The Peace Lodge

The Peace Lodge, inside La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The Peace Lodge sits inside La Paz Waterfall Gardens at Vara Blanca, about 5,200 ft up in the mountains, roughly one hour from the San José airport and 20 minutes from the Poas Volcano. The rooms are built in a Costa Rican style around the rainforest of the park, and for most of our clients the point is simple: you sleep where everyone else only comes for the day. It is one of our team's favourites for a honeymoon, and it works for families too.

Why we choose it

• The park to yourself. Lodge guests can walk the trails, waterfalls, trout lake and animal exhibits before 8 am and after 5 pm, when the day visitors have gone.
• Romance in the room. Every room has a private jacuzzi, and the Artisan rooms open onto a balcony over the La Paz River Valley toward the Poas Volcano.
• Space for a whole family. Villa Lago has three bedrooms, so a big family can stay together inside the gardens.

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Rooms and views

The Artisan Guest Rooms are 650 sq ft, with a balcony looking across the La Paz River Valley to the volcano, and they also come with two full-size beds for friends or a family. The Deluxe Guest Rooms are larger, at 800 sq ft, also with a two-bed option.

For more space, the Monarch Villa has 1200 sq ft, and Villa Lago, with three bedrooms, is the choice for a large family. The rooms are finished in stone and wood, with a private jacuzzi, so a rainy afternoon in the cloud forest is no hardship at all.

On the property

Staying here means La Paz Waterfall Gardens is your garden. The trails lead down past the waterfalls and along the river, and the park has its trout lake and animal exhibits with birds, butterflies and frogs close enough to watch for a long time. Guided walking tours are offered if you want someone to show you what you are looking at.

The Ventanas Verdes Spa does treatments, and massages can also be given in your room. Dinner is at the lodge restaurant, which has its own cocktail section for the evening. Internet reaches the rooms and most of the park.

Location and getting there

Vara Blanca is on the mountain road between the Central Valley and Sarapiquí, so the lodge fits well as a first night after landing or as a stop on the way to the Caribbean or the Northern Zone. Pair it with the crater of the Poas Volcano, 20 minutes away. See more about La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

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