Lake Arenal

Lago Arenal

Costa Rica's largest lake, a scenic reservoir framed by green hills and the Arenal Volcano. It is popular for windsurfing, kayaking, fishing and lakeside drives with volcano views.

Things to do

• Windsurfing & Kitesurfing — The western end of the lake near Tilarán delivers some of the world's most consistent winds from December to April, drawing surfers to spots like the Tico Wind station.
• Lakeside Scenic Drive — Follow Route 142 along the northern shore for winding curves that reveal postcard views of the Arenal Volcano mirrored in the water.
• Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddling — Paddle the calm coves at dawn before the afternoon winds pick up, often accompanied by howler monkeys in the shoreline forest.
• Guapote (Rainbow Bass) Fishing — Charter a boat to fish for the prized native guapote, a hard-fighting bass endemic to Central American lakes.
• Arenal Hanging Bridges — Walk a network of suspension bridges through rainforest canopy near the lake's eastern end for sweeping volcano and lake vistas.
• Arenal Volcano National Park — Hike lava-field trails around the near-perfect cone that overlooks the reservoir, best viewed on clear mornings.
• Hot Springs Soak — Unwind in the volcano-heated thermal rivers and pools clustered near La Fortuna, a short drive from the lake's dam.
• Nuevo Arenal Village Stroll — Explore this relocated lakeside town rebuilt after the 1970s flooding, known for its German bakery and quiet lake overlooks.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and your choice of meat or fish, served at local sodas around Tilarán and Nuevo Arenal.
• Fried Guapote — The lake's signature rainbow bass served whole and fried at shoreline restaurants, best paired with patacones.
• Gallo Pinto — The beloved breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans with Salsa Lizano, often topped with eggs and served with fresh coffee.
• Tres Leches from the German Bakery — Nuevo Arenal's famed Tom's Pan bakery blends local milk cakes with European pastries and strudels.
• Fresh Fruit Batidos — Blended fruit smoothies made with mango, blackberry (mora) or pineapple, offered at nearly every roadside soda.
• Costa Rican Coffee — Sip locally grown high-altitude coffee, often served alongside volcano views at lakeside cafes.

Local customs & good to know

• The lake is a man-made reservoir — Arenal was flooded in the 1970s to build a hydroelectric dam, submerging old villages and creating Costa Rica's largest lake plus much of the nation's power.
• Respect the wind seasons — Plan windsurfing for the dry, windy months of December to April, while the green season brings calmer water but more rain.
• Pura Vida greetings — Locals use 'pura vida' as hello, goodbye and thanks, so returning it warmly is the easiest way to connect.
• Bring cash for rural sodas — Small family-run eateries and roadside stands around the lake often prefer colones or cash over cards.

Nearby

• Venado Caves — 17 km
• Río Celeste — 23 km
• Arenal Volcano — 25 km
• Monteverde Cloud Forest (Puntarenas) — 29 km