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Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls

4.3
·148 reviews·, Costa Rica

Discover lush gardens, a stunning waterfall overlook, and panoramic ocean views on a scenic, albeit challenging, drive.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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waterfall

Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover lush gardens, a stunning waterfall overlook, and panoramic ocean views on a scenic, albeit challenging, drive.

4.3
(148 reviews)

"The word beautiful isn't enough. The garden is awesome! Then, there is the platform where you can view the waterfall and a spectacular view all the way to the ocean."

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TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Some paths are steep and stone, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring the gardens.

🚗 Be Cautious on the Drive

The road is paved but steep and narrow in parts. Drive aware of surroundings and other vehicles.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lush Tropical Gardens

Lush Tropical Gardens

Throughout the property

Explore meticulously maintained paths showcasing vibrant flora and fauna. A true botanical paradise.

Waterfall Overlook

Waterfall Overlook

Designated viewing platform

Admire a picturesque waterfall cascading down, with a stunning panoramic view stretching to the ocean.

Ocean and Sunset Views

Ocean and Sunset Views

Restaurant and viewing platform

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, especially magical during sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Scenic Drive

The drive to Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls can be steep and narrow with sheer drops. While paved, be mindful of other vehicles and the road's conditions. Arriving on a weekday afternoon might offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds.

Understanding the Value

Admission fees can range from $10-$20 USD per person. While some visitors find it well worth the cost for the maintained gardens and ocean views, others feel it's overpriced if certain areas are neglected. Check current conditions before your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Some paths are steep and stone, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring the gardens. Reddit

🚗 Be Cautious on the Drive

The road is paved but steep and narrow in parts. Drive aware of surroundings and other vehicles. Reddit

🐒 Look for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for monkeys, scarlet macaws, and sloths; you might hear howler monkeys! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The gardens and ocean views offer incredible photo opportunities. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Some paths are steep and stone, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring the gardens. Reddit

🚗 Be Cautious on the Drive

The road is paved but steep and narrow in parts. Drive aware of surroundings and other vehicles. Reddit

🐒 Look for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for monkeys, scarlet macaws, and sloths; you might hear howler monkeys! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The gardens and ocean views offer incredible photo opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(148 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls offers stunning natural beauty with meticulously maintained gardens and breathtaking ocean and waterfall views. While many praise the scenery and hospitality, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in upkeep and found the admission fee to be high if certain areas are not well-maintained. The drive can also be challenging.

"Took a spontaneous drive to Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfall and it was so beautiful! The drive up was steep, but safe. Road is paved, but there are some narrow parts and steep drops, so best to be aware of surroundings and other cars/motorcycles when making the drive. We pulled in on a Friday afternoon and had the place to ourselves. We were charged $10/each for 4 to walk the grounds. There are a few paved paths to explore the gardens and an overlook to the waterfall. You aren't close to the big waterfall, but it is still very pretty to see. After walking to the waterfall overlook, we walked the stone paths around the property and soaked in the amazing sights and sounds of the rainforest. Some pathways are steep, so take good walking shoes. One of the workers told us there are monkeys and sometimes scarlet macaws and sloths. While we didn't see any, we heard howler monkeys and captured some amazing pictures of flora and scenery. It's clear they work very hard to maintain the gardens here."

Heather

"The word beautiful isn't enough. The garden is awesome! Then, there is the platform where you can view the waterfall and a spectacular view all the way to the ocean. Just stunning! You are still pretty far from the waterfall. You aren't playing in the water. We were greeted by some wonderful staff and the owner. It caters mostly to tour groups, but you can go there on your own too. It's $20 usd to get in. When you see what kind of work would go into maintaining the property, you will understand why it costs some money. Totally worth it in my opinion!"

Angela Levell

"This a truly a wonderful garden with a delightful owner and helpful staff. Fabulous views and interesting trees and plants. As for the birds there were macaws Nesting in the garden and sitting in the trees. The view from the little restaurant was magnificent. You could see right across to the Pacific ocean and the waterfall in front. Well worth a visit on your way to the airport from Manuel Antonio.

Not touristy at all."

Caroline Holtby

What People Like

Beautiful gardens
Spectacular ocean views
Waterfall overlook

What People Dislike

Inconsistent upkeep
Steep/narrow drive
Admission price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The gardens are accessible by car. The drive is paved but can be steep and narrow with some sharp turns and drops, so drive cautiously and be aware of other traffic. Reddit

The road is paved but requires careful driving due to steep inclines, narrow sections, and potential for other vehicles. Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Driving your own vehicle or a rental car offers the most flexibility. Taxis or private drivers can also be arranged, but ensure they are comfortable with mountain roads. Reddit

Yes, it's a feasible stop on your way to or from Manuel Antonio, especially if heading towards the airport. Allow ample time for the drive. Reddit

Public transport is limited for reaching this specific location due to its somewhat remote setting. Driving is generally recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, with reports of $10-$20 USD per person. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required, as it caters to individual visitors as well as tour groups. You can typically pay upon arrival. Reddit

Admission usually grants access to walk the gardens, view the waterfall overlook, and enjoy the scenic vistas. Some reviews mention access to a restaurant area. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly at the entrance if you are part of a large group or have specific affiliations. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially during holidays. Some visitors have noted arriving late and being offered a courtesy to return. It's recommended to check their current hours. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can explore beautiful, well-maintained gardens, a waterfall overlook with ocean views, and potentially spot wildlife like monkeys and macaws. Reddit

No, visitors view the waterfall from an overlook platform. Swimming is not permitted at the waterfall itself. Reddit

The gardens offer a visually stimulating environment for children, but the steep paths and drops require close supervision. Reddit

While not guaranteed, visitors have reported hearing howler monkeys and seeing macaws. The staff may also mention sightings of sloths. Reddit

While it caters to tour groups, self-guided exploration is common. Staff may offer insights and information about the plants and wildlife. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant with magnificent views of the ocean and waterfall. Some reviews mention it being closed or not available during certain visits. Reddit

The restaurant offers dining with a view. Some visitors have enjoyed dinner and watched the sunset there. Reddit

Outside food policies are not explicitly stated, but it's generally recommended to check with the venue or plan to dine at their on-site restaurant if available. Reddit

One review mentioned an open bar during a holiday visit, suggesting it might be available during special occasions or peak times. Reddit

Given its location, dining options directly outside the gardens might be limited. The on-site restaurant is the primary option, or you may need to drive to nearby towns. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lush gardens, the waterfall overlook, and the panoramic ocean views, especially at sunset, are prime locations for photography. Reddit

Absolutely. The diverse plant life, potential wildlife sightings, and dramatic landscapes make it a great spot for nature photographers. Reddit

Policies for professional photoshoots are not widely detailed. It's advisable to contact the management beforehand to inquire about permissions and any associated fees. Reddit

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for the gardens and stunning sunset views over the ocean. Reddit

No specific restrictions are commonly mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the property. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls can be a visually engaging experience for families. The vibrant gardens offer a chance for children to see diverse plant life, and the sounds of the rainforest, like howler monkeys, can be exciting. Reddit However, parents should be extra vigilant due to the steep paths and sheer drops along some of the walkways. Reddit Ensure children stay close and are supervised at all times. The waterfall overlook provides a grand view, but it's important to manage expectations about direct interaction with the water.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls is not free, some visitors find the admission fee of $10-$20 USD to be reasonable for the maintained gardens and spectacular views. Reddit To maximize value, aim for weekday visits when crowds are lower and you can fully appreciate the tranquility. Reddit Consider packing your own snacks or water, as on-site dining might add to the cost, though the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a view.

📸 Photographers

This location is a dream for photographers, offering a rich tapestry of subjects. The lush botanical gardens provide endless opportunities for macro and landscape shots, while the waterfall overlook presents a dramatic focal point. Reddit The panoramic ocean views, especially during the golden hour and sunset, are simply breathtaking and perfect for capturing stunning vistas. Reddit Keep an eye out for wildlife like colorful macaws, which can add an exciting element to your portfolio.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pura Vida Experience: Gardens and Views

Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls offers a unique blend of meticulously cultivated botanical beauty and breathtaking natural vistas. Visitors can wander through lush gardens, appreciating the diverse flora and the hard work that goes into maintaining such a vibrant environment. The pathways, though sometimes steep, lead to rewarding viewpoints. Reddit

The main draw for many is the spectacular waterfall overlook. While you don't get close enough to play in the water, the sight of the cascade combined with the expansive view all the way to the Pacific Ocean is described as stunning and magnificent. Reddit This panoramic scenery is particularly captivating during sunset, offering a truly memorable experience for those who time their visit accordingly. Reddit

Wildlife enthusiasts might be thrilled by the possibility of spotting monkeys, scarlet macaws, or even sloths, though sightings are not guaranteed. The sounds of the rainforest, like the calls of howler monkeys, add to the immersive atmosphere. Reddit The dedication to maintaining the property is evident, contributing to the overall appeal of this destination.

Navigating the Journey and Expectations

The journey to Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls involves a scenic, yet challenging, drive. The road is paved but characterized by steep inclines, narrow sections, and significant drops, requiring careful attention and defensive driving. Reddit Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and other vehicles, especially motorcycles, which are common on these routes. Reddit

Visitor experiences regarding the value and upkeep of the gardens can be mixed. While many praise the beauty and the effort put into maintenance, some reviews suggest that certain areas may be neglected or in disrepair, leading to disappointment given the admission fee. Reddit It's recommended to manage expectations and perhaps check recent visitor feedback or photos if possible to gauge the current condition of the property before your visit. Reddit

Despite potential inconsistencies, many visitors find the experience worthwhile for the unique combination of natural beauty, the impressive waterfall overlook, and the stunning ocean panoramas. The hospitality of the staff and owners is often highlighted as a positive aspect, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

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