If you’re looking for ideas for your next holiday, you’ve likely considered the most popular tourist destinations. If you’re looking for something a little different, Costa Rica can be a fantastic option. Whether it’s the scenery, the food, the hospitality or watersports in Costa Rica, the country has an enormous amount to offer and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for travelers. If you want to visit Lake Arenal in Costa Rica, where can you stay? Read on to find out.

Where is Lake Arenal?

You can find Lake Arenal in the northern region of Costa Rica, amongst the country’s incredible mountains. It is the largest lake in Costa Rica, stretching across 5km at its widest point, and is a popular attraction for tourists and residents alike.

Lake Arenal offers breathtaking views of the Costa Rican mountains. It’s also surrounded by rainforests and is home to some incredible wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot an elusive jaguar.

You can take to the water and enjoy some watersports or simply swim and soak in the incredible scenery that surrounds you.

Where is Lake Arenal
Where is Lake Arenal

There are plenty of reasons to visit Lake Arenal, it should be on the itinerary of anybody spending time in Costa Rica. If you do plan on visiting this lake, where are the best places to stay? Let’s find out.

Monteverde

To the south of this lake is the region of Monteverde. This area encompasses a number of small towns as well as a wonderful nature reserve. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while visiting Lake Arenal, the Monteverde region can be a fantastic choice.

The region is home to three primary towns: Monteverde, Santa Elena and Cerro Plano. These quaint villages can offer you an authentic Costa Rica experience, with traditional food and activities available.

After visiting Lake Arenal, you can explore the Monteverde nature reserve. Here, you’ll be able to spot beautiful native plants and flowers and keep an eye out for animals in the thick rainforest.

Monteverde
Monteverde

La Fortuna

If you head east from Lake Arenal, you will find the town of La Fortuna. Famed for its beauty, this is one of the most popular tourist spots in Costa Rica. It offers the best of both worlds: a bustling town with lots to do and exploration opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

La Fortuna rests in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, a towering dormant volcano that attracts visitors from all over the world. As well as this stunning backdrop, the town itself has plenty of things to do.

La Fortuna is home to some truly incredible restaurants serving up a wide range of different Costa Rican delicacies. There are lots of hotels, too; from luxury five-star resorts to more rustic, affordable options.

Conclusion

Lake Arenal has become a popular tourist hotspot, and it’s easy to see why. It’s surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and offers a range of watersport activities. If you’re planning a trip to visit Lake Arenal, look into the town of La Fortuna and the region of Monteverde for places to stay during your time in Costa Rica.