Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica, covering an area of 85 square kilometers. It is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. The lake was originally a natural lake, but its size was tripled with the construction of the Presa Sangregado Dam in 1979. The dam is strategically important to Costa Rica, generating around 17% of the country's electricity. The lake offers various activities such as windsurfing, fishing, boat tours, and kayaking. The area surrounding the lake has good hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy stand-up paddling and wakeboarding. The lake is home to various fish species, including the machaca and the rainbow bass, and the surrounding area is inhabited by many species of plants, mammals, and birds