Lake Arenal is one of the major attractions in Costa Rica. Located near the world famous Arenal Volcano, this lake is one of the sources of Costa Rica's electricity. The place is magnificent with its surrounding rolling hills with dense forest areas in some places and patches of pasturelands in some places while dominated by the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano mostly on the east side.

The tranquility of Lake Arenal is best for people who would like to unwind form busy schedules and for honeymooners who would like to be left alone most of the time! The shorelines near Lake Arenal are best for early morning walks and those romantic moonlight walks you are planning with your partner.

If you are a big fan of sports fishing, this place is definitely for you. Lake Arenal is known as one of the best place to catch a rainbow bass or a flying Machaca. Fly fishermen flock to this place primarily for the Machaca, which could reach about 9lbs within the lake. So if you plan to catch some flying fish in Lake Arenal, bring 8-10 wt. rods and 9 ft. leaders and smaller (size 4-8) poppers and streamers as your going to get a lot of resistance from these huge fishes. For best results, you should go fly fishing from January to February and August o December when the Machaca are its peak.

The Springs Resort & Spa

Now world famous- The Springs, hosted the sixth episode of ABC's The Bachelor. That episode featured a special group date at the Five-Star Resort's steamy hot springs, and the property's riverfront rainforest reserve and mineral pools.

Tabacon Hot Springs

Offers a huge variety of hot springs baths of varying temperatures, from steaming hot, to lukewarm. Aside from the eden-like hot springs gardens that are worked into the natural flow of the Tabacon River, the resorts hotel and spa feature all sorts of massage treatments. Tabacon for all of its natural beauty, is often flooded with tourists.

Baldi Hot Springs

Baldi really is a high quality establishment with impressive construction and even more impressive views. There are 16 different hot springs baths of varying temperatures. One of the pools is 45 C. It is also a little easier on your pocket book than Tabacon $25.00, so with Baldi you really can't go wrong. Baldi has excellent night time views of lava flows when weather permits. Also, there is a huge pyramid from which you get a great view of the entire area from the foot of the Arenal Volcano. The views here are the best you will find from any hot springs resort in La Fortuna.

Eco Termales Hot Springs

The atmosphere is one of privacy and exclusivity. Eco Termales does not advertise, requires reservations, and limits the number of patrons to 100 at a time. The pools are cozily tucked within a corner of tropical jungle with big green trees towering over them. This place is purposely a little out-of-the-mainstream, thus offering something that the other places do not: privacy. Even though the ambience is one of tranquil privacy, there are no views of the Arenal Volcano. The hot spring baths are equally relaxing here, so you really don't sacrifice much of the experience. Eco Termales offers five hot spring pools, and one cold pool. Since a visit here is relatively economical, you will feel good about your time invested at Eco Termales.

Exploring the Northern Plains of Costa Rica including La Fortuna and Lake Arenal area should be on your list of places to visit when vacationing in Costa Rica. There are Costa Rica vacation rental homes for larger groups or Luxury Costa Rica Resorts. You will also find the mom and pop bed and breakfast accommodations too. Make your plans early the luxury resorts fill fast during the high times of the year.

Author name: Paul Orr

We traveled to Costa Rica on vacation in 2001. Fell in love with the people and their country. Purchased property on the last day of our vacation and built a vacation villa. Specializing in vacation accommodations, all inclusive and self catering available all of which are surrounded by Costa Rica's biodiversity. Find more useful information about Costa Rica by visiting our web sites.

Costa Rica Villas http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com/
Costa Rica Hotels http://www.vacations-costa-rica.com/