La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Karen enjoying some of the birds on display
Karen enjoying some of the birds on display at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

After getting a feel for the local pace over the last couple of weeks, Karen and I decided to do a touristy outing. Karen found a destination nestled up in the mountains on the way to the Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This is a great attraction for seeing some local sights and learning a bit about the locale. We were able to make arrangements via the internet to be picked up in the nearby town of San Isidro de Heredia and be transported there and back. We went through San Jose in both directions to pick up another group. Our driver and tour guide was Olman Arce Meji and he was outstanding. We reached him at waterfallgardenstour@gmail.com. Olman speaks excellent English and is a very safe and conscientious driver. As it is approximately a two hour drive each way, this makes for a relaxing trip.

La Paz Waterfall gardens is a combination of hotel, wildlife reserve, and nature park. They say all the animals that you see on the grounds have either been injured or confiscated by the government and handed over to them. For one reason or another these animals have been deemed unable to survive in the wild. Whatever the reason they have done an excellent job of presenting them in a very interactive manner.

Brilliantly coloured Tree Frogs.
Brilliantly coloured Tree Frogs.
Green and Black Poison Frog. Very original name.
Green and Black Poison Frog. Very original name.
Strawberry Poison Frog. Only a centimetre long.
Strawberry Poison Frog. Only a centimetre long.

We spent a few hours wandering through the displays of animals and examples of life in rural Costa Rica.

Example of the carts and animals used for hauling coffee beans to the coast.
Example of the carts and animals used for hauling coffee beans to the coast.
Hummingbirds everywhere.
Hummingbirds everywhere.

And birds, big and small.

Gorgeous Toucans
Gorgeous Toucans

 

A couple of the hundreds of amazing butterflies.
A couple of the hundreds of amazing butterflies.

As well they have displays of ocelots, monkeys, and Jaguars.

Male Jaguar.
Male Jaguar.

It was an excellent day spent walking and learning with a delicious lunch served half way through. If you are ever looking for a destination within Costa Rica I would recommend it.

Magia Blanca Waterfall. One of five you can see there.
Magia Blanca Waterfall. One of five you can see there.

 

 


Comments

9 responses to “La Paz Waterfall Gardens”

  1. Photos are amazing!

    1. Thanks

  2. wow..love those cute frogs and colourful birds! Must be amazing there for nature photography!

  3. It is wonderful for photography. Lots of opportunity to get close to the animals and foliage. Glad you like the shots.

  4. Lawrence Avatar
    Lawrence

    Great write up about CR. Judith and I are in Palm Springs staying with friends in their beautiful home. Sure is nice to get away

  5. Thank you. Warm weather is good for the soul.

  6. How much color can there be in one tree frog! Great pictures

  7. Jenn Peksen Avatar
    Jenn Peksen

    Wow! Your photos are outstanding!!!! And Karens shirts even matches the toucans feet!!! Thank you for this trip to La Paz Waterfalls!!

    1. You are most welcome, I am pleased you enjoyed the trip.

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