Lake Arenal ( es, Lago Arenal) is a lake which is situated in the northern highlands of
Costa Rica. It is currently the largest lake in
Costa Rica at . Its depth varies between 30 and 60 meters (100–200 feet) seasonally.
The town of Arenal was relocated to higher ground when the lake was expanded in 1979. The old towns of Arenal and Tronadora now lie abandoned at the bottom of the lake, with the new town of Arenal existing to the northeast on the lake.
Hydroelectricity
Lake Arenal was tripled in size with the construction of the
Arenal dam in 1979, which exists at the eastern end of the lake. This
hydroelectric project exists at the western end of the lake and is strategically important to Costa Rica, initially generating 70% of the country's electricity, now closer to 17%, and was also a driving force behind Costa Rica's green energy policy.
Wildlife
Fish species in Lake Arenal include the
machaca
Machaca is a traditionally dried meat, usually spiced beef or pork, that is rehydrated and then used in popular local cuisine in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It is also readily available in many groceries and supermarket ...
and the
rainbow bass. There are also many species of plants, 120 mammals (including
jaguar and
tapir
Tapirs ( ) are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the family Tapiridae. They are similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile nose trunk. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South and Central America, with one species inh ...
), and 300 birds (including
quetzal).
Recreation
From November through April the strong, dependable winds attract windsurfers and kite surfers to its western end. Many consider Lake Arenal one of the world's foremost windsurfing and kite surfing areas. Wakeboarding is gaining popularity in Costa Rica, with Lake Arenal being the center of this activity. Stand up paddling and kayaking are also popular activities for tourists visiting the lake's Eastern part near the earthen dam. There is much good fishing (primarily for rainbow bass) and now kayak fishing opportunities in the shallow and secluded coves. The area surrounding the lake has good hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding opportunities.
Gallery
File:Lac Arenal Costa Rica 003.JPG
File:Lac_Arenal_Costa_Rica_Barrage.JPG, hydro-electricity on Lake Arenal.
File:Eoliennes à Tierras Morenas_lac Arenal_Costa Rica.JPG, Wind power plant of Tierras Morenas, around Lake Arenal.
File:Lake Arenal and Volcano.JPG
File:Lake_Arenal_Kitesurfing.JPG
File:Lake_Arenal_Windsurfer.JPG
File:Arenal Lake.jpg, Horse grazing on the shore of the Lake with the Arenal Volcano in the background.
File:Arenal Lake 2.jpg, View of the lake from the village of El Fosforo, on the southeastern shore.
References
External links
Lake Arenal informationLake Arenal information about rainforest, mountains and lakeLake Arenal information about transportation
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Geography of Alajuela Province
Geography of Guanacaste Province
Arenal
Ramsar sites in Costa Rica
Arenal
Tourist attractions in Alajuela Province
Tourist attractions in Guanacaste Province