Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Private Tour
Experience two of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural wonders in a single day with our exclusive Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour. Designed for travelers seeking a perfect balance of geological awe and rich biodiversity, this private excursion takes you from the misty heights of an active volcano to the lush, vibrant rainforest of a world-class eco-park. Operating directly from San Jose, our day trip bypasses the stress of public transportation and rigid big-bus schedules. Enjoy private, air-conditioned transport, flexible timing, and the deep insights of an ICT-certified naturalist guide dedicated solely to your group. It’s the ultimate way to discover the cloud forest landscapes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
Explore the Majestic Poas Volcano National Park
Stand on the edge of one of the largest active craters in the world. As we ascend through scenic coffee plantations, you will reach the summit of Poas Volcano, rising 8,858 feet above sea level. From the viewing platform, weather permitting, you can gaze down into the massive, sulfuric main crater and its stunning acid lake. Your private guide will walk you through the unique dwarf cloud forest trails, explaining the fascinating geothermal activity and history that shapes this powerful landscape.
Discover Wildlife & Rain Forest Trails at La Paz Waterfalls
Following the volcano, we descend to the spectacular La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the premier private ecological park in Costa Rica. Hike along safe, beautifully designed canyon trails to view five roaring, photogenic waterfalls up close. This immersive sanctuary also features the world's largest enclosed butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden where dozens of species buzz inches away from you, a serpentarium, and dedicated rescue exhibits for sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and frogs. It’s a comprehensive wildlife experience surrounded by pristine rainforest landscapes.
Why Book this Day Trip Combo with Greenway?
As local experts with over 25 years of experience operating private tours from San Jose, we manage every detail to perfection. Volcano park reservations require strict, pre-purchased time slots—we handle all booking logistics for you so you can skip the long lines. With our professional drivers and premium vehicles, your comfort, safety, and a beautifully paced day are fully guaranteed.
Tour Description: Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Depart from San Jose for an exclusive day trip that showcases the dramatic volcanic power and lush biodiversity of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. Traveling in a premium, air-conditioned private vehicle with your certified naturalist guide, you will journey through the scenic countryside—passing rolling dairy farms, vibrant strawberry fields, and local artisan shops—while enjoying authentic flavors along the way.
At Poas Volcano National Park, walk right up to the viewing platform of one of the world’s largest and most active craters, standing majestic at 8,858 feet above sea level. Learn about its fascinating geothermal history and its dramatic acidic lake surrounded by a rare dwarf cloud forest.
Next, immerse yourself in the natural wonder of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the premier private eco-park in Costa Rica. Follow safe, beautifully engineered canyon trails to stand before five roaring waterfalls, and explore immersive wildlife rescue sanctuaries featuring sloths, jaguars, hummingbirds, and a world-class butterfly observatory. Conclude your adventure with a spectacular traditional buffet lunch before a relaxing private drive back to your hotel.
Highlights & Inclusions
To ensure a seamless, high-end experience from start to finish, your private excursion includes:
- Door-to-Door Private Transport: Professional pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in San Jose in a deluxe, recent-model vehicle.
- Expert Guidance: 100% private service with a certified, bilingual naturalist guide.
- All-Inclusive Access: Pre-arranged entrance tickets to Poas Volcano National Park (skipping the main lines) and full access to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
- Gourmet Dining: A delicious, highly-rated traditional buffet lunch at the eco-park’s main restaurant.
Quick Tour Facts & Rates
- Departure Time: 07:00 AM (Flexible upon request)
- Duration: 8 to 10 Hours (Full Day)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Safe, paved, and well-maintained hiking trails)
- What to Bring: Hiking or tennis shoes, a light jacket (the volcano summit can be cold), a raincoat or poncho, insect repellent, and a camera.
Private Group Rates (Per Person)
- 2 – 3 Passengers: $305 USD
- 4 – 6 Passengers: $240 USD
- 7 – 9 Passengers: $225 USD
- 10+ Passengers: $220 USD
- Children Rate (Ages 5-12): $244 USD
Why Trust Greenway Nature Tours?
By booking directly with a local operator, you bypass third-party commissions and secure uncompromised safety and quality:
- Established Expertise: Proudly guiding global travelers since 1999.
- Top-Tier Accreditations: Fully certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) and licensed under the prestigious Essential Costa Rica country brand.
- International Recognition: Active member of the National Tour Association (NTA) in the United States and proud winner of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.Â
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Destination
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Departure
Your Hotel in San Jose -
Departure Time
07:00 am -
Return Time
5:00 pm -
What´s to Bring
Comfortable shoes, Camera, Rain Gear, Insect Repellent, Comfortable Clothes, Sun-scream, Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Money for personal expenses. We suggest to bring personal face mask and alcohol in gel for prevent Covid-19 -
Included
Entrance feeLunchPrivate tour guidePrivate Transportation -
Not Included
Alcoholic BeveragesBreakfastDrop Off at a different location than your hotel.Gratitude’s for GuideMeals not specified
From our gallery
Tour Plan
Pick Up Time - 07:00am
- Meet our Guide and Private Transportation from your hotel
- Drive to Alajuela Province and final destination Poas Volcano
Arrival to Poas Volcano National Park - 09:00am
- Check In at the Park´s entrance and get ready for the visit to the crater.
La Paz Waterfalls - 10:00am
- After the Volcano visit, transfer to La Paz Waterfalls. Time to explore the attractions.
Lunch- 12:00pm
- Enjoy a delicious lunch
Admire the Waterfalls: 1:00pm
- After lunch, explore the rain forest and magnificent waterfalls.
Return to San Jose: 3:30 PM
- After have a great time, get ready for the return to San Jose & Hotel.
- Enjoy a pleasant & colorful drive along the countryside.
Arrival to your Hotel in San Jose: 5:00pm
- Drop off at your hotel and good bye.
Gallery
Reviews Scores and Score Breakdown
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Alice Martin
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Gerardo was our guide for the La Paz Waterfall tour. He was FABULOUS. He informed us about all of the history of Costa Rica and on the drive and we learned about all of the crops that are grown in the hills on the way to the waterfalls. We were especially impressed with his knowledge of ALL of the animals in the waterfall gardens from birds to snakes! Everything!
We had our three active grandsons with us and he was great with all of them. Gerardo made the trip into a spectacular day for us. Our driver was also terrific – careful and considerate.
February 22, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Adeline Stewart
Over the top
This place is absolutely amazing… Our party of 25 had reserved and upon arrival we were given bracelets, a map, and our guide began the tour. You go through a bunch of different sections where you see sloths, monkeys, wild cats, butrerflies, toucans, and other birds.. Lots of staff around to provide plenty of information. There is a little hut or home to show you what life was like years ago, and you get a taste of the sugar cane, cheese and tortilla. The walk around the waterfalls is a bit strenuous but very manageable. They are absolutely magnificent, refreshing, just lovely. There is a restaurant with an all inclusive buffet, with pizza, salad bar, local dishes, fresh fruit and 1 dessert. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Gift shops, restrooms, etc… The ride was a bit long to get there, but totally worth it!!!
April 28, 2019 at 11:16 pm
Arianna Bailey
Personable, professional and informative
Our guide Herardo was on time, very professional in the way he dealt with all the arrangements he had to make. He had a very personable style and was very easy to communicate with. He was very well informed about Poas volcano and the La Paz gardens and all the waterfalls that can be visited. I would highly recommend this tour.
June 23, 2019 at 11:17 pm