an animal sanctuary of over 100 species—plan at least two hours during operating hours for a substantive visit.

Where thunderous cascades meet rescued wildlife above Alajuela.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Alajuela Province
Operator
La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Peace Lodge
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on the slopes above Alajuela Province, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is Costa Rica’s most visited privately owned ecological attraction, pairing scenic hiking and some of the country’s most famous waterfalls with an on-site animal sanctuary and an environmental education program.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Dramatic Waterfalls
THE LANDSCAPE

Dramatic Waterfalls

La Paz is celebrated for its series of powerful, scenic waterfalls—among the most famous cascades in Costa Rica—set within lush rainforest environs.

Scenic Hiking Near San José
THE TRAILS

Scenic Hiking Near San José

A compact network of trails threads the property, offering accessible hikes and viewpoints that have made the park a top destination for hikers near San José.

A Large, On-site Animal Sanctuary
THE WILDLIFE

A Large, On-site Animal Sanctuary

The park’s animal sanctuary and environmental education program care for more than 100 species, blending conservation displays with close-range wildlife viewing.

What the day feels like

What the visit feels like

A visit to La Paz unfolds between short hikes, waterfall lookout points and the sanctuary exhibits—an immersive mix of moving water, rainforest canopy and curated wildlife encounters that together define Costa Rica’s premier privately owned ecological attraction.

Dramatic Waterfalls

THE LANDSCAPE

Dramatic Waterfalls

La Paz is celebrated for its series of powerful, scenic waterfalls—among the most famous cascades in Costa Rica—set within lush rainforest environs.

Scenic Hiking Near San José

THE TRAILS

Scenic Hiking Near San José

A compact network of trails threads the property, offering accessible hikes and viewpoints that have made the park a top destination for hikers near San José.

A Large, On-site Animal Sanctuary

THE WILDLIFE

A Large, On-site Animal Sanctuary

The park’s animal sanctuary and environmental education program care for more than 100 species, blending conservation displays with close-range wildlife viewing.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits

1
Active FamiliesGood match—short hikes, waterfalls and animal exhibits provide variety for children and adults alike; no specific participant limits were provided in the verified data.
2
Wildlife PhotographersWell suited—an on-site sanctuary with over 100 species offers subjects for photographers focused on fauna and conservation displays; no specific age or access restrictions were provided in the verified data.
3
Hikers & Day-trippersA strong match—marketed as the best hiking near San José, the park’s trail network and viewpoints reward visitors who want accessible rainforest hikes; verified information did not list participant limits or health restrictions.
4
Casual SightseersSuitable—those seeking scenic viewpoints and curated wildlife encounters will find compact, high-value experiences, though the operator recommends allocating at least two hours.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Hours

Hours of admission are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the operator recommends at least two hours on site for the best experience.

What to Bring

The verified data does not provide an official gear list; visitors should be aware the site comprises hiking trails and waterfall viewpoints.

Operator & Location

La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Peace Lodge operates the property, located in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica; the site is described as Costa Rica’s #1 most visited privately owned ecological attraction.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What are the park’s opening hours?

Hours of admission are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How much time should I plan for a visit?

The operator recommends at least two hours on site for the best experience.

What does admission include?

Admission provides access to all trails and attractions across the park, including waterfall viewpoints and the animal sanctuary.

What wildlife and educational features are on site?

The park hosts an animal sanctuary with more than 100 species and runs an environmental education program.

Who operates La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

The property is incorporated and operated in Costa Rica by La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Peace Lodge.

Where is La Paz Waterfall Gardens located?

The attraction is located in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica.