#24 Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Population: Just over 2,200
Average Annual Temp: 75°F
Why We Love Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica, is the largest landlocked body of water in Costa Rica. It’s located in the north-central highlands of Costa Rica. The lake stretches 33 square miles amidst rolling hills, lending views of mountainous jungle and Arenal Volcano.
Lake Arenal is important to Costa Rica because it was built to provide a vast majority of power for the country. But its strong dependable winds have earned Lake Arenal a world-class reputation among windsurfers.
Who Else Will Love Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal is a thriving expat and artist haven. Its moderate tropical climate and serene lakeside living make boating, kayaking and fishing a big draw. Hot spring hopping, volcano hiking and nature watching add to its long list of attractions.
Cyclists and horse lovers will love it here. Lake Arenal’s rural and remote setting makes for excellent road and mountain biking as well as horseback riding. These allow for a great way to get around the lake, where accessibility and convenience can sometimes be tough.
Nature lovers can hop on a boat taxi for days of exploring in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Conservation areas surrounding Lake Arenal are home to some of the top canopy and waterfall tours in Costa Rica. Lake Arenal’s remote rural location and growing popularity among expats makes it a perfect spot for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
Photo by Damian James
Lake Arenal Real Estate Outlook
The real estate markets surrounding Lake Arenal are experiencing an upturn. Much of the area is still undeveloped. Large affordable parcels are plentiful for retirement dream homes or investor development.
Expats looking for convenience should check out La Fortuna. It’s the largest town and may be the best bet for an existing home or condo. Expat artists favor the eco-tourist haven of El Castillo. The village offers a bohemian lifestyle close to the park and lake entrance.
What to Know About Residency in Costa Rica
Learn everything you need to know about about Costa Rica Residency. Costs, programs, etc.
More Lake Arenal Resources
In addition to our Lake Arenal resource page that has all sort of articles, here are a few other great sites to help you dig deeper.