Lake Cachí (Lago de Cachí) is a tranquil artificial lake nestled in the Orosí Valley of
Cartago Province, Costa Rica. Surrounded by rolling green hills, coffee plantations, and
winding roads, it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the region.
The lake is a popular
destination for photography, scenic drives, and peaceful day trips, offering visitors a
relaxing escape into Costa Rica’s lush highlands.
- Stop at scenic viewpoints 📸 along the Cachí Dam road 🛣️ for panoramic photos 👀🏞️✨
- Enjoy local food 🍽️ and coffee ☕ at lakeside restaurants 🏡 and cafés 😋🇨🇷
- Walk along the dam area 🚶♀️ and admire the engineering 🏗️ and surrounding views 🏔️💚
- Take photos 🖼️ of the reflections ✨ of hills 🌳 and clouds ☁️ on the calm lake surface 💧🌊
- Explore nearby attractions 🧭 such as Ujarrás Ruins 🏛️ and Tapantí National Park 🐒🌳
- From San José 🏙️: About 1.5 hours ⏱️ by car 🚗 via Route 2 and Route 10 🛣️ through Cartago and Paraíso 🗺️💨
- From Cartago City 🏘️: Around 40 minutes ⏱️ via Route 224 🧭 toward Ujarrás and Cachí 🚕
- By Car 🚘: Scenic ✨, well-paved mountain roads ⛰️ with multiple lookout stops 🔭 and cafés ☕ along the way ✅👍
- Bring a camera 📸 or smartphone 📱 for panoramic photos 🖼️👀
- Visit during weekdays 🗓️ for fewer crowds 🤫 at the viewpoints 🚫👥
- Carry a light jacket 🧥 – the highland breeze 🌬️ can be cool 🥶 near the water 💧❄️
- Try local dishes 🥘 such as gallo pinto 🍚 or trout 🎣 at lakeside restaurants 😋🇨🇷
- Drive carefully ⚠️ around curves 🔄 and steep sections ⛰️ of the road 🛣️🐢
- 8:00 AM – Depart 🚗 from Cartago 🏘️ toward Lake Cachí 💧 via Route 224 🛣️💨
- 9:00 AM – Stop 🧭 at viewpoints 🔭 near the Cachí Dam 🏞️ for photos 📸✨
- 10:00 AM – Breakfast 🍳 or coffee ☕ at a café 🏡 overlooking the lake 💧😋
- 11:30 AM – Visit nearby Mirador de Ujarrás 🏰 or Tapantí National Park 🌳🐒🗺️
- 2:00 PM – Lunch 🍽️ at a lakeside restaurant 🛶 before returning 🔙 to Cartago 🚗👋
