Lago Don Manuel: A Serene Escape in the Dota Mountains
Escape to Lago Don Manuel: Hike scenic trails, picnic by the lake, and immerse yourself in Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Discover the tranquil beauty of Lago Don Manuel, a hidden volcanic lake nestled in the Talamanca mountains near Santa María de Dota, Costa Rica. This private ecological reserve offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning natural landscapes, perfect for a relaxing day immersed in nature.
A brief summary to Lago Don Manuel
- Del empalme 7 km hacía Sta Maria, Llega sin reservar , Jardin de Dota 500 metros sur de Restaurante Dorita 7 km desde Empalme hacia Santa María 500 mts Sur de Rest Cocina de Dorita, San José, Quebradillas, San José Province, 11702, CR
- +50660800501
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no food vendors inside the park.
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for hiking the trails.
- Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.
- Visit early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
Getting There
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Driving
From the Interamerican Highway (Route 2), turn towards Santa María de Dota at El Empalme gas station. Drive 7 km towards Santa María de Dota; the entrance to Lago Don Manuel will be on your right, 500 meters south of Cocina de Dorita Restaurant. The final 1.5 km is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for any car. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
Take the bus from San José to Santa María de Dota. The bus company Musoc provides service to Zona de los Santos, departing from their terminal in San José. From Santa María de Dota, take a taxi to Lago Don Manuel, approximately 7 km away. Taxi fare may range from ₡3,000 to ₡5,000.
Discover more about Lago Don Manuel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lago Don Manuel
0.0 km
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Laguna Manuel
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Sightseeing The Garden
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Bar y Restaurant La Catarata
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Hotel Palenque Tarrazú
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Reserva Natural Privada Cerro Alto
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Cedrela Eco Lodge
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Truchas Selva Madre
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Pesca de trucha Rio Blanco
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Centro de Costa Rica
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Albergue Mirador de Quetzales
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La Concepción De León Cortés Costa Rica
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Iglesia Colonial de Orosi
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Parroquia San José de Orosi
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Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Parque Eólico Los Santos
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Mirador de La Cordillera Volcánica Central
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El camino de Costa Rica Etapa 9
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Monte Sky
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Termales Hacienda Orosi
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Jardín Botánico Lankester
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Mirador de Orosi
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Iztarú Park
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Ruins of Cartago
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Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles - Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
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Fossil Land
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Ruinas de Ujarrás
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Parque Nacional Tapantí - Macizo de la Muerte
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Batsu Garden
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Essential places to dine
La Terraza Del Cafetal
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Mirador de Quetzales
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Restaurante y Cabañas Bongos
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La casa del café
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La Terraza Criolla
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Soda Madre Selva
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Orosi Al Natural Restaurante
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Restaurante y Mirador Ram Luna
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Tapanti Ecotur Finca Los Maestros
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El Jilguero San Gerardo
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Restaurant Le Tapir
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Hotel y Restaurante La Casona del Cafetal
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Coco de Rasta | Rastaurante
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Restaurant Mirador Valle Azul
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Cabo & El Fuego Smokehouse
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kabu Bread and Coffee
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Coffee Fair
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Bogaspaccio Boutique
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Locos y Santos
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PriceSmart
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La Tienda Un Mundo Fan
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Boutique del Pastel
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Tienda MIMA
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bar y restaurante El Valle de Tarrazú
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Tami Lodge & Cafetería
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Chiri's Bar
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El Pub
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Moes Pub Rock
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Pilos Bar
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Bar calberdos
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Bar Picis
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Bar El Páramo
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Restaurante Doña Marlen
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Lauraceas Restaurante Cafeteria Lodge
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Sanaa Coast
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Playa Brunella
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Pepper Disco Club
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Bar The Caribbean.
27.0 km
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El Balcón
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Apotecoria
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The Living Club VIP
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Spectro Club
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Sport Bar Panterito
28.8 km
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Pink Panther Club
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Nightclub Las Margaritas
28.9 km
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Astro
29.1 km
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