Finca del ICE is located in La Unión, Cartago, and it’s a hidden gem for outdoor lovers. Home to the María del Rosario Electric Plant, this vast green area has been a favorite spot for cyclists 🚴♂️ and hikers 🥾 for years. Recently, they’ve started a trail-marking project, so now you’ll find signs along the way that make the adventure even better!
Our Experience at Finca del ICE 🌿
One afternoon we all had plans, so we decided to wake up early and look for a spot close to the city… Glori had been wanting to show us Finca del ICE for a while — a lush, green property perfect for a quick escape into nature.
And honestly, once you start walking, about 15 minutes in you forget how close you are to the city. It's all green around you 🌳, the air feels cleaner, and everything slows down. We were also joined by PRUSIA 🐶 (Trejo’s dog), who couldn’t have been happier running around.
How to Get There 🚶♂️
It might sound complicated, but here’s the step-by-step:
- 🚗 Park your car near the San Ramón bus terminal.
- Walk downhill toward Tres Ríos.
- Pass the Chacón Paut Psychiatric Hospital.
- About 100 meters after the hospital, turn left onto a gravel road.
- Cross a pedestrian bridge and keep going until you reach a gate with a sign that says “Microcuenca Galardonada”.
Once there, the trail splits 🛤️ — both paths lead to the same place. We took the one on the right, which is a bit longer but way cooler since it runs along a water pipe 💧.
That trail leads to a water treatment plant where you can take a break, grab a snack, and recharge before heading up the Ruta del Agua trail.
🏞️ The Water Route
This trail goes deeper into the mountain. It's narrower, more enclosed, and full of vegetation 🌿. It’s not well-marked, but it’s the only path available — so just keep walking and enjoy the nature.
At the end of the trail:
- You’ll reach a small road and go downhill to a wire gate (it’s always open 🔓 even if it looks locked).
- Keep walking down to a house/office with another gate and a chain — no need to jump, just unroll the chain (though Karla thought we had to climb over it 🤭).
- Just remember to leave everything the way you found it 🙏.
- Walk along a gravel road until you reach a fork. Take the right.
- At the next intersection, go left toward Rancho Redondo. Keep going downhill until you reach El Pizote chicharronera, about 500 meters from where you parked your car.
Was it Worth It? 💚
Absolutely! We all thanked Glori for showing us this place because Finca del ICE has everything we love: nature, convenience, and an 8.5 km trail that’s perfect for getting some exercise 🏃♀️🚴. Trejos and Glori have even done it running and biking.
Just set aside a morning… and if you’re feeling hungry afterward, grab lunch at El Pizote 🐷 — the perfect reward for getting up early!