You’re driving up a winding, potholed road from San José, the air getting cooler and the mist thicker with every turn, and suddenly you see it. It’s not just a hotel. Honestly, calling the Peace Lodge Costa Rica a "hotel" feels like a bit of a disservice. It’s more like a fever dream of a luxury mountain chalet that someone decided to drop right into the middle of a vertical rainforest.
Most people come here because they saw a photo of a waterfall or a butterfly on Instagram. But what they don't tell you is that the experience is actually kind of overwhelming in the best way possible. You aren't just staying near the La Paz Waterfall Gardens; you are living inside them.
The Weird and Wonderful Design of the Rooms
Standard hotel rooms are boring. You know the drill: two queen beds, a desk, a TV, and a beige bathroom. Peace Lodge doesn't do "standard." Every single room is a massive suite designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a high-end cave.
We’re talking about stone fireplaces that actually work—which you’ll need because it gets surprisingly chilly at 5,000 feet—and bathrooms that are basically private spas. Most rooms have these incredible "waterfall showers." It’s not just a showerhead; it’s a literal flow of water coming out of the rock wall. And then there’s the tub. Usually, it's a massive stone jacuzzi that sits on your private balcony, looking out over the Poás Volcano or the dense jungle.
It's ridiculous. It's over-the-top. And it works.
The architecture uses a lot of local wood and stone, keeping things feeling grounded despite the luxury. If you’ve ever wanted to sit in a hot tub while a cloud literally drifts through your balcony, this is the place. It's quirky. Some might find the "themed" nature of it a bit much, but if you lean into the fantasy of it, it’s easily one of the most memorable stays in Central America.
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Navigating the La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Here is the thing about staying at the Peace Lodge Costa Rica: you get the run of the place. The hotel is situated within the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, which is one of the most visited private ecological attractions in the country.
Day-trippers pay a hefty fee to come here. They bus in from San José, walk the trails, see the animals, and leave by 5:00 PM. But as a guest? You get the park to yourself after hours.
There are five major waterfalls on the property: Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada, Escondida, and La Paz. The trail system is world-class. Instead of scrambling over muddy roots, you’re walking on reinforced steel catwalks that hang off the side of cliffs. It’s safe, but it’ll still give you a bit of vertigo if you look down. Magia Blanca is the showstopper. There’s a viewing platform that puts you right in the spray of the falls. You will get wet. You will feel the power of the water shaking the ground. It’s visceral.
The Wildlife Encounter (and the Ethics of It)
Let’s talk about the animal sanctuary. This is where opinions sometimes split, so it’s worth being honest about it. The park hosts a massive collection of rescued wildlife.
- There’s an aviary where toucans might actually land on your shoulder.
- A butterfly observatory that is arguably the largest in the world.
- A hummingbird garden where the birds are so used to people they’ll buzz right past your ear.
- Big cat exhibits featuring jaguars and pumas that were rescued from illegal trade or domestic situations.
Some travelers prefer seeing animals strictly in the wild. If that’s you, you might find the enclosure aspect a bit jarring. However, these aren't zoo animals caught for display; they are rescues that cannot be released back into the wild for various reasons. The educational value is massive, especially for kids. Being able to see a bright green Frog (the iconic Red-Eyed Tree Frog) up close in the ranarium is a lot easier than squinting at a leaf in the dark with a flashlight.
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The Logistics Nobody Mentions
You need to know that this place is remote. You aren't walking to a local sodas (small Tico restaurants) for a cheap lunch. You are essentially captive to the on-site dining.
The food is good—the Vista Poás restaurant has some solid high-end options—but it is priced like a luxury resort. Expect US prices, not Costa Rican prices. The breakfast buffet is usually included for guests and it's a spread. Fresh papaya, gallo pinto, made-to-order omelets. It's enough to fuel a four-hour hike.
Also, the weather. People hear "Costa Rica" and think "beach." Peace Lodge is in the cloud forest. It is humid. It is wet. It rains. A lot. Even in the dry season (December to April), you should expect mist and drizzle. The moisture is what makes the moss so green and the ferns so giant, but it also means your hiking boots will never truly dry out. Bring extra socks. Seriously.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a minimalist, eco-lodge experience where you sleep under a mosquito net, this isn't it. Peace Lodge is unapologetic luxury.
It’s expensive. A night here can easily run you $500 to $800 depending on the season and the room type. But when you factor in that you’re getting 24/7 access to a private nature park that costs $50+ per person just to enter, the math starts to make a bit more sense for families or couples on a honeymoon.
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It’s also surprisingly close to the airport (SJO). You can be at the lodge in about an hour and a half from the terminal. This makes it a perfect "first stop" or "last stop" on a Costa Rican itinerary. Instead of staying in a generic airport hotel in Alajuela, you spend your first night listening to the sound of a waterfall.
Essential Tips for Your Stay
Don't just show up and wing it. Here is the move:
- Book the "Monarch" or "Villa" suites if you can. The extra space and the view are worth the upgrade if you're splurging anyway.
- Go to the falls at dawn. The park officially opens to the public at 8:00 AM. If you get out there at 7:00 AM, you’ll have the mist-covered trails entirely to yourself. The photography is better, and the vibe is much more spiritual without a tour group behind you.
- Feed the hummingbirds. In the afternoon, the staff often puts out handheld feeders. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but having a creature with a heartbeat that fast hovering inches from your face is a core memory.
- Don't skip the Trout Lake. You can actually catch your own dinner there, and the kitchen will prepare it for you. It sounds cheesy, but the fish is incredibly fresh.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip, don't just book a single night. One night isn't enough to see the waterfalls, the wildlife, and actually enjoy the room you're paying so much for. Stay for two.
Check the weather patterns for Varablanca before you pack. If there's a tropical depression coming through, the views of Poás Volcano will be non-existent, but the waterfalls will be even more thundering and impressive.
Pack a high-quality raincoat (not a cheap plastic poncho) and sturdy shoes with grip. The metal stairs at the waterfalls can get slippery when wet. Most importantly, leave the hairdryer at home; the humidity will win every single time. Just embrace the jungle hair and enjoy the view.