Nuevo Arenal
Nuevo Arenal is a small village located on the northern shores of Lake Arenal. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the country, commonly referred to as the Swiss Alps of Central America. The landscape here is simply breath taking with the volcano to the east side of the lake, rolling emerald green hillsides surrounding, and the windmills to the western end.
The History
Nuevo Arenal translates to New Arenal. This is due to the fact that most of the old village of Arenal was buried in the 1968 eruption and the rest was flooded in the construction of Lake Arenal during the 1970's. At that time, ICE which is the telecommunications monopoly of Costa Rica assisted in the relocation of the town to its current location.
What To Expect
These days, the town is comprised of a mixture of local Ticos, relocated Europeans, Americans and Canadians. Several of the foreigner residents own restaurants and the dining here is among the best in the country. The Gingerbread is a favorite to anybody that has ever had the privilege of finding it. Eyal, the chef is the best this writer has come across in years of traveling Costa Rica. Moyas is a small restaurant located in the town center serving pizza and a small menu of delicious dishes. The German Bakery is another restaurant located in town serving pasties and German dishes.
The Lucky Bug B&B, Art Gallery and Caballo Negro Restaurant are located a couple kilometers outside of town towards Tilaran. This is a small family run enterprise which specializes in temptations of the palette and fine Costa Rican style arts. The gallery offers original works of art and souvenirs made by some of Costa Rica's finest artisans. The restaurant specializes in large portions of German cuisine with a local flavor. If you are going to spend any time in Nuevo Arenal, this should be towards the top of your list.
Activities
Of course, dining is not the only thing to do in Nuevo Arenal. Other activities range from sport fishing on Lake Arenal to lounging in the hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano. Though the fishing is not what it once was, there are still plenty of trophy Guapote and Machaca to be caught. Captain Ron lives in town and is our top recommendation for your best shot at a lunker. La Fortuna, located 35 kilometers southeast of town is considered by many to be the Adventure Capital of Central America.
Weather and Packing List
The Northern Zone is an area of fairly unpredicatble weather where one can wake to sunny skies, weather torential down pours by 10am and then have sunny skies again by noon. Temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through June and September through November. The heaviest rains are generally during September and October.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Fun Fact: There is a small public park on the lake with a nice pavilion. The Guapote fishing is pretty good at the end of the point.
