Arenal does not simply form an addition to the list of Costa Rica. It forms the heart of adventure in the country. Arenal Volcano is one of the most symbolic sites in Central America. It rises 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) above the rainforest. . It is a popular destination with tourists throughout the world due to its hot springs, traditional cone design and wildlife around the town of La Fortuna.
What a lot of people would not know is that Lake Arenal is a lot more than the volcano. It is the largest lake in the whole of Costa Rica. It covers over 85 square kilometers and is ideal in boating, kayaking and catamaran rides and against a rainforest background. At Arenal, land, water and fire merge together giving unexpected experience to even well-travelled people.
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Arenal Costa Rica
Arenal is one of the most beautiful locations in Costa Rica. It has an active volcano, rainforests, and clear views of lakes. However, not many visitors notice its secret places. Arenal provides artificial marvels, secret life and silent natural beauties which even regular visitors might be unaware of. The following are three astonishing facts about this amazing destination.
1. Hidden Secrets Beneath Lake Arenal
If you ever saw Lake Arenal, You might remember that it has deep blue water bordered by the rolling green hills. But there are more than a few secrets about it, which lie hidden under its smooth surface. The lake is not merely a beautiful view but it also demonstrates how nature and human imagination can merge.
- In the 1970s, Lake Arenal became the largest freshwater reservoir in the whole of Costa Rica through the construction of the Sangregado Dam.
- It occupies over 85 square kilometers and provides approximately 40 percent of the hydroelectric energy in the country, illuminating the homes in Costa Rica.
- The lake also affects the surrounding climate by forming cool winds and weak rains that maintain the rainforest around it green and vibrant.
- It is also a heaven of water lovers. You may also have fun boating, kayaking or even have a peaceful catamaran ride as you are watching the reflection of Arenal Volcano on the lake surface.
- The water view of the volcano presents you with a brand new perspective. The landscape becomes more relaxed, the horizon becomes larger and you become closer to nature.
2. The Volcano’s Quiet Side and Hidden Energy
Once, Arenal Volcano thundered with fiery energy, igniting the skies at night for decades.Today it lies in silence, though it does not mean that its power is diminished. The volcano is breathing underwater and the silent period is concealing some interesting natural processes.
- Arenal has been resting since 2010 but scientists still consider it active due to the geothermal power beneath it.
- The underground system continues to vent the heat and steam, and this creates warm thermal pools that visitors enjoy having a dip in.
- The soil surrounding the volcano is highly mineralized. Thus the place is incredibly fertile and full of life.
- The volcano’s perfect cone shape looks even more impressive when seen from the water. Imagine sitting on a boat as the early morning mist rolls over the lake while you have the volcano in the background.
- Cruising out of the lake or along river paths allows you to access the backdrops of Arenal which the majority of visitors do not get.
3. Arenal’s Wild Corridors and Hidden Eco Bridges
Arenal is a splendid garden of nature. It lies between the highlands and the lowlands of Costa Rica, and it sustains numerous plants and animals. The abundance of the area and the liveliness can be seen in every trail and every canopy bridge.
- Mistico Hanging Bridges Park welcomes tourists to have a walk in the rain forest canopy where you can observe tropical birds, butterflies and monkeys at close quarters.
- The Arenal region connects Tilaran mountain ranges with Guanacaste to form a natural wildlife path. The species like pumas, tapirs and jaguars move freely through the area.
- The Arenal Eco Zoo has colorful insects, amphibians, and reptiles that are hardly visible in the wild across the lake.
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem. This is the most serene wetland reserve in Costa Rica, which can only be visited by boat and is home to migratory birds, caimans and serene waterways.
- These water routes remind you that Arenal is not just about hiking or hot springs. It also provides peaceful river tours, lake reflections, and serene boat excursions.
If you want to discover the best things to do in Costa Rica, read our guide on what to do in Costa Rica and plan your perfect trip.
Why Catamarans Are a Great Way to Experience Arenal
After exploring the rainforest and spending time in the hot springs, you should take time to spend some time relaxing on a catamaran. Cruise on the Pacific coast and see the sun go down over the water. The sky is loaded with gentle colors and the atmosphere is characterized with still cool air. You can enjoy a peaceful drink, snacks and the sound of waves. Observe dolphins, sea birds, the seashores grow dim.
It is the ideal mode of signing out the Costa Rican day in harmonic and scenic serenity.
Catamarans are also comfortable in seating and with open areas that allow you to stretch and enjoy the scenery. Most of the trips also have music or a friendly crew that tells stories about the area. It is a journey of a sense of comfort, charm and magic of the Costa Rican ocean.
If you’re ready to enjoy the ocean and unwind by the coast, book your Shared Catamaran Costa Rica tour today.
Tips for Travelers
A visit to Arenal can be even better when you are aware of some inside details. The location is unpredictable in terms of weather and adventure. This is how you can make your visit relaxing, breathtaking and memorable:
- The dry seasons in the months of December to April are the most suitable times to visit the volcanoes. Because the weather is pleasant with clear skies and the volcano views are amazing.
- Pair your lake fun with a peaceful day at a hot spring or a high-adrenaline day of canopy tours for a balanced day of fun and rest.
- Bring lightweight clothing, a camera and binoculars to take some shots of toucans, herons, and other beautiful animals.
- Select licensed local guides and boating operators to ensure that you are safe and make the most of your experience.
- To have an extra special trip, combine a coastal adventure tour using a catamaran with several relaxing days at Arenal to have the best land and water vacation.
If you want to end your trip in luxury, book your Private Catamaran Deluxe tour and enjoy Costa Rica’s coast in comfort, style, and peace.
Final Thoughts
Arenal Costa Rica has the greatest display of nature in the way of beauty and power. The high mountain volcano, the quiet lake, and the healthy rainforest merge to form a landscape that is magical. Every part of Arenal offers something new, from catamaran rides to soothing natural hot springs.
The fusion of fun and tranquility in the region makes it ideal for any traveler. In the morning you can walk deep into jungles and in the afternoon you can take a break by the water and view the volcano under the evening sky. Every second in Arenal is vivid and unbelievable.
Ready to make your Arenal trip unforgettable? Book a catamaran tour and enjoy the calm waters, soft breeze, and stunning coastal scenery. For bookings or any questions, simply reach out to us on WhatsApp, and we’ll arrange everything for you.
FAQs
Why can’t you climb Arenal?
The Arenal Volcano is prohibited to climb because of safety reasons. Its upper slopes are unstable and may emit poisonous gases. It is very dangerous for hikers due to the presence of landslides and loose volcanic rock. Tourists can still use walking tracks and view points around the base.
What is a unique feature of the Arenal Volcano?
The cone shape of Arenal is perfect and that is why the volcano is among the most familiar volcanoes in the world. It is enclosed by a dense rainforest as well as a huge lake. The hot springs around this volcano are the source of the volcanic geothermal activity. It is unique because of this combination of fire, water and greenery.
Does Arenal glow at night?
Arenal used to glow at night when it was active. The streams of bright red lava flows and the burning rocks were visible from several miles. It has gone into a resting phase since 2010. It is not glowing anymore but there is still some silent energy somewhere.
How old is the Arenal Volcano?
The existence of the Arenal Volcano is approximated to be 7,000 years old. It is believed to be a young volcano compared with other older ones within Central America. Its latest significant eruption was in 1968. It is a quiet yet strong monument to the volcanic history of Costa Rica nowadays.