Things to Do
Cachi, San Jose Day Trip, Cartago, Costa Rica
By Explore Costa Rica Staff
Aug 1, 2008, 18:04

Cachi, San Jose Day Trip, Cartago, Costa Rica

Cachi Dam, Orosi Valley, Costa Rica

Located 45 minutes from San Jose is the beautiful Orosi Valley with its quaint town of Cachi. This Costa Rica town sits amid some of the most stunning regions in Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush green coffee plantations, are historic ruins that date back to the days when the Spaniards first colonized the area.

Near Cachi you can find picturesque rivers and waterfalls, hot springs, a nearly 100 year old sugar mill, a national park and the beautiful artificial lake of Lago de Cachi.

The tiny town of Cachi, located in the province of Cartago, sits near the lake, which was created when a hydroelectric dam was built in the area. The Presa de Cachi or Cachi Dam is one of the largest in Costa Rica and sits on the northeastern side of the lake. Nearby, is the town of Ujarras which offers some spectacular vistas and has many picnic areas as well as a few hotel accommodations. In Ujarras lies the ruins of the first colonial church in Costa Rica built in 1570.

A great way to explore Cachi and its nearby towns is to take a bike ride or a tour of the area. Close by Cachi is a beautiful wooden house designed and put together by the master craftsman Macedonio Quesada, a world famous Tico wood carver and sculptor. His sons now occupy the home after his passing in 1995. The Casa del Sonador or Dreamer’s House is made entirely from coffee branches and bamboo.

Close by you will also find a picturesque restaurant, the La Casona del Cafetal Restaurant, which offers some excellent Costa Rican coffee and fresh trout dishes. They also serve crepes, chicken and beef dishes. Horse back rides and horse-carts rides are available on Sundays, as well as an All You Can Eat Buffet.

Getting to Cachi
To get to Cachi, head out from Paraiso to Ujarras 7 km away. From here, go to Cachi Lake until you reach the small hamlet of Cachi. 

Orosi Valley
Orosi Valley Self-guided Tours
Paraiso
Ujarras
Lankester Orchid Gardens
Escazu
Grecia
Turrialba
San Jose the Capital City
Zarcero
Heredia
Grecia

Costa Rica Area Info: Central Valley: Costa Rica Hotels: Things to Do: San Jose: Central Valley Hotels: Central Valley Restaurants Costa Rica Hotels: Central Valley: Places to Eat

San Jose Guide:

San Jose, the Capital of Costa Rica, is the hub of all transportation in Costa Rica. For that reason, it is usually the first place you will visit while in Costa Rica. It lies between three Costa Rica volcanoes. There is a large variety of Costa Rica hotels, parks, restaurants and attractions for visitors. The first thing noticed about San Jose is the local friendliness. The city is set up on a pretty logical grid system. When on foot and touring the capital, Costa Ricans, also known as Ticos, are always willing to lend a hand with directions. Always remember though, locals use landmarks not street names for directions, and if you just can't figure out where you are, find a local church. Every church in Costa Rica faces west. While in the Capital, you have access to the best public transportation in all of Central America.  

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