An easy and fun birding day trip from San Jose is to the La Paz Waterfall. If you are looking for birds, this is a great spot, with 400+ bird species in the general area! Follow along in this article as we visit the BEST birdwatching hotspots in the area, we’ll also stop at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, and tour a coffee farm on the side of the Poas Volcano.
- ABOUT 3-in-1 birding day trip to La Paz
- HOW To Get There – Driving Directions to Nectar Pollen Reserve
- WHEN Is the Best Time to Go Birding at La Paz Waterfall?
- WHICH Bird Species Can You See on This 3-in1 Trip?
- PRICE How Much Does it Cost to Go Birdwatching in Costa Rica?
- WHAT Should You Take? COSTA RICA BIRDWATCHING PACKING LIST
- OUR Birdwatching Experience – 3-in-1 Tour to La Paz Waterfall Review
- FINAL THOUGHTS – The Best Birding Near San Jose – 3-in-1 Day Tour to La Paz Waterfall
Ready!? Let’s go birding!
All ABOUT this 3-in-1 birding day trip to La Paz
If you have a full day in the San Jose area and would like to plan an easy trip that includes several sites, La Paz waterfall is very close to the capital city of San Jose. It is also close to Alajuela, the SJO airport, and Heredia, making it the perfect birding destination while in the area.
Also nearby La Paz is the Poas Volcano, an active volcano with a beautiful crater lake. On the slopes of the volcano the rich soil is the perfect setting for world-class coffee farms, and other local fruits are also produced here such as strawberries and cape gooseberry (uchuva).
In this 3-in-1 day trip we will visit: 1) the La Paz Waterfall, 2) Soda & Mirador Cinchona, and 3) Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Farm.
HOW To Get There – Our Day Trip Itinerary, Directions, and Maps
LOCATION OF ALL 3 PLACES NEAR LA PAZ WATERFALL
1st destination: La Paz Waterfall
Located just 50km (31 miles) north of San Jose, La Paz Waterfall is located off of Route 126, and curvy, winding road through the rainforest. The road is fully paved, however it is quite narrow and potholes can be frequent. Also, there could be rain and fog at any time of the day. The total drive time from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall is usually at least 1.5 hours.
2nd destination: Soda y Mirador Cinchona
Following Route 126 further north, Soda y Mirador Cinchona is just 3.2 km (2 miles) from La Paz Waterfall. The drive time is only about 6 minutes.
3rd destination: Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
From Soda Cinchona, you will head south on Route 126, to Route 120, then take Route 146 to Route 712. The total drive time will be approximately 45 minutes, with a total distance of 25km (15 miles).
PRO TIP:
You can do these 3 stops in the order that you prefer. However, we recommend that you start your morning with the 1st stop at La Paz Waterfall. Then, for the 2nd stop head to Soda Cinchona for Lunch, and finally head to Hacienda Alsacia for an afternoon coffee. That way, you’ll already be closer to the Alajuela/San Jose/Heredia area and can return home to your accommodations before dark.
WHEN Is the Best Time to Go Birding at La Paz Waterfall?
Anytime is a great time to go! In fact, the day that we took this day trip, was in November, at the height of the rainy season. There was a lot of rain, and we had to drive carefully, but we prepared well, protected our camera gear, and most of the places we visited were under roof.
WHICH Bird Species Can You See on this 3-in-1 Birding Trip?
With more than 400 bird species recorded in the La Paz Waterfall area, you are sure to check many off your list at these hotspots! There are many hummingbirds to see, as well as colorful tanagers, migratory birds (October to May), etc.
TARGET BIRDS FOR THE LA PAZ WATERFALL AREA
Some of the most common, and also most desired birds to photograph include:
Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird
Coppery-headed Emerald Hummingbird (Endemic)
Black-bellied Hummingbird (Endemic)
Red-headed Barbet
Prong-billed Barbet (Endemic)
Northern Emerald-Toucanet
Among others…
PRICE How Much Does the Best Birding at La Paz Waterfall Cost?
The price will really depend on how much you want to see, and how much you are willing to spend. We have planned this as a budget day trip, in a way to enjoy free or very cheap places to go birdwatching.
TWO OPTIONS TO VISIT THE LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS
Option #1 (FREE): Visit the La Paz waterfall from the road. There is a place to pull off the side of the road and you can view La Paz waterfall from very close. There is a bridge right over the river in front of the waterfall, and also a small trail you can take along the side of the waterfall to view it from a close distance. However, you must be cautious as there are cars passing on the road, and also the little trail can be muddy/slippery.
Option #2: (Entry Fee): Visit La Paz waterfall from La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Peace Lodge). This is a beautiful place full of maintained trails, a hummingbird garden, wildlife refuge, and there is even a restaurant on site. If you would like to spend more time hiking trails, enjoying the multiple waterfalls, viewing wildlife and gardens, this is an excellent option. You can opt for entry with a buffet lunch which is super nice, and the last time we did this, we had a close encounter with Coatis right by the restaurant. Of course, it will take more time out of your day, so you will want to plan for that.
COST OF VISITING SODA Y MIRADOR CINCHONA
The prices on the menu for the food are very reasonable and the meals are delicious. There is also a tip jar for the bird feeders so you can help contribute to that as well, if you desire.
WHAT Should You Take – COSTA RICA BIRDWATCHING PACKING LIST
Keeping in mind the tropical rainforest conditions at these birding hotspots, we make the following recommendations:
PREPARE FOR: RAIN
Bring a rain jacket and/or umbrella, and rain protection for your birding gear, in case of a rain shower. There is a chance of rain all year round. Waterproof hiking boots are also recommended, especially if you are planning on hiking the trails. These are the hiking boots we use in Costa Rica: They have lasted us for years and kept our feet dry all this time!
Kelsey’s Waterproof Hiking Boots for Women: https://amzn.to/3vVjU7R
Kevin’s Waterproof Hiking Boots for Men: https://amzn.to/4cNtdba
QUENCH THAT THIRST
Bring a water bottle and fill it with plenty of water!
SATISFY YOUR HUNGER
Pack a snack!
PACK THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Don’t forget your binoculars, and camera if you have one. Also, a field guide book for Costa Rica will be very helpful. We highly recommend this one: Birds of Costa Rica Field Guide
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DON’T FORGET: JOY
Bring your best smile, the birds will thank you for it and most certainly smile back 🙂
OUR Birdwatching Experience – 3-in-1 Tour to La Paz Waterfall Review
We had an amazing time! Check out this video we made on Youtube showing some of the highlights:
FINAL THOUGHTS – The Best Birding Near San Jose: 3-in-1 Day Tour to La Paz Waterfall
It was a fun day trip, and easy place to travel to, and plenty of birds to see, as well as other sights such as the waterfall. We would highly recommend planning a day like this. If you would like to go and for us to do the planning, please contact us and we will be happy to help you arrange this tour for you.
Don’t hesitate to comment below with any questions you may have, or contact us via email.
Pura vida and happy birding!
-Kevin & Kelsey, Wonders of Costa Rica
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