A Beginner’s Guide To Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Finding the right place to visit in Costa Rica can be difficult. While the country is not on the large side, the vastness of rainforests and the variety in cities and towns can make it feel like you’re exploring a new world, full of opportunities and excitement.
You have to find a place that encapsulates all of that, and we think there’s no place better than Lake Arenal. At 33 square miles, this is the largest lake in Costa Rica, known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and activities. If you are wondering how to get to Arenal from anywhere in Costa Rica, we recommend you check out Bookaway to book your bus, ferry, and shuttle services.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, adjacent to Arenal National Park, this is the perfect location to relax, have fun, and soak in everything Costa Rica offers. So with this in mind, we’re going to give you a brief guide to Lake Arenal and a run-down of what you can do if you decide to visit the area.
Lake Arenal In 2023
In 2023, Lake Arenal has garnered a reputation as one of the top spots for watersports in Costa Rica. Due to the steady supply of wind, many use the lake for windsurfing and sailboarding, with companies like volcano.cr also leasing boats for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Lake Arenal is also enjoyed by fishing enthusiasts, with thousands visiting the shores every year to seek out fish like the rainbow bass, the wolf cichlid, the black drum and the centropomus parallelus.
The History Of Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal first came into existence around 3 million years ago, when tectonic shifts created a small depression in Arenal Valley. When the depression filled with water, a lagoon was created, and this was extended in 1973 to create what we know as Lake Arenal.
This was done to increase the flow rate for a hydroelectric project, designed to produce sustainable energy for the country. Forty years ago, Lake Arenal was responsible for 70% of the electricity used in Costa Rica, but today, it equates to roughly 12% to 20%.
The Beauty Of Lake Arenal
The first thing you would notice when you arrive at Lake Arenal is the beauty of the place. On either side of the lake is a vast rainforest, and the famous Arenal Volcano looms ahead in the distance.
Lake Arenal also has a micro-climate, which means it typically sees less rain than the rest of the country, and most residents will never use a heater due to the year-round warmth. You’ll likely be witnessing the lake in full sunshine, but even an overcast day cannot take away from its beauty.
The Wildlife On Show
Despite only accounting for 0.03% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica represents 5% of every species in the world, and a lot of these animals are on full display in and around Lake Arenal. Animals that you can spot around the lake include the quetzal, guapote, the spider monkey, the kingfisher, and the sloth. Deer, coati, and jaguars are also known to traipse Arenal National Park.
Everything You Can Do
There is plenty to do if you decide to visit Lake Arenal, including the watersports we mentioned earlier. As well as this, you can visit the adjacent national park and visit the town of La Fortuna, climb across the Mistico Hanging Bridges, take in the sights of the rainforest, and visit the base of Arenal Volcano itself. This is a special place that feels like a concentrated version of the whole country, so make sure you take it into consideration before you book anywhere else!
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