| La Paz Waterfall | |
|---|---|
| (es) Catarata de La Paz | |
La Paz waterfall |
|
| Location | Alajuela, Costa Rica |
| Total height | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Watercourse | River La Paz |
La Paz (Spanish for "the peace") is a waterfall in central Costa Rica. In Spanish, it is known as Catarata de La Paz. It is located 31 kilometres (19 mi) north of Alajuela, between Vara Blanca and Cinchona.
The waterfall is located immediately alongside the road from Alajuela that leads to the northern plains of Costa Rica. The River La Paz forms the waterfall after traversing 8 kilometres (5 mi) of volcanic terrain, and then continues through the rainforest of the eastern side of Poás Volcano. A short path leads behind the waterfall, where a small shrine had been located. Upstream from the waterfall is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a hotel and park, where visitors can observe many different species of local wildlife.
The waterfall and surrounding area were severely damaged in the 6.1-magnitude earthquake of January 8, 2009. Landslides caused destructive damage to the road that runs alongside the waterfall.