How to Get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San José & SJO

Where Is La Paz Waterfall Gardens?

In Vara Blanca, Alajuela, on the north-eastern slope of Poás Volcano, between 1,300 and 1,600 m. The park gives its address as 6 km north of the Vara Blanca gas station.

For your GPS

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

Pin 10.2044558, -84.1615314 · plus code 6R3Q+Q9P

waterfallgardens.com · Google Maps

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature ParkVara Blanca, Alajuela · 6 km north of the Vara Blanca gas stationOpen in Google MapsThe map is served by Google and loads only after you choose to show it.

How to Get to La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San José by Car

1 h 14

usual traffic

50 km

one way

Ruta 1 → Route 126

fastest route

Head north on Ruta 1 (Interamericana Norte), then take Route 126 up towards Vara Blanca. The road is paved the whole way; the last stretch climbs with steep curves. Allow more time at rush hour.

Google Maps · road notes vamosrentacar.com (car-rental guide)

By Tour with Hotel Pickup

No car and no taxi to arrange: a day tour picks you up in San José, drives the mountain road and includes park entry. It costs more than driving yourself, but tickets and lunch are in the price.

Waterfall viewpoint on the Gardens Guided Day Tour

Our pickGardens Guided Day Tour

4.77 220 reviews · 8 h · pickup 08:00 from 59 points · tickets, buffet, guide

$195Check dates

Compare all tours with pickup →

La Paz Waterfall to San José Airport (SJO)

From Juan Santamaría airport it is about 1 h 1 and 35 km via Route 125 and Route 126 — the same time back. The park itself says 45 minutes; Google Maps shows about an hour in usual traffic.

Google Maps · waterfallgardens.com

Airport pickupPrivate transfer & guide

★ 4.54 (2) · van 1–12 · pickup San José, Alajuela or SJO · 2 h in the park · park tickets paid at the gate

$95 per personBook

From La Fortuna

About 1 h 43 and 84.6 km by car via Ruta 4 (Corredor Noratlántico). Leave early: the park is open 08:00–17:00 and the park advises arriving by 15:00 to walk the whole trail.

Google Maps · waterfallgardens.com

With Poás Volcano in One Day

The park says Poás Volcano National Park is 20 minutes away; Google Maps could not plot a driving route between the two entrances, so we cannot confirm the time. A car-rental guide suggests doing Poás first and finishing by about 10:30–11, when clouds tend to roll in, and booking Poás tickets online in advance.

Rather not drive both? Some Poás combos enter the Gardens — others only stop at the roadside fall.Poás combos compared →

waterfallgardens.com · vamosrentacar.com (not official)

By Bus

No direct bus

A car-rental guide describes taking a bus to Vara Blanca and a taxi from there, with the ride back “hit or miss” and Uber unreliable. If you have no car, a tour with hotel pickup is the simpler option.

vamosrentacar.com (not official)

Road Safety & Parking

The road

Paved all the way; a standard sedan is fine. Expect steep mountain curves on the last stretch — guests on tours mention motion sickness.

The roadside fall

If you stop at the free La Paz Waterfall bridge on Route 126, the same guide warns of reported car break-ins — keep valuables out of sight.

vamosrentacar.com (not official) · GetYourGuide reviews · parking at the park is not described on the official site

Where Is La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica? FAQ

Where is La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica?

In Vara Blanca, Alajuela, on the slope of Poás Volcano, about 50 km north of San José. Location and map

How far is it from San José airport?

About 35 km — 1 h 1 by car in usual traffic. From SJO

Is there parking?

The official site does not describe parking, so check with the park before you go. Road and parking

Can you take an Uber?

A car-rental guide calls Uber unreliable here; a taxi from Vara Blanca or a tour with pickup is more dependable. By bus

Is the road safe?

It is paved all the way and fine for a standard car, with steep curves at the end. Road notes

Can I visit on the way to La Fortuna?

La Fortuna is 1 h 43 from the park by car, so it can fit into a travel day between San José and La Fortuna. From La Fortuna