Lago los Patos

Mysteriously beautiful lake you can optionally visit while on the main hike to the Arenal Volcano scenic spot. Entrance to the grounds is near the entrance to the Arenal National Park, and entrance fee here is $25. To visit the lake you must embark on the longest trail (5 kilometers). On the way you will stop at the Arenal Volcano scenic spot, then will be met with a fork in the road—one route takes you back to the main site, the other is an extra 2 miles to see this lake. The way to the lake is moderately difficult with some uphill and downhill sections, and definitely will take up extra time so ensure you will be back to the main site before closing (6:30 pm).

The employee at the front told us there were caiman (similar to alligators) in the water, so he advised we not swim in it. You also wouldn’t want to anyways since it looks full of algae and microorganisms. It’s peaceful, no one else was in sight when I visited, and you really feel isolated and connected with nature compared to all the other busy tourist spots in La Fortuna. Visit it if you have time, but do not make it a priority as there isn’t too much to see or do here.