About Nuevo Arenal (Lake Arenal)

Known for its amazing natural beauty, the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot with millions of visitors coming every year. Located near the base of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcano.

 The tiny town of Nuevo Arenal is a must visit when exploring this region. A picturesque and quaint town with close proximity to the beautiful Lake Arenal, this town is known for its breathtaking vistas and superb mountain and volcano views.  This natural wonderland has spectacular waterfalls and ancient caves to explore walking or on horseback.

Lying some 30 minutes from the town of Tilaran on the northeast side of Lake Arenal, Nuevo Arenal can also be easily accessed from the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos as well. The best way to get there is to either fly to the San Jose International Airport or the Liberia International Airport and then drive out to Nuevo Arenal. 

Located at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level, the weather there is great as the climate remains cool and fresh all year long. Average temperatures range from 70’s during the day and 60’s at night.  The wet season runs from May through June and September through November. 

Created in 1973 when a dam was built in the region, Nuevo Arenal or New Arenal came into existence when the waters of the lake rose and the former town of Arenal disappeared underwater. Built on higher, safer ground, Nuevo Arenal is a small town with all the basic necessities that one needs.  It is a miniature melting pot of local Ticos, Europeans, Americans and Canadians.  Many foreign residents own restaurants that offer some of the country’s tastiest fare.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the fishing in Lake Arenal is very good, as there are plenty of Rainbow Bass, South American Bass,  and other fresh water fish found there.  For the more daring, windsurfing on the lake is a great way to spend the day. With strong winds lasting from November to April, Lake Arenal attracts world class windsurfers from all over the globe.  Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy wake boarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or a boat tour around the lake, which fortunately never gets too crowded.  You can also find rental equipment as well as kite board and windsurfing lessons.  There is a small public park on the lake with a nice pavilion.

If you like, you can also take some lovely nature hikes around the lake area where you will get the chance to see various animals such as howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, coati, and birds such as toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, white hawks and Chachalacas.  

On the way out of town, you will find a lovely butterfly farm and Arenal Botanical Gardens, some 4 km east of Nuevo Arenal.  Home to a wide variety of butterflies and birds, this botanical garden has over 1200 species of tropical and rare Costa Rican plants on display including some beautiful ferns, roses and orchids.  Found in town are a number of banking services, a health clinic, grocery stores, mini-markets, a gas station, restaurants, hotels, resorts, bars and plenty of souvenir shops. The nightlife in Nuevo Arenal is quite active as well. When in town, be sure to stop at the German bakery with a cozy ambience for some delicious pastries, local delicacies and snacks.