3.5 km of paved paths past animal exhibits and five waterfalls, mostly downhill, with a shuttle back from the exit. What you see along the way and how long it takes.
The self-guided route runs 3.5 km on paved paths and viewing platforms. It links the animal exhibits with a steep river canyon where the five waterfalls are. Expect hundreds of steps, with handrails; most of it goes down, and a shuttle picks you up at the exit and brings you back.
waterfallgardens.com
Five falls on one river canyon, from the 5 m Escondida to the 37 m Magia Blanca. The bar on each card shows its height against the tallest. The free roadside La Paz Waterfall (37 m) is below the park on Route 126 — park vs roadside fall.
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05Heights: waterfallgardens.com · photos from tour listings
More than 100 species, none taken from the wild: every animal was confiscated or surrendered through the Wildlife Ministry. Twelve exhibits sit along the trail.
Wild cats · jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays
Hummingbird Garden
Butterfly Observatory
Ranarium · frogs
waterfallgardens.com · photos from tour listings
The Hummingbird Garden has 26 documented species — the park calls it the most species-diverse hummingbird garden in Costa Rica.
waterfallgardens.com
The animals are the draw for children; one tour guest travelled with a 9-year-old who “also had a great time”. The park does not list a price for under-3s, and the official page does not mention strollers.
waterfallgardens.com · GetYourGuide review
Comfortable shoes with thick tread, shorts or trousers, and a light jacket or raincoat — it gets chilly when clouds roll in.
Raincoats are sold at the park and there are covered stops along the trail. Steps stay wet, so grip matters.
waterfallgardens.com
A whole day is possible with the buffet and the exhibits. A car-rental guide suggests 8–10 am as the best time to visit.
waterfallgardens.com · vamosrentacar.com (not official)
The trail is self-guided, and the park offers a guide on request. Or join a tour from San José that walks it with a guide and includes lunch.
The official site describes the falls from viewing platforms and does not list swimming. A guest review says you cannot swim at the waterfall — that is not official, so check with the park.
The park does not list swimming; the falls are seen from viewing platforms. Swimming
3.5 km (2.2 miles) of paved paths and platforms, mostly downhill, with a shuttle back. At a glance
The official page says most ages and abilities can manage, but it does not state wheelchair access, and there are hundreds of steps. With kids
The park says “hundreds of stairs”, with handrails; it gives no exact number. At a glance
Arrive by 15:00 to finish before the 17:00 shuttle; a car-rental guide recommends 8–10 am. How long to spend
The buffet is at Colibríes restaurant: $16 adults, $10 kids. Tickets and prices
Gardens Guided Day Tour · hotel pickup, park tickets and buffet · ★ 4.77 (220).
Check dates · $195