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Acknowledged for its amazing natural beauty, the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot with millions of visitors coming here every year. Located near the base of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcano, the tiny town of Nuevo Arenal is a must visit when exploring this region. A picturesque and quaint town with close proximity to the beautiful Lake Arenal, this town is known for its breathtaking vistas and superb mountain and volcano views.
Lying some 30 minutes from the town of Tilaran on the north east side of Lake Arenal, Nuevo Arenal can also be easily accessed from the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos as well. The best way to get here is to either fly to the San Jose International Airport or the Liberia International Airport and then drive out to Nuevo Arenal. Located at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level, the weather here is great as the climate remains cool and fresh all year long. Created in 1973 when a dam was built in the region, Nuevo Arenal or New Arenal came into existence when the waters of the lake rose and the former town of Arenal disappeared underwater. Built on higher safer ground, Nuevo Arenal is a small town with all the basic necessities that one needs.
Found in town are a number of banking services, a health clinic, grocery stores, mini-markets, a gas station, restaurants, hotels, resorts, bars and plenty of souvenir shops. The nightlife in Nuevo Arenal is quite active as well. When in town, do remember to stop at the German bakery for some delicious local delicacies and snacks.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the fishing in Lake Arenal is very good, as there are plenty of Rainbow Bass and other fresh water fish found here. For the more daring, windsurfing in the lake is a great way to spend the day. With strong winds lasting from November to April, Lake Arenal attracts world class windsurfers from all over the globe. If you like, you can also take some lovely nature hikes around the lake area where you will get the chance to see various birds and animals, such as the Howler Monkeys, toucans, White Hawks and Chachalacas.
On the way out of town, do visit the lovely butterfly farm and Arenal Botanical Gardens, some 4 km east of the Nuevo Arenal. Home to a wide variety of butterflies and birds, this botanical garden has over 1200 species of tropical and rare Costa Rican plants on display including some beautiful ferns, roses and orchids.
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