This tour takes you from Alajuela, the birthplace of our national hero, Juan Santamaría, to the top of Poas Volcano, in a steady climb through spectacular landscapes. At the 9000-ft. summit, you'll be able to walk through a cloud forest teeming with native plant species and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the main crater, considered one of the largest in the world.
Then we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, starting at the Welcome Center, Bernardo's Trail will take you through the beautiful Hummingbird Gardens, where you can enjoy the wonders of these tiny creatures. From there, proceed to the Orchid houses and the entrance to the forest. As the trail takes you deep into the thick green growth of the forest, pay close attention to the winding vines and indigenous plants which are home to many of the rain forest most colorful feathered creatures.
This truly spectacular trail begins with a suspended staircase which creates a path along the vertical cliff face of the Magia Blanca Waterfall, the largest and most powerful of the falls. Halfway down the suspended trail, you will encounter a viewing platform that allows you to view the falling water from underneath the drop-off. The route brigs you to two more viewing balconies which offer great photo opportunities. Continuing down the river, you will come upon three balconies located in the gorge, created by the confluence of the Río La Paz Grande and the Río La Paz. From the balconies, you view three separate waterfalls, Encantada, Escondido, and, of course, the famous La Paz Waterfall. Upon hiking back up the Trail of Falls, you won't want to miss the trek up river to our viewing platform of the Templo Waterfall.
Once you hike up above the Templo Waterfall, the trail will take you on a leisurely stroll along the banks of the source of the magnificent falls, the La Paz River. At each turn in the trail, you will find breathtaking views up and down the river. Interspersed along the trail are small side trails that take you right to the waters edge. Depending upon the flow of the river, some of these areas will be open for swimming.
Upon leaving the Río La Paz Trail, you will be welcomed by a change in not only climate but plant growth in the Fern Trail. As the name implies, this trail boasts an extensive collection of three ferns. In fact, you will find eight out of the twelve species of tree ferns found in Costa Rica. The tranquility of the Fern Trail is an overwhelming contrast to the Río La Paz and Trail of Falls. As you wander through the trail keep an eye out for not only unique plant life, but animal life as well.