We went once more to the coolest peak of San Jose … we’re talking about Pico Blanco! But this time we went to the side of La Ventolera and you have no idea what it was like … so don’t think twice and take a hike.
How to get there?
From the church of San Antonio de Escazú, 300 m east, after the El Boyero restaurant, turn right and go up there for 2km, past the entrance of the Pico Blanco hotel, then pass the AyA place, from there 300 m more and turn left at the first ballast entrance. There you go 200 m, the blue gate on the right.
Waze: Brujo Tours https://waze.to/lr/hd1u0m8uxx
Ventolera (4×4) https://waze.com/ul/hd1u0kbrhh
Distance:8 km
Difficulty:Difficult
Accessibility:Not accessible
What to bring?
Comfortable and cool clothes, windproof/waterproof jacket, trail tennis or hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and snacks.
Vehicle:Automobile and 4X4 (if it goes to the vent)
Parking:Yes, on the street.
Pets: Yes
Camping:No
Contact:www.facebook.com/elbrujotours/
Laura, Brujo Tours 8363 9101
Cost:El Brujo Tours
¢ 15000 Guided tours with poliza and tasty snacks.
Very close to San José in the hills of Escazú is Pico Blanco, which we have already done using the popular path … Only this time we decided to climb the side of the Ventolera with the help of our buddies from the Warlock Tours.
We left San José at 7 am to meet our friend Laura from El Brujo Tours in the center of Escazú. From there we continued climbing towards the ‘ventolera’ in 4 × 4 until she indicated where to park at the curb.
We took a rocky path surrounded by forest and after the first 250 meters, we found a baby owl that seemed to be in trouble. While we were forming a rescue plan we realized that owl mom was only a few young trees of her breeding so we went our way.
In total accumulated the ascent is 700 meters which facilitates impressive views of the city. The first stop was in a giant stone that serves as a viewpoint, in front, you can see the capital and on the right the imposing mountain which is the highest point called Pico Alto.
After some snacks, we continued climbing to go through Pico Alto. This point is surrounded by forest to which thankfully gives shade and the breeze after such a steep/technical climb.
Then we continued descending and then go through an intersection, and after about 20 more minutes we reached the famous cone of Pico Blanco. We have lunch and prepared to return.
The way back began with a path under the forest, then we continued downhill next to a fence with paddocks on the left with a view to the windmills of Santa Ana … then the unexpected happened … we went into the forest of Escazú and were submerged (literally) in a fairy tale trail.
After several epic photos, we decided to keep going down a bit until we got to the car starving … so we went to look for lunch almost at 3 pm! Happy to have discovered another way to this spectacular place … the real Escazú.
