- Lake ArenalThe north shore is wind and a view of the cone, not a swimming beach. Walk the edge. Trees stand under the water. Do not just drive past.
- Arenal Volcano viewpointThe cone sits across the water. If cloud is on it, wait: it moves. The light is better early or late. This is a view. It is not a swim.
- Windsurf shoreThe working wind is on the western shore, and in the dry months it often builds as the day goes. Ask which launch is on. The town dock is not it.
- Nuevo Arenal townThe town was rebuilt above the one the dam drowned. A square, cooler air at this height, an hour on foot. Stay longer only if you are eating.
- Arenal hanging bridgesA drive along the lake, then you are up in the trees. The first group sees more birds. Fog is normal. Stay on the walkway. Boards can be slick.
- Río Celeste day tripA long morning from here. The blue water is a hike, not a photo from the lot, and it needs sun. Leave early so the drive back is not in the dark.
- Waterfall trailsCold pools, and the way down is the way back up. After rain the rock is slick. Go in the morning, before you are tired and still at the bottom.
- Tilapia fishingThe lake holds them. Fish from shore or a small boat, and let the wind decide if you stay out. Ask locally that morning. This is not a surf trip.
- Lake sunsetThe hour to be on the shore, facing the cone. Come with time left, not after the light is gone. It is a lake sunset, not a beach one with a swim.
- Tilarán wind gapThe pass west of the lake funnels the wind the turbines and sailors use. It gets windier as you leave town. A gap, not a place to swim.
Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Nuevo Arenal was built on higher ground after the 1973 dam drowned the old town under Lake Arenal. It sits on the northeast shore, about half an hour from Tilarán, or along the lake road from La Fortuna. At roughly 640 meters the air stays cooler than the coast. Wind, waterfalls, and volcano views define the days.
This week: Highs 24–29°C, lows 20–22°C.
About 56 mm of rain.
Climate: The climate is tropical wet, cooled by the lake breeze. Temperatures are about 21–28°C. Rain falls most of the year, with strong winds from December to April.
Attractions: The main attractions are Lake Arenal, Arenal Volcano viewpoint, Windsurf shore, Nuevo Arenal town, Arenal hanging bridges, Río Celeste day trip, Waterfall trails, Tilapia fishing, Lake sunset, and Tilarán wind gap.
Province: Guanacaste
Nearby:Arenal Volcano|Monteverde|Bijagua|La Fortuna|Poás Volcano
Towns near Nuevo Arenal
Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The town sits on the sand. Evenings fill up for the sunset.
Playa Grande, Costa Rica
The long beach north of Tamarindo, where leatherbacks nest.
Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
A surf beach south of Tamarindo, with forest behind the sand.
Playa Sámara, Costa Rica
A small beach town with a dirt main street and calm water for a swim.
Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica
The beach is crushed shell, and the golf course sits on the hill above it.
Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
A small fishing bay, 45 minutes from Liberia.
Playa Papagayo, Costa Rica
Calm bays on a resort peninsula, about half an hour from the Liberia airport.
Playa Ocotal, Costa Rica
A quiet bay south of Playas del Coco, used more for diving.
Playa Hermosa de Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A calm bay near Playas del Coco, half an hour from Liberia.
Playa Nosara, Costa Rica
Guiones is the long surf beach. Pelada, just north, is the sheltered place to swim.
Playa Langosta, Costa Rica
Rocky points and sandy coves just south of Tamarindo.
Playa Guiones, Costa Rica
The long surf beach at Nosara, forest behind the sand.
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
A Blue Flag beach, marina below, houses on the hill.
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
A working beach town: fishing fleet, dive boats, gray sand.
Bijagua, Costa Rica
A small town west of the lake, for the blue water at Río Celeste.
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
A working beach town: fishing fleet, dive boats, gray sand.
Bijagua, Costa Rica
A small town west of the lake, for the blue water at Río Celeste.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Cloud forest you walk into: tall trees, vines, moss, and mist.