Lake Botos

Lake Botos is a crater lake located inside the Poás Volcano National Park. As part of one of the most visited national parks in the country, this is a famous spot on the trail to visit Poás Volcano that every hiker would love to visit, and therefore greatly benefits the tourism industry of Costa Rica.

In contrast to the hot volcano with a hot acidic lake down at the bottom constantly steaming like a fire-breathing dragon snoring, lake Botos and the forest of thick trees around it stand out with majestic scenery. The surrounding forest is classified as tropical, subtropical, and some páramo vegetation. There are around 23 algae species there. Walking through the forest, you’ll be reminded of the creepy forest in the Wizard of Oz. After passing through the forest, you’ll see the arrestingly beautiful lake Botos. The lake itself is around 7,540 years old, and drains through Angel River, with beautiful blue and crystal clear water. This lake is called “a literal paradise” by many tourists who have been there.

Unfortunately, you can only witness the lake from afar, since there is no trail down that allows you to venture any further to the literal lake. But looking at the lake and enjoying the picture-perfect beauty alone sure is an experience you won’t forget.