<h2>La Paz, Vara Blanca Cloud Forest</h2> 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.&nbsp;

Places to Stay near La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest 

The Peace Lodge

La Paz

Costa Rica Coffee, the Flavors, and Unique Varieties 

Coffee Plantation Visit

Culture

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

Nature & Wildlife

National Parks

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Waterfalls

The Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens often merge, but they're separate. 

There's no doubt about it - the trails and stairwells that follow the Rio La Paz and its waterfalls are a major highlight.

<h2>La Paz, Vara Blanca: A World of Nature and Waterfalls</h2>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153830/la_paz_vara_blanca_misty_cloud_forest_detail_e0e9da1ffa.jpg" alt="la-paz-vara-blanca-misty-cloud-forest-detail.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153831/thumbnail_la_paz_vara_blanca_misty_cloud_forest_detail_e0e9da1ffa.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153832/small_la_paz_vara_blanca_misty_cloud_forest_detail_e0e9da1ffa.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153832/medium_la_paz_vara_blanca_misty_cloud_forest_detail_e0e9da1ffa.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153831/large_la_paz_vara_blanca_misty_cloud_forest_detail_e0e9da1ffa.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to La Paz - Vara Blanca</h3>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;You're good to come to La Paz whenever you want.&nbsp;<h3>Weather in La Paz - Vara Blanca</h3>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h3>Is La Paz - Vara Blanca safe?</h3>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.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153829/la_paz_vara_blanca_toucan_close_up_c9fc615710.jpg" alt="la-paz-vara-blanca-toucan-close-up.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153830/thumbnail_la_paz_vara_blanca_toucan_close_up_c9fc615710.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153831/small_la_paz_vara_blanca_toucan_close_up_c9fc615710.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153831/medium_la_paz_vara_blanca_toucan_close_up_c9fc615710.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648153831/large_la_paz_vara_blanca_toucan_close_up_c9fc615710.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h2>How to Get to La Paz - Vara Blanca</h2>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.<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to La Paz - Vara Blanca</h3>From SJO Airport: 23 miles (37 kilometers), about one hour.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest

Adventure

Cloud Forest & Beach Vibes: La Paz and Manuel Antonio

Cloud Forest & Beach Vibes

Adrenaline

Beach Fun

Relaxing

There are various options from budget-friendly to very high-end. Most places are either walkable to the beach and surrounded by jungle or just a few minutes drive.

Aside from a few days of sunbathing and swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there is so much to do in the area. 

Manuel Antonio

National Park

Beach

Rainforest

Snapper

Rooster

Sailfish

Group Travel

Luxury

Freshwater Fishing

Romance

Yellowfin Tuna

Blue Marlin

Mahi Mahi

Fishing

Deep Sea

Fly Fishing

FADS

Inshore Fishing

Wahoo

Cloud Forest

Slow Down & Sloth On: La Paz Cloud Forest and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Slow Down & Sloth On

A series of eco-lodges are dotting the landscape here, there's someting to suit everyone's budget. 

Drake Bay provides a range of family-friendly activities. From hiking to snorkeling or diving, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay

Couples

Holidays

Adults-Only

Relaxation

'Pura Vida' Cool: La Paz - Cloud Forest and Playa Dominical

'Pura Vida' Cool 

Dominical is small but boasts several great places to stay for all budgets, from surf camps to higher-end eco-lodges and rentals. 

Dominical offers year-round action with some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. Also, Dominical has some of the best whale watching opportunities globally and is close to the Marino Ballena National Park.

Playa Dominical

Dominical

A Week in the Tropics: La Paz Cloud Forest and Isla Chiquita

A Week in the Tropics

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is really the only place to stay on the island. And we can't complain!

The whole point of Isla Chiquita is to lose yourself in nature on a tropical island in Costa Rica. 

Isla Chiquita

Island

Breathe in, Breathe out: La Paz Cloud Forest and Flamingo Beach

Breathe in, Breathe out 

A selection of resorts, including Margaritaville, and plenty of rental options ideal for families looking to enjoy the beach.

From fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset sailing, to thrilling ATV tours, Flamingo has something for everyone.

Flamingo Beach

Cloud Forest & Beach Combo: La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest and Playa Panamá

Cloud Forest & Beach Combo

Playa Panama is the perfect beach to relax and read. Or sit with a cold drink watching the sunset. It's excellent for stand-up paddeboarding too.

Playa Panamá

Playa Panama

Costa Rica Cool: La Paz Cloud Forest and San Isidro

Costa Rica Cool

Many of the accommodations in San Isidro are family-owned and operated, providing guests with an authentic Costa Rican experience.

San Isidro is a splendid gateway to fresh air and an outdoor lifestyle, from hiking Chirripo to exploring the cloud forests searching for the resplendent quetzal to fishing for trout.

San Isidro

Countryside

Family Time

Boutique

Spring Break

Honeymoon

Eco-Adventure Classic: La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest and Las Catalinas

Eco-Adventure Classic

Las Catalinas has plenty of accommodations. From larger homes to mid-sized townhouses and smaller apartments. Also, high-end, beautiful boutique hotel options.

There are great beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie-boarding. Plus, some thrilling adventures to try.

Las Catalinas

Eco-Extravaganza Collection: La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest and Bijagu Upala Jungle Lodge

Eco-Extravaganza Collection

Upala is a remote area with few places to stay. You'll find some isolated jungle lodges in this part of Costa Rica.

The rainforests provide hiking and wildlife watching opportunities, and horseback riding, river tubing, and rafting are available.