Largest Natural Lake in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a more “off the beaten path” place to visit in Costa Rica or if you’re into the more weird and curious destinations, head to Lake Cote (Lago Cote). Not only is it the largest natural lake in Costa Rica but this place holds great culture importance, particularly to the indigenous Maleku communities who bestowed the lake its name. In Maleku, Coter or Cote means peace and love, befitting for the lush, heart shaped lake that is Lake Cote.

Nowadays, the lake sits quietly, ensconced in between the rainforests of Tenorio Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal as the one hotel in the area, Hotel Eco-Lodge Lago de Coter went out of business and so did the influx of tourists. However, this makes it the perfect spot for those looking to go on the road less traveled.

To make this lake even more magical beyond its indigenous roots, it is also the spot of the only “official” UFO sighting in Costa Rica.

If this sounds like a place you’d like to see, here is what…