Peace Lodge and Waterfall Gardens Are Essential to any Costa Rica Visit

The Peace Lodge is the brainchild of American visionary businessman Lee Banks from Fort Lauderdale, Florida who began construction in 1998 and opened La Paz Waterfall Gardens in 2000, later extended a hotel on to the property in 2003. Banks mantra stresses protecting the local flora and fauna.

The mastermind behind the environmentally sound tropical Shangri-La is Bernardo Picado who painstakingly created 2.2 miles of adorned hiking trails without cutting down a single tree or destroying any vine system.

The 70-acre eco-Disneyland grounds at 5,225 feet in altitude includes five dramatic waterfalls on-site. Water flows year-round with annual rain over 14 feet per year. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is less than one hour from the capital of San Jose makes for easy access to begin or complete a Costa Rica adventure.

“Not only do we have 2.5 miles of trails where visitors can achieve astounding waterfall views immersed inside the native rain and cloud forest, but we have ten animal exhibits where we cooperate with the wildlife ministry to receive confiscated, endangered and wild animals of which many cannot survive in the wild,” said Banks.

The history of the Waterfall Gardens dates back to World War II when the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers constructed the bridge over the La Paz River. Costa Rica is rich in quinine, which was needed to fight malaria in Asia and the Pacific.

The sector remained unscathed as its heavy rains and clouds deemed it impossible to grow crops. Not a single road existed until 1940. Later it was discovered that the lush grass would allow for cows and dairy farming to flourish.

The 18 dwelling property oozes with charm and includes six deluxe guest rooms, two units with two full-size beds, six standard guess room units, two units with two full-size bed, and two villas, Villa Monarca and Villa Lago come with teak four-poster beds. Every element of the rooms is created to integrate into the natural surroundings of the property. Cozy patios come with an outdoor hot tub that overlooks the verdant environs.

Each of the 18 sizable sleeping quarters is a separate casita or mini home. Rustic rooms flaunt handcrafted canopy beds, spacious love seats, along with stained glass and illustrated paintings by local artists.

The piece de resistance is the Lego-like like jungle motif stone bathrooms which flawlessly blend into the rainforest backdrop. One cannot help to marvel at the imposing waterfall shows and granite jacuzzi tub. Living plants surround you, and you’re quickly acquainted with the outside rainforest in your whimsical living quarters.

Long days of exploration begin with breakfast on the patio with an awe-inspiring view of the Poas Volcano, or call for room service and dine overlooking the manicured grounds and adjacent cloud forest. Buffet lunch at the Calibres Restaurant consists of both American comfort food and Costa Rican fare, or order la carte service at Big Trout Bar. Intimate dinners occur at Vista Poas Restaurant and Las Tucas Lounge where Guests are encouraged to arrive for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The properties crown jewel is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Nature Park. The park encompasses 70 acres of land. “Our mission statement is to preserve and protect the beautiful natural environment and animals in the area and to teach people about our local animals. To care about our visitors,” mentioned nature guide Dixon Porros. Within the grounds, you’ll also find a large trout fishing pond.

You can easily spend a day observing the wildlife at the Waterfall Gardens. Animal displays created to protect, teach, and to simulate natural surroundings. You’ll find an enclosed butterfly farm, with 25 species of the newly-hatched insects who mingle with visitors daily. Fraternize with big jungle cats including jaguars, pumas, and mountain lions; get up close with toucans and be inspired with a collection of 26 hummingbird species, visit the impressive selection of snakes at the serpentarium, and watch rescue monkeys swing in a created natural habitat. Most impressive is the kaleidoscope of colors at the frog panarium.

Delve into Costa Rica’s rich rural history at the hundred-year-old Casita de la Paz farmhouse reproduction built with hand tools from the era. View the Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves dressed in traditional clothing. See prepared local recipes handed down from generations past, drink fresh cow’s milk, and take a ride in an ox-driven cart — an essential insight into country-living of yesteryear. Peace Lodge, draped in a pastoral forest backdrop, is a faultless storybook ending to any visit to Costa Rica. Rising to the essence of the nation “Pura Vida,” or pure life, the eco-friendly hotel is a jungle-lodge that evokes unforgettable memories of a lifetime.