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Introducing Arenal Route
Sure, the Interamericana is the fastest way around the region, but then there’s this route, the road less traveled – probably because of all the potholes. The Arenal Route starts in Ciudad Quesada, the largest population center in this mostly agrarian area, and then winds northwesterly toward La Fortuna, the gateway to the region’s undisputed highlight, Volcán Arenal. Along the way (if the weather cooperates), the continuously smoking volcano looms ominously in the distance while patches of tropical rain forest and scattered fincas line the road.
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Past La Fortuna, the road wraps around the oblong expanse of Laguna de Arenal, passing through the small Tico towns (for the time being at least) of Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán. Although these spots are well served by public transportation, this is a five-star road trip just made for folks lucky enough to have rented their own vehicle. This vista-packed trip is lined with lakeside picnic spots, wacky art galleries, wonderful restaurants and weird hotels galore, all just waiting to be explored by travelers with a little time on their hands.
Although this region has historically been home to farmers and ranchers, the cool climate of the hills around Lake Arenal has, in recent year, resulted in the increased migration of North American and European hominids. Baby boomers, to be exact, are starting to buy up property along the lakeside in record numbers, and it’s unfortunately only a matter of time now before the condo crazy kicks into high gear.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
