Arenal Peninsula Lookout Tower

Tip

Keep going past the tower to the benches on the lakeshore. This sector has its own ticket, separate from Sector Volcán.

Be careful

Swimming in the lake isn't allowed here, and the walk back up from the shore is steeper than it looks.

Getting there

Arenal Volcano National Park, Sector Península: park ticket; the tower is about a kilometer's walk from the ranger station.

Places nearby

• Sky Adventures ArenalTours & Adventure · from $46Family-run park at El Castillo on Lake Arenal with ziplines, hanging bridges and an aerial tram overlooking the volcano.
• Restaurante La Mesa de MamáFood & CoffeeFriendly family kitchen in the village of El Castillo serving homemade Costa Rican food from breakfast to dinner.
• Restaurante El Patio al CarbónFood & CoffeeCharcoal-grill restaurant in El Castillo, busy with locals' cars out front and the smell of grilled meat in the air.
• La Ventanita (El Castillo)Food & CoffeeMotorcycle-themed restaurant in El Castillo with 80s music, big burritos, chalupas and tico bowls, and views over Lake Arenal and the volcano; a go-to after the butterfly garden or a hike.
• Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ParkParks & Wildlife · from $1Mistico is a family-owned private reserve of mature rainforest on the Lake Arenal road, 25–30 minutes west of La Fortuna, and the busiest hanging-bridges park around Arenal.
• Butterfly Conservatory El CastilloParks & WildlifeSmall butterfly and frog garden in the village of El Castillo, 800 m up the cement road, with a life-cycle demonstration, an insect museum and a short guided tour; open every day of the year.