www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Anybody been to La Paz Waterfalls near San Jose? If so any comments about whether it's worth a day trip? Thx.

Funny, i was researching there for a visit in July. I seen La amistad has a 6 hour tour out there, charging $150.00 for up to four people.

Just went there Tues. It is up in the cloud forest and the waterfalls are spectacular. The animal exhibits are really nice. If you go, pay for the buffet lunch. Be sure to bring a light rain jacket. The Peace Lodge resort that is attached to the gardens is super nice. It is a beautiful drive up the mountain, once you leave town. You can also buy strawberries and raspberries at stands along the rode.

Nice drive but a twisty turning drive. Definitely take a light jacket and take plenty of beer for the drive and make sure to buy the strawberries and palmito cheese

I went twice 12 years ago and then about 8 years ago after the earthquake that displaced much of the terrain. I got some excellent distance shots of the falls from the hummingbird lodge that overlooks La Paz. Coupled with a stop at the Peace Lodge, lunch and a visit to Poas, it is worth the trip. I did it both way ways... with a tour group and a rental car.

Agree with the above. I went three years ago. I didn't drive, but took a tour that went to the coffee plantation, the Poas volcano, and the animal lodge. It ended at the waterfall. Whole thing took 13 hours. Breakfast and lunch included.

Awesome.

_________________
bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Been there, it' s beautiful, waterfalls, butterflies and animal viewing all worth while. If you want to see the volcano, it's not like Mt. Arenal where you can drive to the edge at the observatory and very little walking, it's a long upward trekk, if you're out of shape it could be a problem, if not, well worth it, gorgeous view and plenty of walking exercise

_________________
Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

I'm mainly interested in seeing the wild cat exibit and walking around a bit and taking pictures. Wildlife and Nature Photography is my hobby and I've always wanted to shoot (with my camera) a jaguar in the wild. Was originally going to Pantanal in Brasil for that but that didn't work out so after a few days in SJ I'm headed back to OSA and starting out in Drake Bay and spending the next 5 days making my way to Carate. I doubt I'll see a jaguar, maybe puma and maybe ocelot more likely so I thought I'd take 1 of my days in SJ and visit La Paz and photograph the cats there.

They have four Jaguars there and an Ocelet exhibit. You should get plenty of good photos at the aviary and butterfly pavilion. At the end of the waterfall trail a shuttle takes you back to the top. If you are in reasonably good shape it is not difficult. When I arrived back in Phoenix on Sunday it was 116. The waterfalls definately crossed my mind.

I just went there 3 weeks ago...went to La Paz and Poas with a Chica...great day, nice zoo at La Paz...amazing volcano, coffee plantation, and waterfalls.

been a few times. Excellent choice for a day trip. Nice falls, good hiking, hummingbird reserve tepid compared to Monte Verde which is a must see, and I agree on the buffet.

Sounds cool! I may be interested in doing this if I find a few other people to go and split the price. PM me if you are planning to do any excursions/tours at the end of this month in CR.

If you go with a chica and not on a tour, have her go in while you stay outside, and buy the passes. She will get the local rate otherwise, you get dinged for the gringo tax.

The earlier you can get up there the better as it is easy to run out of time with all to see. The birds, animals, and reptiles can take up a decent amount of time if you enjoy not being rushed. Food is expensive on-site so consider taking lunch, snacks as well. Leave a cooler in the transportation vehicle so you have cold drinks when you are done. You will appreciate having them. I think they do walk the trail at the end of the day to make sure everyone is done and gets the last bus back up to the entrance, otherwise, you will be hating life for the long walk back and all uphill.

Lots of stairs......it is definitely worth the trip.

_________________
I am NOT a Cien Boy!!