PROPERTY BETWEEN ARENAL AND LAGO COTE.

Coto Property
ID Name: RLGA-58

PRICE:  $1.500.000

JUST $7.075  / hectar / $7 per sqm.

 

 

 

Arenal
National Park

Arenal presents a spectacular light shows on many nights

Arenal is the essential, picture-perfect cone-shaped volcano and truly one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular sights. It is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Small eruptions of ashes and rocks can be observed frequently, accompanied by a ferocious rumble. At night, the flow of red glowing lava, best observed on the northern flank, is a unique pyrotecnic spectacle of its own class. Arenal is a strong reminder that under the surface, earth is not sleeping at all.

With all this volcanic activity going on, it is important to respect the established safety limits around the volcano. There are various safe look out points from where you can enjoy magnificent views of El Arenal. Observe the signs posted around the volcano and enjoy an unforgettable sight.

The last big eruption (and the first one in recent history) was registered on July 29, 1968. Back then, to some residents of the area Arenal was just another green mountain; indeed, up to that date, Arenal had been peaceful and dormant for hundreds of years. But on that day, a sudden explosion straightened out the little misconception. During the powerful eruption, accompanied by tremors, Arenal shot out huge incandescent blocks, wiping out the villages of Tabacón and Pueblo Nuevo and killing a total of 78 people. Ever since, the volcanic activity is closely monitored by scientists and vulcanologists.

Near the volcano are the beautiful Tabacón thermal springs, surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens. Geothermically heated water flows into a number of pools and feeds waterfalls - a perfect place to indulge, your favourite cocktail in hand, as you watch the volcano’s activity. While the Thermal springs are a favourite spot with many tourists, be aware that areas nearby have experienced a few avalanches of hot gases in the past which might occur in the future.
 

Aerial view of Arenal Volcano

Northwest of the volcano, Lake Arenal is another beautiful spot. Well known for excellent fishing and windsurfing, the lake increasingly attracts sportsminded visitors. It is also appreciated for the beautiful scenery that can be best be enjoyed during a leisurely drive around the lake. Created in 1968 by damming a river, lake Arenal is an artificial lake that now is an important source for hydroelectric energy in Costa Rica. It also serves irrigation purposes in the relatively dry Guanacaste province.

 

Arenal National Park (area: 2,920 ha) is a relatively young national park, established in 1991 to protect the area’s natural resources. Sloths, deers, jaguars, tapirs and white-nosed coatis can be spotted here, as well as a number of birds such as the Resplendent Quetzals, parrots and parakeets. It opens 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has a trail to a look out point of Arenal volcano.

 

Arenal is increasingly popular, thanks to the active Arenal volcano and the beautifully attractive Lake Arenal.

The Arenal volcano was dormant from around 1500 until 1968, when it suddenly erupted and lava flows caused widespread destruction and wiped out 2 villages. Since then it remained one of the most active in the world, emitting gas, small explosions, and lava flows. It is dangerous and unpredictable, as witnessed by an accident early in 2000 when 2 tourists and a guide were severely burned by a sudden cloud of hot gas. At night glowing lava flowing down from the crater can frequently seen. Several lodges provide "doorstep" panoramic views at a safe distance, and the Arenal national park, formed recently in 1995, provides the opportunity to walk closer to the lava flows.

 

Arenal volcano is at the southern end of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest lake. It is man-made, formed in 1973 when the dam was built to provide hydroelectric power. The lake has great fishing and windsurfing, and offers a scenic drive around the eastern shore with excellent lake and volcano views. Boating, canoeing, riding, mountain biking and hiking are all possible. There are many lodges around the lake to provide accommodation.

 

 Attractions

The Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-see for anybody to the country. Often the volcano is shrouded in clouds, so there is some risk of disappointment, but visiting the area remains an experience in itself.

Fishing for guapote (rainbow bass) is highly rated by fishermen, and the windsurfing is world-class during the high wind period of December - April when "sinkers" can be seen racing and jumping at the northern end of the lake. The windpower projects there attest to the wind's force. 

Other activities possible when based in the Arenal area:-

Visitor info
There are plenty of lodges around the lake. If your main objective is visiting the Arenal volcano, then you should seek a lodge close to the volcano. There is a modest choice of restaurants and cafes at Fortuna, around Nuevo Arenal, and scattered around, including some real Italian pizzerias.

Although you could manage without a car once you arrive, we recommend you have your own rental car for full flexibility and mobility. You can either pick this up in San Jose and drive down, or pick up in Fortuna from agencies such as Elegante.

As the crow flies, Monteverde is relatively close. It is quite common and feasible to continue on to Monteverde after Arenal. However access is not so direct. The choice is to drive north around the lake to Tilaran, then double back south (probably the best, and is very scenic), or to let the lodge organize a boat trip across the Rio Chiquito followed either by a taxi ride or a 4-5 hour horse trek up to Monteverde.

Getting there
The drive to either the south or north of  Arenal is the same, around 4 hours from San Jose (see map). For the north, the best route is via the Panamerican highway to Canas, then up to Tilaran. For the south and the volcano, there are 3 routes which pass one side or another of Poas volcano, even enabling a visit to this volcano en route. These routes are highly scenic, and definitely part of the fun of getting there. Attractions along the way are Sarchi (famous for handcrafts), Zarcero (sculptured hedging outside the church), Waterfall de la Paz, the new La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and the Waterfall at Fortuna.

Many of the hotels can organise shuttles. You also can go by Gray Line bus, by taxi, take a domestic flight to the airport of Quepos, or drive by rented car.  4x4 is not essential, but is generally recommended for some of the gravel roads, particularly during the rainy season.