Discover Secluded Waterfalls and Forests
It feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but it's not. La Paz is about 45 minutes to an hour tops out of San Jose, north of the town. You'll pass through farmland and the best of rural Costa Rica before finding yourself in the pristine cloud forest and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the slopes of the Poas Volcano.
As befits the name, the Waterfall Gardens house one of Costa Rica's most famous waterfalls, a series of torrents along the La Paz River that offer some of the most Instagram-able moments you'll have in this country.
Best Time to Travel to La Paz/Vara Blanca
Any time of the year is excellent. It's close to the airport and city and no inconvenience to visit. La Paz makes a great stopover from San Jose to Arenal or Monteverde. It's easy to reach.
We would, however, say that September and October are not as popular to come here as it can get pretty damp in these months. But, on the other hand, that can mean cozy to many people, so whatever floats your boat.
You're good to come to La Paz whenever you want.
Weather in La Paz/Vara Blanca
This is a highland area on the slopes of the Poas Volcano, so it's cooler climes here. Think the late 60s to mid-70s F year-round, which in Costa Rica can mean chilly.
You can expect rain in any month apart from March and April and rainfall in August, September, and October. It's that rain and those clouds that create the misty environment of the cloud forest. Bring a light sweater and a poncho.
Is La Paz in Vara Blanca Safe?
Yes, safe. This is rural Costa Rica, and crime is minimal. The main thing to watch out for is slipping on the trails when the weather is wet.
How to Get to La Paz - Vara Blanca
Outside Costa Rica's capital of San Jose, Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO) is the closest international airport to Alajuela. It's in Alajuela.
Distance & Driving Time to La Paz - Vara Blanca
From SJO Airport: 23 miles (37 kilometers), about one hour.
If you're driving to La Paz - Vara Blanca from SJO Airport, planning to drive to Jaco from the airport, give yourself about an hour or so of driving time, plus an hour or so to arrange your car rental. Also, make sure you arrive in Costa Rica early enough in the day to not drive at night.
Come out of the airport and onto the crossing and follow the signs into the city of Alajuela. You'll pass by the City Mall on your left, and soon you'll be downtown. Make sure you have Waze on not to get lost in the city center. Once in the city, take a left at the Juan Santamaria Park, and then two blocks later, a right at the Guaria Hotel. Keep on this same street out of town.
You're okay as long as you don't deviate from this road as it leaves Alajuela and passes through rural Costa Rica on a slow uphill route. Pass through farmland and small villages until you reach the community of Flores del Poas. By now, you'll be seeing a lot of signs for the Peace Lodge or La Paz Waterfall Gardens, so you know you're on the right track.
At the Hotel El Churrasco in Flores del Poas, take a right and continue towards the community of Vara Blanca itself, where you'll take a left at the gas station there. Keep going uphill, and you're now in the general area of where you want to be. You'll soon reach the Waterfall Gardens and the Peace Lodge.
