Nuevo Arenal
Good to Know
Nuevo Arenal, a charming village nestled on the northern shores of pristine Lake Arenal, offers breathtaking views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Arenal Volcano. This miniature melting pot boasts a diverse culinary scene, from gourmet dining to authentic local fare. It serves as a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts and fishing, making it an ideal stopover for exploring the region.
Like an alpine lake surrounded by blue-green mountains, windmills and Arenal Volcano’s cloud-covered cone, the sublime Lago Arenal (Arenal Lake) region offers breathtaking views no matter where you rest your eyes. Tucked away on its northern shores lies the sleepy village of Nuevo Arenal, a local reference point and the perfect stopover during your visit to this area.
Nuevo Arenal is a miniature melting pot of local Ticos, Europeans, Americans and Canadians. Many foreign residents own restaurants here that offer some of the country’s tastiest fare. The Gingerbread is a gem worth seeking out and its chef, Eyal, is easily the country’s best. Moyas, in the town center, serves pizza and a thoughtful selection of delicious dishes. The German Bakery, also in town, has a cozy ambience and serves pastries and German dishes. Platos Voladores is a great little Italian restaurant located just uphill from the German Bakery, which specializes in to go plates. Finally, Soda China, across from the soccer field has affordable Costa Rica style food.
A few kilometers outside of town on the road to Tilaran you will find The Lucky Bug B&B, Art Gallery and Caballo Negro Restaurant, specializing in a fusion of German cuisine and local flavors served in generous portions. The art gallery of this small, family-run enterprise features original works of art and souvenirs created by some of Costa Rica’s finest artisans.
Despite the many temptations, there is much more to do around here than dining. Lago Arenal is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts, with winds ideal for kite boarding, windsurfing, and sailing. When the winds are down try wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or a boat tour around the lake, which fortunately never gets too crowded. Tico Wind offers rental equipment as well as kite boarding and windsurfing lessons. In short, you can always find things to do in Nuevo Arenal!
Sport fishing is also popular here, and although it’s not what it used to be, there are still plenty of trophy Guapote and Machaca to be caught.
New Arenal
With a unique history, the town of Nuevo Arenal, as its name suggests (nuevo means new), was recently rebuilt. The volcano’s 1968 eruption buried most of the old village of Arenal and the rest of it was flooded during construction of the man-made Lake Arenal in the 1970s. At the time, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), assisted in transferring the town to its current location.
Check out NuevoArenal.com for more information about Nuevo Arenal.
How to get to there
Nuevo Arenal is just a short and scenic drive from La Fortuna. Take the road that leads to Arenal Volcano National Park and keep driving until you reach the bridge over Lago Arenal. Follow the winding road and signs leading to Nuevo Arenal. Make sure to stop along the way for the breathtaking views! The town of Tilarán is just a half-hour drive from Nuevo Arenal.
Weather and packing list
Weather
Packing List
Visitors should pack shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, rash guards (for sun protection), and rain gear. Grey skies here can be treacherous, and a day spent on the lake could turn into a painful sunburn, so bring lots of sunblock and aloe vera gel! Don’t forget a light sweater or jacket and pants for those cool, breezy sunsets! Check out the Costa Rica packing list for more ideas.
Facts
Driving Distances
Location
Lattitude: N 10° 32' 24" (10.54)
Longitude: W 84° 53' 24" (-84.89)
Frequently Asked Questions
What dining experiences can visitors expect in Nuevo Arenal?
Nuevo Arenal offers a diverse culinary scene, from the acclaimed Gingerbread restaurant and Moyas for pizza and varied dishes, to the cozy German Bakery and Platos Voladores for Italian. Affordable Costa Rican fare is available at Soda China, and just outside town, Caballo Negro at Lucky Bug B&B serves German-local fusion.
What activities are popular on Lake Arenal near Nuevo Arenal?
Lake Arenal is a hub for water sports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours. Sport fishing for Guapote and Machaca is also popular, with equipment rentals and lessons available from Tico Wind.
What is the history behind the name "Nuevo Arenal"?
The name "Nuevo Arenal" (New Arenal) reflects its history; the original village was buried by the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption and later flooded during Lake Arenal's construction in the 1970s. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) assisted in relocating the town to its current site.
What is the typical weather like in Nuevo Arenal and what should I pack?
Nuevo Arenal generally experiences daytime temperatures in the upper 70s and nighttime lows in the lower 60s. The wet season runs from May to June and September to November, with heaviest rains in September and October. Visitors should pack shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, rash guards, rain gear, sunblock, aloe vera, and a light sweater or jacket with pants for cooler evenings.