About Orosi Valley

The Orosi Valley is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Costa Rica. The Reventazón River and the Grande de Orosí River meander through this steep-sided valley until it collects in the lake formed by the Cachí Dam.

The look-outs on the road between Paraíso and Ujarrás afford a good view of the scenic beauty of the valley basin, presided over by Lake Cachí. Part of the history of this lake region dates back 13,000 years ago when a lava flow from the Irazú Volcano, blocked the Rivers Reventazón and Grande de Orosí, forming a natural lake. With the passage of time, the waters eroded the lava and opened an outlet. Thousands of years later the Cachí Dam was built in the same place, blocking the waters again to produce electric energy. Today the lake has become a tourist attraction. The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism has built the Charrara Lake Site, a recreation area with swimming pools, a restaurant, picnic tables, green zones and rowboats for outings on the lake.

There is another scenic overlook outside of Paraiso on the road toward the village of Orosi, which is at the head of the valley (Point #2 on the Map). The picture of the valley shown on the Home Page was taken by Ryan or Tara from that overlook.

Point #3 on the Map is the Tapanti Rainforest (see the write-up in the Community section of this website).

Point #1 on the Map is Lankcaster Gardens (see the write-up in the Community section of this website). 

Finca de Cynthia is located about mid-way between Point #1 and Point #2 on the Map.

The Orosi Valley is a very popular place for visitors because of its beauty, bucolic grace, coffee fincas (farms), a placid reservoir, and peaceful pastures.

(link to the following pictures of the Orosi Valley)

1.view of the Orosi Valley from the finca above Finca de Cynthia - #13 of Ryan’s 1st set of pictures
2.view of the Orosi Valley from the look-out on the road between Paraiso and Orosi -  #0 – cr0045.jpg 2003-07-25
3.another view of the Orosi Valley from the look-out on the road between Paraiso and Orosi - #7- - cr0107.jpg 2003-07-26