Encouraged by the volcano's frequent eruptions that shoot bright- orange rocks and thick clouds of ashes into the air, as well as spectacular lava flows -more visible at night time-, tourists are now haunting the lake, thus bringing new development to the surrounding communities such as Tilarán, La Fortuna and Nuevo Arenal. World ecotourists and adventure seekers are sure to stay over hoping to have a glance at the perfectly shaped volcano and its natural fireworks.

Much is happening nowadays around this 32 kilometers long lake. It is one of the most privileged and safe viewpoints of the outstanding active volcano. Hit by the Trade Winds almost all year round, this site has become the best destination in Central America for water sport lovers. Safe swimming, fresh water fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoe and boat trips, and water ski, are some of the best options while gazing at the natural fireworks and beautiful landscape. Strong winds can reach 50 km per hour from December through April, which are also the months with less rain. There is an annual rainfall estimate of 3,820 mm. Facilities are now being established, and most lodges and hotels will offer equipment rental so you can enjoy your favorite sport.

Other activities take you away from the water, but not too far. As mentioned earlier, lovely views of the volcano are at hand, specially from the Northeastern side of the lake. Hiking and horseback riding will allow you to grasp most landscapes and local life happenings. As you walk along the road that encircles the lake, you will find all sorts of interesting cozy places to eat and spend the night: adventurous enterprising people from as far as Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and Canada, among others, have established their rural and well equipped restaurants and hotels in this area, and even right on the banks of the lake, providing beautiful views of the reservoir and the volcano.

Most tours possible are self-guided, and will lead you to botanical gardens, local handicraft shops, private greenhouses, forested and rainforest nature trails, rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and nonactive craters. Birdwatching is quite popular, and there are about 225 species to be spotted, specially near the Forest Reserve. It is also possible to hire a guide from the tourist information office in La Fortuna to take you on a day - trip to the Arenal Volcano, and enjoy a dip in the thermal waters

Attractions:

Hiking
Since this region is highly diverse and little explored, almost all the hotels in the region will offer you different hiking options. In some places these tours do not require of specialized guides since they already have well defined paths or routes, while in other places it is necessary to go along with somebody who knows well the region. Prices also vary depending on the area, the services they include (food, drinks, etc.) and the length of the hike. For example, Eco-Lodge has different hiking options with prices ranging between US $15 and $35 per person, while the Arenal Observatory Lodge has some hiking tours included in their lodging rates.

Windsurfing
The Arenal Lake provides windsurfers with dreamlike wind and weather conditions and it is one of the world famous spots for practicing this exciting sport.

Mountain Biking
This is another major attraction in Arenal since the geography of the area is ideal for those wishing to practice the sport: there are small rivers and streams, natural paths and waterfalls. Almost all around the place you will find bicycle rentals and many enthusiasts riding them. 

Bird Watching
This activity can be carried out practically anywhere in the area without having to pay for a tour or guide, since there is a large variety and quantity of birds that can easily be found just by resting and waiting while sitting on a rock. Since the area is an intercontinental forest, Arenal has the advantage of keeping one of the most varied habitats, containing several bird species such as caracara (Ibycter americanus), humming birds, storks and even eagles. But if you prefer the expert advise, some places offer the option of tours to different parts of the Arenal area including the explanations of professional guides. Prices vary depending on the area, the length of the tour and the services offered and range between US $15.00 and $45.00. You can also find independent local guides who can offer you lower rates.

Boat Rides
If you really want to see the Arenal Lake, don't forget to take a boat ride. There are different places that will provide this service and at very different rates. From Marina Tilawa you can hire a boat ride around the lake or you can hire them to get faster to a different point on the shore. In a small town called San Luis, located on the shore of the lake, and between Tilarán and the Tilawa Hotel, you will also find boat services provided by locals who in the weekend can give you a four hour tour in the Lago Arenal for about US $12.00 per person. 

Kayaks
This activity can be practiced in different areas of the Arenal and Cote Lakes; nevertheless it is infrequent to see people practicing it, even more in the Arenal because of the strong summer winds. 

Fishing
Sport fishing is another attraction in the area and it can be practiced on both lakes or in one of the neighboring rivers. There are boats that can be hired for this purpose or you can join the tours organized by the hotels. Some of the locals say that in the lakes you can find a fish called "guapote" (big mouth bass) that can weight up to 3 and a half kilograms (7.7 pounds). In some of the hotels and restaurants of the area you can see the bones of this fish acting as decoration. The rates for this activity range from US $20 up to $50; at Eco-Lodge you may find this type of service for US $50 for two persons.

Horseback Riding
Horses are a common mean of transportation in the area, because of their ease to go into the wilderness. Tours are normally offered for a very low price. One of the most interesting ones might be the visit to the aeolian (wind) energy project of the region or a tour around the foothill of the Arenal Volcano.

Hot Water Springs
When going from Arenal Volcano to La Fortuna you may find different places offering tourists the relaxing pleasure of dipping into hot water springs. One of the most popular ones is Tabacón, which has several hot water pools and artificial waterfalls where you may rest sitting under the falling hot waters while receiving a natural back rub. This place provides you with shower and restaurant services until 10 p.m. The admission fee is of approximately US $6.00.

Various Tours
Most hotels in the region offer tour services either to Arenal (Lake or Volcano) or to natural reserves or parks in the area. The Tilawa Hotel offers tours to neighboring beaches including Bahía Salinas for Windsurfing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and boat rides.

Safaris Corobicí offers different types of rafting services depending on your desires. Mystica Resort also offers trips to the Arenal Volcano, the hot water springs, the Venado Caves, Cote Lake and boat rides. The Rock River Lodge specializes in mountain biking, horseback rides, fishing, birdwatching and of course Windsurfing.

Eco-Lodge provides tours to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Cote Lake, Caño Negro Natural Reserve, Paloverde National Park and Venado Caves among others.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge, on the foothill of the Arenal Volcano, provides you with a magnificent view and night tours to see the massif, hikes inside the Arenal National Park, bird watching and different trips to beaches and other interesting places in Guanacaste.

A few tips
It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle if you would like to drive on unpaved roads, both in the dry or rainy seasons, since in the summer the dust is not stable and the cars may slip. Sport shoes with good traction or boots are recommended for some activities such as hikes inside the mountain. Insect repellent and special medicines for those who need them are also a must, since there are few drugstores in the area and they are located in towns such as Tilarán, Nuevo Arenal and La Fortuna. And of course, do not forget your binoculars, camera, sun block and to be ready for all types of action

How to Get to Arenal Area:

By Car

If you want to reach the Volcano as soon as possible, you can take the road to Cañas and be there in about three hours. This trip takes you from the City of Alajuela to San Ramón, passing close to Puntarenas and then following the Inter American Highway towards Cañas where you must turn right (north) and go to Tilarán. The distance is approximately 102 kilometers and the roads are in good condition; the road signs are clear so it would be difficult to get lost. Once in Tilarán you must drive about 10 minutes through the road that surrounds the lake and the first windsurfing spot you will find is the Marina of the Tilawa Hotel. At about 4 kilometers from there you will find Tico Winds, another place that offers windsurfing equipment.

The roads in this area are quite curvy so if you are not used to these driving conditions we recommend you go slowly. Also for some of the roads and hotels you might need a 4x4 vehicle to assure your safety, that is in the summer (December through April) as well as in the rainy season.

By Bus

If you choose the Cañas route, you will see the typical Guanacaste landscape, flatlands and pastures shaded by Guanacaste trees, a luxuriant species with a thick trunk which is the National Tree of Costa Rica. You will also see during your trip some flora and fauna species that are characteristic from the tropical dry forest.

There are two other possible routes, both starting out in San Ramón. One of them goes from there to a small town called La Tigra and then to Chachagua. The next town is La Fortuna. The other route is through Naranjo, continuing towards Zarcero and then to Ciudad Quesada, this city connects to La Fortuna in about 62 kilometers. From there you will already be seeing the Arenal Volcano. By these roads you will see a radical change in vegetation since it is more dense and lush, presenting the characteristics of the tropical rain forest, like in the Atlantic Zone of the country.

The landscape surrounding both routes is composed of many rivers and streams that intertwine with the road in many ways. There are places where it is a most to stop and take some pictures of the magnificent works of nature. There are also areas where you can park your car to stretch your legs and rest your eyes while looking at the beautiful landscape. And if you are lucky enough you might see wild animals such as skunks, monkeys, lizards and large numbers of birds. Once at the town of La Fortuna you will find stores to satisfy almost any need. There are supermarkets, drugstores, banks and churches.

Around the lake you will drive by many small towns such as Nuevo Arenal which is 43 kilometers away from La Fortuna, and there you can find all basic services such as telephone, electricity, drinking water, restaurants, small hotels and motels and even some tour operators. Río Piedras is another small town that you may visit on your way to the adventure. It is located about 6 kilometers away from the Marina Tilawa. These little towns can show you much of the Costa Rican folklore, customs and people.