Several years ago, I embarked on a job assignment that took me to a small, misty town near Volcán Arenal in Costa Rica. It was November, a time when the days were often shrouded in thick clouds and the scent of rain lingered in the air. Nestled just outside the town, a series of weathered signs pointed to something intriguing: a mysterious lake linked to tales of UFO sightings. The sign read simply: Cote Lake / Alien Zone.
Little did I know, this quiet, seemingly forgotten place harbored one of the most famous UFO mysteries in Costa Rican history. The deeper I explored, the more I realized that Lago Cote is not just a lake but a wellspring of intrigue, blending scientific curiosity, local legend, and otherworldly speculation.
Lago Cote: A Lake with Layers of Mystery
At first glance, Lago Cote is unassuming. It’s a freshwater lake nestled within a natural crater, surrounded by dense forest. While it is the largest natural lake in Costa Rica, it pales in size to the man-made Lake Arenal, created for hydroelectric power. But what sets Lago Cote apart isn’t its size or location—it’s the mystery that hovers over its waters.
The story begins in September 1971, during a routine aerial mapping project conducted by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGM). A small airplane flew over Lago Cote at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), capturing a series of photographs every 13 seconds using a 100-pound German-made camera. These photos were part of a survey related to the construction of the Lake Arenal hydroelectric project.
When the negatives were developed, one image stood out. It showed what appeared to be a metallic disc hovering above Lago Cote—a perfect, vivid flying saucer. The photographer, Sergio Loaiza, along with the pilot and navigator aboard the plane, were instructed to keep quiet about the discovery. Yet, as is often the case with tantalizing mysteries, the photo eventually made its way into public view.
The UFO—or USO—Over Lago Cote
The clarity and detail of the photograph captured the imagination of UFO enthusiasts around the world. Unlike many blurry or ambiguous UFO sightings, this photo was sharp, professional, and verifiable. The object appeared only once in the sequence of images, further fueling debate about its nature. Could it have been a UFO? Or perhaps something even stranger—a USO (Unidentified Submersible Object)?
USOs, much like their airborne counterparts, are objects that defy explanation, often exhibiting the ability to move seamlessly between water and air. Stories of “fast movers,” as they are called by Navy submariners, are not uncommon. These craft are said to travel at incredible speeds, diving into water without leaving ripples or emerging without disturbing the surface.
The photo of Lago Cote’s mysterious disc remains a subject of debate among ufologists. Some skeptics suggest the object could be a defect in the film or a reflection. Others argue the disc’s metallic appearance and placement above the lake are too deliberate to dismiss. For every skeptic, there’s a believer insisting that the photo is proof of extraterrestrial visitation—or perhaps evidence of advanced, undisclosed technology.
My Journey to the “Alien Zone”
Unaware of the lake’s infamous photo, I decided to explore Lago Cote during a morning hike. The signs promising an “Alien Zone” intrigued me, as did the idea of visiting Costa Rica’s largest natural lake. The journey to the lake was eerie in its own right. I walked along a gravel road lined with trees and passed an old farm, its only sign of life a scruffy dog barking from a distance. The area felt desolate, almost suspended in time.
When I reached the lake, it was exactly as I’d imagined: remote, silent, and shrouded in mist. The crater-like formation of the lake added to its sense of otherworldliness. The surface of the water rippled gently under a light breeze, but the stillness of the surrounding forest was almost oppressive. I called out a tentative hello across the lake, half expecting a reply. When none came, I felt an odd mix of relief and disappointment.
According to local lore, the Maleku people, an indigenous tribe of Costa Rica, consider Lago Cote sacred. Perhaps this reverence stems from its solitude and unspoiled beauty—or perhaps it’s tied to its air of mystery. The lake seemed like the perfect setting for an alien encounter or a scene from a thriller novel. The sense of isolation was profound, as if I had stepped into a liminal space between the real and the unknown.
Why Do Stories Like This Endure?
Lago Cote’s story isn’t just about a photograph or a lake. It taps into something deeper—the human fascination with the unknown. UFO and USO sightings captivate us because they challenge the boundaries of what we know and what we’re willing to believe. They remind us that there’s still mystery in the world, even in an age of satellites, smartphones, and 24/7 connectivity.
Moreover, the secrecy surrounding such events often adds fuel to the fire. The fact that Loaiza and his coworkers were forbidden from discussing the photo lends credibility to the idea that there’s more to the story. If the object was truly mundane, why the secrecy?
The Skeptics and the Believers
As with any UFO story, Lago Cote’s metallic disc divides opinion. Skeptics point to possible natural explanations, from camera anomalies to reflections. Believers, however, argue that the photo’s context—taken by professionals during a government survey—makes it one of the most credible UFO sightings in history.
Interestingly, the concept of USOs adds another layer to the mystery. Could Lago Cote’s disc have been a craft capable of moving between air and water? The lake’s crater-like formation and remote location make it an ideal setting for such a phenomenon. If the disc truly was an advanced craft, was it visiting the lake for a reason? Or was it merely passing through?
A Place Worth Visiting—and Wondering About
Lago Cote may not be as famous as other Costa Rican landmarks, but its blend of natural beauty and unsolved mystery makes it a destination worth exploring. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, the lake offers a unique experience. Standing at its edge, it’s easy to see why the Maleku people regard it as sacred. Its solitude and eerie calm invite introspection, imagination, and, perhaps, a touch of unease.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica is a land of contrasts, where stunning natural landscapes coexist with fascinating cultural and historical narratives. Lago Cote is a microcosm of this duality—a place where beauty and mystery collide. Whether or not the UFO photo is genuine, the lake’s story captures the imagination, reminding us that some questions remain unanswered.
For more fascinating stories about Costa Rica’s history, culture, and natural wonders, visit Tico Times. Their coverage sheds light on the many dimensions of this remarkable country, offering insights into its past, present, and future.
