Is 5 hours enough time to hire a taxi and visit the La Paz Waterfall Park in Vara Blanca?

Question

I have a 5 hour layover at San Jose Inernational Airport. I was thinking of hiring a taxi, and taking the hour journey if I am correct to La Paz waterfall park. After spending about 1.5 hours enjoying the park, I was planning on taking another taxi back to the airport. In total this should take about 4 hours, sufficiently within my 5 hour time slot. Instead of a taxi, I was also considering renting a car for the commute. Any suggestions? Is this even feasible? Thanks!

Answer 1

5hrs, ought to be enough, and if you can get around Costa Rica on your own, good for you and rent a car. There are not many road signs, so you might get lost and loose your plight. Take a taxi from the airport, it will be expensive but safer.

Answer 2

sounds better than chillin in the san jose airport. plus la paz waterfall is possibly one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen in my life.

Answer 3

Hi,

The trip from the airport to La Paz Waterfall Gardens is about 1 hour. I would suggest taking a taxi and negotiation for the driver to wait for you, as the place is out of the way and s/he will want to get a fare back to the airport.

I disagree with other posters about the cost of the ride. It should be $60 for the round-trip!

I suggest that upon arriving at the airport you exit through customs and ignore the official airport taxis. They are great for airport shuttles, but are probably pricey for the type of trip that you want to do. Instead walk 150 yards to the airport road near the gas station and hire a red taxicab off the street. Negotiate the price for the round trip to La Paz and the wait there. Heck, if you get lucky the driver will speak some English and will serve as a guide as well (you can tip him nicely).

I would definitely NOT rent a car as you will spend at least 1 hour getting the car and returning it and in addition you will probably get lost for another hour...it is not worth the "convenience".

Good luck,

Carlos

Lava-tours.com

Answer 4

If the flight is on time, 5 hours should be plenty of time to go to La Paz and come back.  

However, you may have just 4 hours to spend, since you should be at the airport at least one hour before the flight if you have to check luggage, and then go through security.

So if you decide to go, I would suggest to hire one of the official airport taxis because they are reliable.   There are many "pirate" taxis that may end up being a bad experience.

Enquire how much the taxi would charge for waiting for you at La Paz and take you back to the airport.

Here's their website.  You can even make an on-line reservation:

http://taxiaeropuerto.com/ing_index.shtm...

Answer 5

Yes thats enough time to get there and see a little of the park. Taxis are your best bet.

Answer 6

I think 5 hours are enough,  you won't enjoy the park entirely, but if you don't care visiting it in a hurry, I would suggest renting a car, taxi service in Costa Rica is expensive and not very trustful in terms of responsability, you could lose your flight!

Good luck!

Answer 7

to la paz waterfall is about 1hr ride. a taxi to la paz from the airport is about $60-70. a small car will cost you around $45.