Cachí Dam | Cartago

Information

Landmark: Cachí Dam
City: Cartago
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America

Cachí Dam, Cartago, Costa Rica, North America

The Cachí Dam is a hydroelectric dam located in the Orosi Valley, Cartago Province, Costa Rica. It impounds the Reventazón River to form Lake Cachí.

Visual Characteristics

The dam structure is constructed from concrete. It features a gravity dam design with a crest length of approximately 100 meters. The reservoir, Lake Cachí, is a body of water with varying depths, surrounded by green hillsides. The water color is typically a deep blue or green depending on light conditions and sediment load.

Location & Access Logistics

The Cachí Dam is situated approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city of Cartago. Access is via Route 224 (Carretera a Cachí). The dam is accessible by private vehicle. Parking is available at designated areas near the dam site. Public transport options are limited; local buses may service the general Orosi Valley area, requiring a transfer or additional travel from the nearest bus stops.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Cachí Dam was completed in 1968. It was built by the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) to serve as a hydroelectric power generation facility. The dam impounds the Reventazón River, a significant river in the region, creating Lake Cachí to regulate water flow for power generation and flood control.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the dam structure and the reservoir. Photography of the surrounding landscape. Walking along the dam crest (where permitted). Fishing is sometimes practiced in Lake Cachí. The area is also a point of interest for birdwatching due to the surrounding vegetation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the visitor area. Limited shade is provided by natural vegetation and some small structures. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available in the vicinity. Food vendors are not typically present directly at the dam site, but options exist in the nearby town of Cachí or Orosi.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon offers optimal lighting conditions on the dam and reservoir. The dry season, from December to April, generally provides clearer skies and more stable weather. The reservoir level can fluctuate based on rainfall, impacting the visual appearance of the shoreline.

Facts & Legends

Lake Cachí is one of the oldest hydroelectric reservoirs in Costa Rica. The surrounding Orosi Valley is known for its coffee plantations and historical churches, contributing to the area's cultural significance.