In a land awash in falling water, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens offer some of Costa Rica’s most accessible views.
Waterfalls are everywhere in Costa Rica, but getting to them can be tricky. You might have to sweat through rainforest, scramble over rocks, and descend into canyons to see them. By comparison, La Paz is a (literal) walk in the park: You can drive here from the capital of San José in about 90 minutes. Well-laid staircases lead you to five formidable falls, and observation decks place you directly next to them. It ain’t cheap—admission costs the equivalent of $56—but visitors can also browse a wildlife refuge, step inside a traditional cortijo (farmhouse), and stay in a luxury room at the on-site Peace Lodge, a “five-star rainforest experience.”
Notes and Miscellanea
- This visit took place during a research trip while co-authoring the Lonely Planet guide to Costa Rica.
- Some have asked: “What is your favorite waterfall in Costa Rica?” Most likely, it’s the La Fortuna waterfall near Arenal Volcano. This was an early experience, the moment when Costa Rica’s ecotourist majesty kicked into high gear.
- “Accessible” is a relative term: You struggle to imagine exploring Costa Rica with any kind of mobility challenges. Even La Paz, with its well designed infrastructure, looks like a nightmare for wheelchairs. Even a bad hip or knee would make for rough sightseeing. From what you can tell, families with young children will get the most out of this place.
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