We hadn't originally planned to go into the Peace Lodge Gardens and when it was offered there was some hesitation, but I am a sucker for wildlife and I have to say that adding it in was the best decision we made on our trip. We were able to get up close and get pictures next to toucans, see sloths and big cats, and see the beautiful waterfalls. I would go back again in a heartbeat and could spend much more time just being near the beautiful animals!

My husband and I did this as a pit stop on our drive from San Jose to La Fortuna in our first full day in CR. I was worried that we may not see wildlife on activities we had planned later on the trip and didn’t want to leave CR without seeing some awesome animals.

I was a little concerned since so many reviews said this was a family place. And it was but we were thrilled as 2 adults (although our kids would have loved it!).

We opted to add on the buffet lunch which had great variety and was delicious.

The place is similar to a zoo with lots of local animals that for one reason or another cannot be returned to the wild. Because of this stop we saw 3 types of local toucans, sloths, 2 types of monkey, ocelots, cougars and jaguars, amongst other local treats. After that it was off to the waterfalls which ultimately end at La Paz (the popular along the road stop). Absolutely stunning! Bonus that they provide a shuttle back up the hill to the entrance so you don’t have to make a long sweaty climb back up.

Worth every dollar spent for admission and bonus that it’s a great mid-way stop driving to La Fortuna.