Trip Planner: Central America / Costa Rica / Province of Alajuela / Arenal Volcano National Park / La Fortuna de San Carlos / Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal, La Fortuna de San Carlos

4.5

#5 of 12 in Nature in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Water Body · Nature / Park

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Costa Rica's largest lake, Lake Arenal encompasses about 85 sq km (32 sq mi). Originally much smaller, the lake tripled in size when a huge dam was built in the 1970s. Get on the water to admire the surrounding natural scenery, green undulating hills surrounding the deep blue lake, and the Arenal Volcano in the background. A windsurfing and sailboarding haven thanks to its constant winds, the lake offers numerous recreational activities. Take a boat tour and enjoy the picturesque landscape, go fishing for rainbow bass, rent a kayak, or explore the surroundings on bike, foot, or horseback. A visit to Lake Arenal represents just the start of the adventure when you use our La Fortuna de San Carlos road trip planner to plot your vacation.

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Lake Arenal reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,915 reviews

Google

4.7

By GinaBif

We stopped here on our way from Liberia airport to La Fortuna! What a way to start our trip. The views are absolutely beautiful! I will warn the roads are super windy and definitely made me car sick..... more

We stopped here on our way from Liberia airport to La Fortuna! What a way to start our trip. The views are absolutely beautiful! I will warn the roads are super windy and definitely made me car sick..... more »
By AndresBlancoJr

I first saw the lake from high altitude while I was zip-lining through the forest at the park. I then wanted to have a closer look so I did an excursion around the lake. There are many activities to..... more

I first saw the lake from high altitude while I was zip-lining through the forest at the park. I then wanted to have a closer look so I did an excursion around the lake. There are many activities to..... more »

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Google

By Kynan Suttle

Beautiful lake, many different activities to do and places to stay and eat all around the lake. Beware roads are narrow and pavement can be less than ideal.

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By Travelwith Soph

The view was breathtaking😍😍 The temperature was perfect, everything was great. Our boat captain was so nice. This is a great place for nature lovers ☁️

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