Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
A one-day climb through the Central Valley highlands, pairing the crater of Poás Volcano and a plantation coffee tasting with the wildlife and waterfalls of La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Fall in love with Costa Rica on this full-day tour through three wonderful corners of the Alajuela highlands. After hotel pickup, our star guide leads you past the emblematic buildings and monuments of Alajuela, including the monument to national hero Juan Santamaría, before stopping at the Doka coffee house on the main road. There, inside a working high-altitude plantation, you taste one of the country's best export coffees and learn about its cultivation, exemplary coffee management practices, and the natural and cultural setting around it. Along the coffee route you watch the local flora and fauna in search of sloths while sampling strawberries grown on the volcano's slopes, local wine and artisanal cheeses. The ascent continues to Poás Volcano National Park and its imposing main crater, one of the largest in the world, where you can walk right up to the edge; the visit lasts around 50 minutes, including a safety talk, the walk to the crater viewpoint and fixed time at the lookout.
The day then flows downhill to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica and a sanctuary for sloths, felines such as jaguars, pumas and ocelots, exotic birds like toucans, intrepid monkeys, a huge butterfly garden, an aviary, a serpentarium and a frog enclosure. You visit the traditional grandparents' hut and, in the middle of the mountain, take in an incredible view of the five waterfalls that surround the refuge. After a delicious buffet lunch, a walk along a paved rainforest trail with steps brings you to three impressive natural waterfalls formed by the La Paz River itself, before the return drive to your hotel in the afternoon.
Highlights
Frequently asked questions
How much does Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens cost?
From $192 per person · 13% VAT included. The final price is confirmed with your quote.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Request a quote and our local team confirms availability for your dates, usually within the hour. No payment is taken online; you pay only after we confirm.
What's included?
Round-trip transportation from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle; Entrance to Poás Volcano National Park; Entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens; Buffet lunch; Travel insurance (basic coverage).
What's not included?
Alcoholic beverages; Breakfast at the local restaurant.
What should I know before I go?
Operates every day of the year from a minimum of 4 passengers; Pickup and drop-off at all hotels in San José and the surrounding area; Departure 6:00 a.m. from San José, return approx. 3:00 p.m.; Stay at Poás Volcano National Park is approx. 50 minutes, including the safety talk and the walk to the crater viewpoint; The waterfall trail is paved but includes steps through the tropical rainforest; Bring warm clothing for the high-altitude climate and comfortable walking shoes; Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.
Can I cancel or change my dates?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your trip. See our Terms & Conditions for the full policy.
No payment now, and free cancellation up to 48h before your trip. See policy.
Licensed & regulated tour operator · Declaratoria Turística DGRE-0174-2026