La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The ever-changing weather switched from blue-sky to a heavy veil of fog and back again while we enjoyed hiking up and down the stairs to see the rushing cascade of falls at La Paz, near Volcan Poas.

One of our favorite parts of the nature reserve park was the 3 story domed butterfly gardens, replete with thousands of fluttering, free-flying, colorful wonders.   We practically had to dodge them, and several landed on us!   Additionally, the poisonous dart frogs and free-roaming hummingbirds were spectacular.  But, the cara blanca monkeys (Capuchin) looked like unhappy inmates in a Costa Rica prison.  And, the gorgeous leopard paced back and forth wondering what he did to deserve incarceration.  Seeing jungle animals locked up while their cohorts are only meters away in the jungle canopy, seems particularly tragic. 

Nevertheless, it's a super day trip:  Only a bit over an hour away from San Jose.  Don't expect cell coverage, especially if you have Claro - putting the kaibosh on our plans to meet up with friends...

Right now, until December 15th, 2014, if you like the Waterfall Gardens on Facebook, residents get 50% off the entrance fee.  Sweet deal!