Parque Acuático El Valle Encantado
Rating
Family of 4
USD 40-70 for admission for a family of four
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
3-16
About
Parque Acuático El Valle Encantado (The Enchanted Valley Water Park) is a popular outdoor water park located in the mountains of Acosta, about an hour south of San Jose. With a Google rating of 4.3 from 440+ reviews, it's one of the most-visited water parks in the greater San Jose area.
The park sits in a green, hilly setting that gives it a different character than urban water parks — you're surrounded by jungle vegetation while splashing down slides, which kids find genuinely thrilling. There are multiple water slides suited to different ages and thrill levels, plus splash areas more appropriate for younger kids who aren't quite ready for the big slides. Toddlers aged 3 and up generally do well here.
Parents should note that the park is closed Monday and Tuesday, operating Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The drive from San Jose takes roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, so plan to arrive by 10 AM to get maximum water time before early afternoon heat. Bring your own towels, sunscreen, and water shoes — surfaces around the pools can get slippery.
On-site food is available but bringing your own snacks reduces costs considerably.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Wednesday-Friday) to avoid weekend crowds; dry season for best weather
Wait Times
15-30 min for popular slides on weekends; minimal on weekdays
Nearby Food
On-site food concessions available. Small sodas in Acosta town nearby for a post-visit meal.
Why Kids Love It
Kids absolutely lose themselves at this water park — between the twisting slides, splash pools, and lazy river-style areas, there's no shortage of ways to get completely soaked in the lush Costa Rican hills.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The park is about an hour south of San Jose in Acosta — factor in travel time and plan for a half-day trip minimum.
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit for Wednesday through Sunday.
- Bring water shoes as some surfaces around the pools can be slippery.
What to Bring
- Swimsuits and towels for everyone
- Waterproof sandals or water shoes
- Sunscreen and a change of dry clothes
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 40-70 for admission for a family of four
Tips to Save
- Visit on a weekday when admission prices may be lower and lines are shorter.
- Bring your own food and drinks if allowed to avoid on-site food costs.
- Arrive early to maximize time before afternoon thunderstorms.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
