Costa Rica Attractions / Northern Region / La Paz Waterfall Gardens

This large private reserve features a large butterfly observatory, hummingbird and orchid gardens, and nicely designed, safe trails along the La Paz River with 5 large waterfalls. One will find lush, verdant green rainforest, lots of colorful birds, flowers and butterflies.

La Paz is located on the slope of Poas Volcano, about 1 hour from San Jose. It's quite large, so you should plan on spending 3-5 hours here. You start at the Welcome Center, walk down to the World's largest butterfly observatory, then follow the extensive trails along the La Paz river past 5 magnificent waterfalls. All trails are either concrete or steel with handrails, and are extremely well-designed for people of all ages and abilities. If you keep walking all the way down the river to the end of the trail, and then a shuttle picks you up and drives you back up the road to the Welcome Center.