Laguna Pozo Verde (Juan Castro Blanco)
Nature spot · Arenal & La Fortuna · hidden gem
An emerald-green volcanic lagoon tucked into the cloud forest of Juan Castro Blanco, the 'water national park' above Ciudad Quesada. Reaching it is a guided hike of about 7 km and 4–5 hours through quetzal country.
- Time there
- 5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 2 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 7 / 10
- Location
- 10.262385, -84.355764 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- $10 for visitors · ₡800 for residents · SINAC park fee per Visit Costa Rica (8:00–16:00, notify the park in advance: 2200-5644); guided tours are charged separately
- Tickets
- Better to book ahead
- Walk
- 270 min
- Bring
- hiking boots, rain jacket, change of clothes, insect repellent
- Season
- Rain all year; February to April is the least wet.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Book a guide or go through the Montaña Sagrada reserve near Sucre — the national park itself doesn't take walk-in visitors — and pack a rain jacket even in the dry season.
Be careful
Trails are steep and muddy and fog closes in fast; stay with your guide and on the trail.
Getting there
Guided visits only (the park lists no regular tourist entry); tours start from the Sucre / San José de la Montaña side.
Places nearby
- Reserva Natural Montaña SagradaParks & WildlifeA 700-hectare community-funded reserve inside Juan Castro Blanco National Park, 9 km east of Sucre, protecting the springs that feed 200+ rural water systems.
- Rancho de CeciFood & CoffeeRustic, wood-trimmed family restaurant on Route 141 in Laguna, just north of Zarcero, serving home-style Costa Rican food for over 50 years — recommended by locals.
- Restaurante Típico Toro Amarillo (Yellow Bull)Sodas & Local FoodVillage restaurant on Route 708 in Bajos del Toro cooking on a wood-fired stove; travel writers rate its breakfast gallo pinto among the best they've had.
- La Vieja Adventures — Ciudad Esmeralda canyon (Río La Vieja)Tours & Adventure · from $40Guided wade-and-hike through a narrow, moss-walled canyon of the Río La Vieja above Ciudad Quesada, ending at the Zafiro waterfall and its turquoise pools.
- El Silencio Lodge & SpaStaysCloud-forest eco-lodge in Bajos del Toro, between Juan Castro Blanco and Poás Volcano national parks, with private waterfalls and a spa.
- Restaurante El ParquecitoFood & CoffeeFamily-run, very cheap buffet right across from Zarcero's topiary park, opened in 2019 — a warm spot to eat local food when the mountain fog and drizzle roll in.
Sources: Wikidata Q90696032 · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q90696032 · https://ict.go.cr/flipbook/guias/flip-en/GUIA_LLANURAS_DEL_NORTE/files/basic-html/page35.html · https://entercostarica.com/attractions/national-parks-and-refuges/juan-castro-blanco