Private tour in San Jose Isaac T

Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Tour from San José

4.8

(10) reviews

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Isaac T.

5.0

Guide rating

40

Reviews

Tours delivered

31 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, I’m Isaac Taylor — a certified bilingual naturalist guide with deep Costa Rican roots and over a decade of experience leading immersive, custom tours. Originally from San José, I left a corporate career 10 years ago to follow my passion for nature, wildlife, and sharing Costa Rica’s beauty with travelers. I specialize in wildlife-focused and cultural tours across Costa Rica, with expertise in destinations such as Tortuguero (where I’m a certified turtle nesting guide), Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and Cahuita. Guests enjoy educational, flexible experiences that blend history, culture, nature, and adventure — all tailored to their interests. In addition, I lead San José city tours that bring the capital’s rich history, vibrant culture, and local life to light. As a licensed tourism driver (Type C2), I provide safe, comfortable transportation in a fully insured, A/C microbus with all permits up to date. My goal is to create meaningful connections and help you discover the real Costa Rica — from hidden forest trails and wildlife encounters to authentic city experiences and local flavors. Let’s explore Costa Rica together — with knowledge, heart, and a personal touch! Credentials & Certifications: -Certified General Tour Guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (I.C.T) – Authorized Tour Guide #2454 -Tourism Promoter ACTO (Tortuguero Conservation Area) – Authorized sea turtle nesting guide -Costa Rica Driving License: C1-110910710 – Type C2 Public Transport Tourism

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Isaac T.

Overview of your San Jose tour

Experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s cloud forest on this full-day tour to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Enjoy a scenic countryside drive past dairy farms, flower nurseries, and strawberry fields, with a stop at a local café for fresh Costa Rican coffee. Visit a charming hummingbird garden before reaching Poás Volcano National Park, where you’ll witness the impressive main crater and the serene Lake Botos. Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, home to stunning waterfalls and a renowned wildlife sanctuary featuring over 100 species. Explore the aviary, butterfly observatory, jungle cats exhibit, and hummingbird areas before enjoying a delicious traditional buffet lunch. This tour blends natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences—an unforgettable escape from San José

Recent Reviews

Karen W.United States
April 2026

We spent a wonderful day with Isaac as our guide at Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. When we initially booked the excursion, we had little idea what to expect. It turned out that the Waterfall Gardens Nature Park was a highlight of our entire time in Costa Rica (the other being our niece's wedding in Manuel Antonio). Having Isaac as our guide was the icing on the cake and made the experience a most memorable one!

Charmayne H.Canada
February 2026

Wonderful day trip to see Poás Volcano park and the beautiful Waterfall Gardens with all the fauna and flora there. We also made some little stops along the way that added to our experience. Isaac was a superb host and I don't believe there is any question about Costa Rican plants or animals that he couldn't answer. Over all, this was a fantastic tour!

Kathy K.
January 2026

Isaac was a delightful and knowledgeable guide for our two tours with him in Costa Rica. His English was perfect and his knowledge of Costa Rican history and nature was extensive. He patiently waited for us as we faced an enormous line in immigration. He brought us to a local restaurant that served a delicious sampler of Costa Rican dishes. He found ways to beat the crowds at tourist destinations. I'd hire him again in a heartbeat. From my friend and traveling partner Carrie: "Isaac was very accommodating to my level of fitness and modified on the fly at the waterfall park. I appreciated his flexibility on the San Jose city tour to have our dinner early. The restaurant he brought us to was outstanding both in food and experience. He was very knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics that really enhanced my overall understanding of Costa Rica as a whole."

Nicole H.United States
April 2025

What an amazing day at La Fortuna & Arsenal National Park we had with Isaac!! We started the day with Costa Rican coffee…the best coffee I’ve ever had!!! Isaac is so passionate about Costa Rica & he truly loves the rainforest, animals & the eco systems. His love & passion for guiding shows through out the day when he’s showing us either the sloth or the longlash viper yellow snake. The hike was so beautiful and being in the rainforest and hearing the sounds of nature was very relaxing! Isaac is such a joy & delight to be around. Thank you so much & until the next time we meet again.

Helen Z.United States
March 2025

We spent two days with Isaac and they were wonderful. He is so knowledgeable and such good company. Our trip to the volcano unfortunately was cancelled because Poas Volcano became active and the park was limiting visitors for safety. So instead Isaac gave us several choices of other activities and they were very enjoyable. We are so glad we booked him as our guide. In fact, we are considering returning for a several day tour with him. We learned so much about wildlife, history and culture of Costa Rica. This is a wonderful country with wonderful people. And Isaac is the best!

Ellen Z.United States
January 2025

The tour with Issac is a must see if you are in the San Jose area. You will see the real Costa Rica than going to the West Coast! Issac did a great job of showing us his country and explain the different micro-regions within Costa Rica. The Poas Volcano is an easy hike up to see the volcanic crater and a little more effort to see the Lake Botos which is worth the trip. I highly recommend the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as you can wander around the grounds to see all the animals that are within Costa Rica. They organization does a great job of saving these species from private owners and allowing us to learn about the animals. The birds and hummingbirds were my favorite part of the park. I highly recommend eating at the La Paz Waterfall facility as it will be a multiple hour walk through all the animals and waterfalls.

Your San Jose tour itinerary

- Begin with a convenient hotel pickup from San José or nearby areas. - Continue with an scenic drive through the picturesque Costa Rican countryside, where you'll pass dairy farms, flower nurseries, and strawberry fields. Along the way, we’ll make a stop to savor a cup of coffee and visit a charming hummingbird garden. - Arrive at Poas Volcano National Park and explore the volcanic crater and Lake Botos. - Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you’ll see stunning waterfalls and a wildlife preserve with over 100 species. - Visit attractions like the aviary, butterfly observatory, and exhibits featuring jaguars, hummingbirds, and more. - Savor a buffet lunch with traditional Costa Rican dishes. - Continue exploring the gardens and additional attractions at La Paz. - Return to San José with lasting memories of this immersive experience.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

I drive a JAC Refine M4 air conditioned van for up to 11 passengers, 2024 model and specifically designed for tourist transportation. Rest assured, all permits and insurances are up-to-date to prioritize passenger safety and satisfaction.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Poas Volcano National Park / La Paz Waterfalls Garden Park
Food Drinks Snacks
Perks: Coffee / Sugar Cane tea / Traditional snacks and fruits
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses, souvenirs
Meeting location

San José, San José Province, Costa Rica

Hotels in San Jose, Heredia and Alajuela

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
1343981
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in San José best suited for?

This private tour in San José is perfect for travellers who want to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Costa Rica in a single day. It's ideal for families, as it's kid-friendly, and also suits those who prefer a light activity level. With a maximum group size of 7, it offers a personalized experience, making it great for those who want to connect with a local guide like Isaac T. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in San José be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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