Lake Arenal

On my way to La Fortuna I drove along Lake Arenal, which is a pretty big lake.

It is situated in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. It is currently the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85-square-kilometre. Its depth varies between 30 and 60 meters seasonally.

The town of Arenal was relocated to higher ground when the lake was expanded in 1979. The old towns of Arenal and Tronadora now lie abandoned at the bottom of the lake, with the new town of Arenal existing to the northeast on the lake.

Lake Arenal was tripled in size with the construction of the Arenal dam in 1979, which exists at the eastern end of the lake. This hydroelectric project exists at the western end of the lake and is strategically important to Costa Rica, initially generating 70% of the country's electricity, now closer to 17%, and was also a driving force behind Costa Rica's green energy policy.

From November through April the strong, dependable winds attract windsurfers and kite surfers to its western end. So you can also find some wind turbines in the area. Many consider Lake Arenal one of the world's foremost windsurfing and kite surfing areas. Wakeboarding is gaining popularity and also Stand up paddling and kayaking are popular activities.

I just drove by but thought if I would have had more time, I would have stopped for some days…Read more