Major Lakes of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's lakes are mostly volcanic or hydroelectric reservoirs:

• Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal): Largest (85 km²), artificial (1979 dam). Hydroelectric (70% of CR's power), windsurfing, fishing (rainbow bass), birding. Arenal Volcano backdrop.
• Lake Cachí (Lago Cachí): Reservoir on Reventazón River (Cachí Dam). Hydro, fishing, boating, rainforest scenery.
• Lake Cote (Laguna de Cote): Natural, Alajuela. Clear water, swimming, kayaking, peaceful.
• Lake Poás (Laguna Botos / Laguna Poás): Crater lake in Poás Volcano NP. Stunning, acidic, birding (quetzal).
• Lake Pejibaye (Laguna Pejibaye): Natural, Dota mountains. Crystal clear, swimming, picnics, cloud forest.
• Río Macho Reservoir (Represa Río Macho): Central Pacific. Hydro, fishing, water sports.

Other: Laguna Hule, Laguna Congo, Laguna Lancaster (natural); Presa Pirrís, Presa Angostura (reservoirs). Many in protected areas.