We stopped here on our way to the Pacific Coast and I'm so glad we did. I didn't expect the wide array of animals to see in the variety of habitat houses. The toucan experience was a great chance to see them close-up and take pictures. The butterfly exhibit was huge (I believe they said it was the largest anywhere?) and we kept seeing new species the longer we stayed. The best part truly was the trail to see the waterfalls. While it may not be the rough and wild experience of hiking out to go canyoning, it is a manageable experience to see multiple waterfalls without all the gear. The views are spectacular and for one waterfall you are right next to the fall as it pours down next to you! There are portions where you can go down next to the river, too. The "path" or "trail" is strenuous and sometimes a bit rough, plus many steps down and up and then down again, so be prepared. At the end, there is a shuttle that will take you back. You may want a rain poncho as it may rain the falls themselves put off quite a spray. It was an amazing experience that I'm glad we didn't miss.
We visited the La Paz Waterfall and only saw the third waterfall from the street level- what an incredible view. The "catarata" (the local name) is comprised of three waterfalls. The third was magnificent, so I can't imagine how fantastic the other two must be and can be viewed from the Peace Hotel for $40, unless you are a guest, and it is free.
The sheer power of the falling water. The fantastic sound that is makes as it hits the surface of the water below. This is beauty that only God could create. If you have an opportunity, go by a see this fantastic sight, it is worth the visit.
This place is Awesome! It is basically a rescue center that takes in & cares for wild animals that have been hurt or abandoned. It is Beautiful! Get there early & walk slowly so you don't miss a thing. The waterfalls are Spectacular. You will probably get wet so be prepared, it is a rainforest. It is pricey to get in but worth every penny when you look at the Big Picture of a privately owned center that has to pay Vets & etc to take care of everything. Great staff & very well maintained. Lots of steps & they can get slick. I used a walking stick & I'm in good shape. The all you can eat buffet for lunch was Great as well, $14. I made the mistake of putting bug repellent on so the Butterflies stayed away from me in the butterfly house, tons of them. Take some perfume. I didn't even need repellent. Just Go! We will go back w/guests!
This was our 5th visit to Costa Rica and we have never spent any time in the Central Valley. When I asked my husband what else he wanted to do, he said he wanted to see more hummingbirds.
If you arrive between 8-9am and head to the hummingbird gardens, they let you hand feed the hummers. They land on your fingers. Sometimes three at a time. There are 26 kinds. It is crazy all of them flitting around. There are many rescued animals such as monkeys, others birds, big cats, frogs, butterflies, and more. As it is spring on cr, love is in the air and several of the critters are ready for love. The ocelots were courting as were a pair of macaws and the Jaguars. The ocelots were not fixed so maybe there is a mating program. Make sure you get your pic with the toucan. Also the staff at the frog exhibit might do something special if you are lucky. They love tips.
Be warned that there are a lot of steps to the waterfalls and elevations in general. We had the buffet lunch and it was ok. The arroz con leche was awesome. We ignore the advice to buy ponchos and regretted it, lol.
They brought out an is cart with live cows and you could get in the cart for pics. We tried the agua dulce and other treats at the casa.
It was an awesome experience. I am so glad we went.
If you are able to go to this, GO! This was one of my favorite activities while in Costa Rica. I can say enough great things about this place- it is truly amazing. I was hesitant about the buffet that was included- but the food was great and it was nice to be able to sit down and still enjoy the surroundings. Give yourself plenty of time and take in all that this place has to offer.
