Local tourism and travel information for Costa Rica - Alajuela (Province)

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La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Imagine the cool sparkling spray of a 120ft waterfall, multicolored butterflies fluttering around in their natural habitat and hummingbirds so near you can almost reach out and touch their beating wings?

How about exotic snakes watching you with unblinking eyes and 3.5 kilometers of paved trails that take you alongside 5 amazing waterfalls? If any of the above appeals to your senses then you need to visit La Paz Waterfalls which offers that and so much more. 

La Paz is about an hour by bus from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and a wonderful place for you and your family to visit. Along the drive you will discover some of the most beautiful countryside that Costa Rica has to offer. The area is green, verdant and very much alive, not to mention air that is pure and invigoratingly fresh. And although the temperature can change from one moment to another the journey is worth any discomfort you may eventually have. 

When you enter the park very friendly personnel who go out of their way to make you feel right at home, will greet you. And although it is a self-guided tour you can have a guide for an additional charge if you feel that you can not make it on your own. In some ways and depending on your likes and dislikes it may be more relaxing to take your time and check things out at your own pace. 

The trails are clearly marked so you will have no problems finding your way down to the end of the waterfalls. There are also maps available to take with you just in case you do get lost. Just ask at reception. 

One of the most impressive things located at the park is the Butterfly observatory. It is approximately 50 feet high and offers a variety of these winged lightweight creatures which delight the senses. It is even possible to observe the natural stage of larva to pupa and at the same time watch the butterfly emerging from its cocoon! And if you patiently wait for just a moment you may have a friendly winged visitor land on your shoulder or hand just to say hello. 

The hummingbird gardens are another special treat. They are quite tame and content to feed with you standing so close that you can almost touch them. In fact according to the informational pamphlet they "will occasionally land on your finger when placed beside a feeder!" The Snake and the Frog Sanctuary are other nice stops and quite interesting as well. 

At the end of the hike a generous not to mention absolutely delicious buffet is provided. The food is varied, scrumptious and sure to satisfy even the most exacting tastes. As you eat you will also enjoy a picturesque panorama of the Volcano and the La Paz River valley and at the end of the day you will depart with many pleasant memories to treasure for years to come.

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