The American pop star headlined the second night of the PICNIC Festival in Heredia on Saturday, March 21. She delivered a set of her biggest hits to thousands of fans who had waited years to see her perform live in the country. After the show, Aguilera headed to La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Vara Blanca. One devoted fan named Chris spotted her there and got a photo.
He was walking the grounds when a convoy of black SUVs pulled up. Aguilera stepped out of one vehicle. Chris asked for a picture, and she agreed right away. “Of course, let’s go,” she told him. The moment spread quickly on social media. Fans shared the image of the superstar relaxed and approachable in one of Costa Rica’s top nature spots.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens sits on the slopes of Poás Volcano, about an hour north of San José. The privately owned park opened in 2000 and ranks as the most visited of its kind in the country. It covers 70 acres of cloud forest and rainforest, with five waterfalls, including one that drops 121 feet. Hiking trails stretch more than 3.5 kilometers.
The site also features a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, frog pond and the country’s largest animal sanctuary. More than 100 rescued animals live there, placed under the park’s care by the Wildlife Ministry. Jaguars, pumas, spider monkeys, toucans and sloths make up part of the collection. The park lies between Poás Volcano National Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park, less than 45 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Mornings often bring cool mist that wraps the trails.
Visitors can stay at the on-site Peace Lodge, which offers rooms surrounded by forest and the sound of falling water. Aguilera’s PICNIC Festival appearance marked a highlight for Costa Rican concert fans. The event runs across two Saturdays at Centro de Eventos Pedregal and draws major international acts alongside local talent. This year’s lineup included Maná and Christian Nodal.
For many in the crowd, the concert delivered a long-awaited show. The weekend added an extra personal touch for at least one fan: a quiet encounter in the cloud forest with the artist who had just lit up the stage.
