WHAT: A hike to Laguna Hule WHERE: Between National Park Braulio Carillo and National Park Juan Castro Blanco, in Los Angeles Sur of Río Cuarto de Grecia, in the Province of Alajuela. A two hour drive from capital San José HOW LONG: Going for a stroll back and forth to the biggest lake will take you an hour. If you want to do the other lakes as well you need some 4 hours in total HOW MUCH: It's free! However, if you want to park at the 'mirador', the viewing point, you need to pay ₡ 2000,- (roughly $4,-)
If you think of Costa Rica you’ll probably imagine something like white-sand beaches, howling monkeys, dense jungle and gorgeous waterfalls. Well, you’re absolutely right, but you’d almost forget the country has some pretty lakes too. We were pleasantly reminded about that when we drove through the area north of the Poas volcano.
From La Paz the route 126 towards San Miguel is an absolute stunning drive with canyons on the right side, views on National Park Juan Castro Blanco on the left and coffee fields anywhere. Even more interesting are three hidden lakes on the left side – separated by a volcanic hill -, named Hule, Congo and Bosque Alegre. They are all part of the Bosque Alegre National Wildlife Refuge (the first part means ‘happy forest’, how cute is that!). This area is totally unknown for tourists, and that’s why it’s all the more fun to go there for a hike.
The Lagunas de Hule and Congo are 8 km from the town of Cariblanco, a couple of kilometers before San Miguel (seen from the south). Go left at the Red Cross building and follow the road. Signs with the “Hule” will lead you to Bosque Alegra. You get also get there from the road to Bajos del Toro: turn right (again seen from the south) towards the community of Colonia del Toro.
From Cariblanco the road is bumpy and therefore it’s better to go by 4WD. You can park your car at the ‘Mirador’, while starting with a spectacular view on the lake before you enter the path. After some 30 minutes downwards you’ll reach the laguna itself, a perfect spot for a picnic, just like the locals do on Sunday. So don’t forget to pack your picnic basket!
Here’s where to find that lake!
