Studio Malinche
Food scene
Originally built as a corral to receive horses competing in the annual endurance race around the lake. It's been a restaurant for 30+ years now... best BBQ around... a true local spot!
Bar Restaurante Equus
Originally built as a corral to receive horses competing in the annual endurance race around the lake. It's been a restaurant for 30+ years now... best BBQ around... a true local spot!
Marisqueria Guayo
Best ceviche in town. I also love their Chifrijo (a must try when in Costa Rica).
Lake front restaurant, prices are a bit higher, and it's beautiful for sunset!
10 locals recommend
Tinajas Arenal
Lake front restaurant, prices are a bit higher, and it's beautiful for sunset!
Walk down the hill to the local Brewery that usually has live music on a Tuesday / Thursday.
12 locals recommend
Lake Arenal Hotel and Brewery
142Walk down the hill to the local Brewery that usually has live music on a Tuesday / Thursday.
A fun place across the river. Served family style and I'm pretty sure they only take cash.
Only open for breakfast or lunch.
Soda La Macha
A fun place across the river. Served family style and I'm pretty sure they only take cash.
Only open for breakfast or lunch.
Beautiful views, great food and drinks! Open from 8 am to 7pm everyday (some holidays they close early).
29 locals recommend
Cafe & Macadamia
Beautiful views, great food and drinks! Open from 8 am to 7pm everyday (some holidays they close early).
1/2 Day trips
20 mins away (on the way to Monteverde). It's a hike, wear good sneakers, take towel and snacks.
They have horseback riding, or at least they used to!
27 locals recommend
Viento Fresco Waterfall
20 mins away (on the way to Monteverde). It's a hike, wear good sneakers, take towel and snacks.
They have horseback riding, or at least they used to!
Rafting 30 minutes away. I used to go a lot as a kid, it was more of a float trip. Next door is Las Pumas animal reserve that is also nice to check out!
7 locals recommend
RCR Rafting
Rafting 30 minutes away. I used to go a lot as a kid, it was more of a float trip. Next door is Las Pumas animal reserve that is also nice to check out!
They have a nice restaurant and offer other activates open to the public (for a fee).
Hacienda La Pacifica
1They have a nice restaurant and offer other activates open to the public (for a fee).
Local activities
Boat tours, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, swimming, jet ski, etc.
Club Nautica Lago Arenal. Tilaran
Boat tours, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, swimming, jet ski, etc.
Full Day trips
Hot springs are 1.5 hours away.
Tabacon is $$$ but so worth it (day pass)
Eco Termales (less $$ and very nice)
85 locals recommend
La Fortuna
Hot springs are 1.5 hours away.
Tabacon is $$$ but so worth it (day pass)
Eco Termales (less $$ and very nice)
Fun for hiking, going for the day if you leave early, enjoy lunch there, and come back before dark. It's a beautiful drive!
141 locals recommend
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Carretera a Reserva de MonteverdeFun for hiking, going for the day if you leave early, enjoy lunch there, and come back before dark. It's a beautiful drive!
Beautiful hike and local restaurants in the area for lunch. There are two ways to get there (the 4x4 is the way to go if you can) or loop around to not backtrack!
105 locals recommend
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Rio Celeste
Beautiful hike and local restaurants in the area for lunch. There are two ways to get there (the 4x4 is the way to go if you can) or loop around to not backtrack!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Valuables (car, accommodations, at beach)
I can't emphasis this enough, all valuables must always be out of site when left unattended!