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By car · Half a day · 46 km each way

The lake road, from La Fortuna to Nuevo Arenal

Route 142 crosses the dam and follows the lake's northern shore to the town that moved because of the reservoir.

The ICT mini-guide counts visiting Lake Arenal among the area's free activities. This route does it on public roads, with two verified stops. The only unavoidable cost is transport.

Step by step

  1. Arenal Dam (Sangregado Dam)

    Free with conditions

    Dam and eastern lakeshore · 17.3 km from the central park

    About 17 km from downtown. Look at the lake from the road and only stop where it is legal and safe.

    View page · Directions with Google Maps

  2. Continue on Route 142 along the lake. The road is very winding; if you want photos, use safe pull-offs.

  3. Nuevo Arenal

    Free

    Nuevo Arenal · 45.6 km from the central park

    Walk around town and learn the story of the relocation. From here, head back the same way.

    View page · Directions with Google Maps

Before you set out

  • We did not verify any public facilities (toilets, water) at the stops. Bring water and a snack.
  • In heavy rain Route 142 has been closed by landslides. Check national emergency (CNE) alerts before setting out.
  • A public La Fortuna–Tilarán bus uses this road, but we found no official timetable. Ask at the bus station before planning without a car.

Sources

  1. ICT — Mini guía La Fortuna (flipbook, p. 3) Official

    ict.go.cr · checked on

  2. Costa Rica Vibes Travel guide

    costaricavibes.com · published · checked on

  3. CR Hoy National media

    crhoy.com · published · checked on

  4. Arenal Volcano Costa Rica (guía) Travel guide

    arenalvolcanocostarica.com · checked on

  5. Enrutador FOSSGIS/OSRM sobre datos de OpenStreetMap (routing.openstreetmap.de) Map

    routing.openstreetmap.de · checked on

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