Our pickEnters the parkFree cancellation 24 h

San José to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip

4.77220 reviews · Destiny Travel Costa Rica
Duration
8 h
Pickup
08:00
Pickup points
59
Includes
Entry + buffet
$195
per adult, live price · listed “from $135”
Check dates
Waterfall viewpoint with railing on the Gardens Guided Day Tour1 / 5 · photos from this tour
Our verdict

The default way to see the park without a car: hotel pickup, park tickets, a guided walk past the five waterfalls and the buffet, all in 8 hours. The catch is the price: $195 for one adult, not the $135 “from” price.

Check datesGetYourGuide listing · live price 1 adult
Rated by guests
4.77
220 reviews
Guide · 4.9
Transport · 4.8
Value · 4.6
What you will see

Inside the Park on This Tour

The tour walks the park trail. Photos from GetYourGuide listings for La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Waterfall in a green gorge with a viewing deck
Five waterfalls
viewing decks along the 3.5 km trail
Paved trail with rustic railings through the cloud forest
Paved forest trail
Jaguar resting in its enclosure
Rescued wild cats
Red-eyed tree frog on a leaf
Frog exhibit
Owl butterfly in the Butterfly Observatory
Butterfly Observatory
5 photos · swipe
Price & options

Price for the San José to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip

Start time
08:00
the departure shown in the calendar
You pay
$195
per adult when booking for 1
Listed from
$135
check your group size in the calendar
Booking
Free cancellation 24 h
reserve now, pay later

GetYourGuide calendar, 1 adult · Updated November 2026

See prices for your dates
How the day runs

Your Day at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

  1. 08:00 · Hotel pickup
    One of 59 pickup points in the San José area, air-conditioned transport.
  2. Drive to the park
    About 1 h 14 by car from San José on a winding mountain road.
  3. Guided walk
    The trail past five waterfalls, the aviary with 40 bird species and gardens of orchids, heliconias and bromeliads.
    Waterfall over mossy rocks on this tourPaved forest trail in the parkRed-eyed tree frog in the park
  4. Buffet lunch
    Included; the listing does not give the order of lunch and walk.
  5. Drop-off
    Back to the same 59 points — 8 hours in total.

GetYourGuide itinerary and description · drive time Google Maps

What you get

Included & Not

  • ✓ Park tickets
  • ✓ Buffet lunch
  • ✓ English- and Spanish-speaking guide
  • ✓ Air-conditioned transport
  • ✓ Bottled water
  • ✕ Tips
What to bring
Comfortable shoesHiking shoesRain gearBreathable clothingCamera
Guests say

What Guests Say About This Tour

Verified GetYourGuide reviews, quoted in full.

Misty waterfall on the Gardens Guided Day Tour
4.77 tour rating

“Waterfalls and sanctuary were beautiful. Left from San Jose- if you get motion sick take something - roads twist and turn and are bumpy- but sites and guide were awesome- would recommend this trip. Well worth it.”

Kelly · United States · Oct 2026 · On GetYourGuide →
Waterfall viewpoint on the Gardens Guided Day Tour
4.77 tour rating

“This was a great day trip. Our guide, Harlam, was fantastic. He was both personable and knowledgeable. We had a 9 year old with us, and she also had a great time. It was well worth the money. I would highly recommend.”

Peter · United States · Jul 2026 · On GetYourGuide →
The review summary

Guests praise the guides, the wildlife and the waterfalls. Some say the pacing felt rushed and wanted more time in the park with fewer stops on the way.

GetYourGuide review summary

Who it suits

Good for

  • Visitors without a car staying in San José
  • Solo travellers — it books for 1 adult
  • Families: a guest brought a 9-year-old
  • Anyone who wants lunch and entry sorted
Think twice

Not for

  • People with back problems or mobility impairments (listed as not suitable)
  • Travellers prone to motion sickness, unless prepared
  • Those who also want Poás Volcano — see the combo
FAQ

San José to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Trip: FAQ

Is this day trip worth it?

For most visitors without a car, yes: it is rated 4.77 from 220 reviews and covers transport, entry and lunch. If you drive, the gate costs $56 + tax. Our verdict

What is included?

Park tickets, a buffet lunch, a bilingual guide, air-conditioned transport and bottled water. Tips are not included. Full list

What time is pickup?

08:00, from one of 59 pickup points in the San José area. Check your hotel

How long do you spend in the park?

The listing does not give the time inside; the whole tour runs 8 hours with about 1 h 14 of driving each way. How the day runs

Is the road winding?

Yes. A guest advises taking something if you get motion sick. Guest reviews

Can I cancel?

Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check dates

Misty waterfall on the Gardens Guided Day Tour
Book it

Check Dates for the Day Trip

08:00 pickup · park tickets and buffet · free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Check dates · $195
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San José → La Paz Gardens · ★ 4.77$195 per adultCheck dates