Lake Arenal The Undiscovered Jewel Of Costa Rica

Lake Arenal Real Estate - The undiscovered jewel of Costa Rica.
Up until just a few short years ago people visiting Costa Rica had never even heard of Lake Arenal.
Gradually and mostly because of the spectacular active Volcano Arenal and the nearby tourist mecca town of Fortuna with its hot springs, the tourists started driving past the lake to or from San Jose, three and a half hours to the south, or the Pacific beaches one and a half hours to the west on their tours which included Volcano Arenal, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.


I remember seven years ago while doing exactly the same thing, going to Fortuna to the hot springs I drove another few minutes down the road and got my first glimpse of Lake Arenal. It literally stops you in your tracks, and most people pull their cars over to the side of the road to take in what they are seeing.
To me it was exactly like seeing Lake Como in northern Italy. To others it reminds them of some other beautiful lake they have seen in the world. But mostly, why hasn't someone mentioned this to me?


Lake Arenal is a 22 mile long, 50 square mile pristine fresh water lake at an elevation of 1,500 feet. In a bowl surrounded by verdant jungle mountains with islands, gorgeous secluded bays and most unique of all right on the eastern bank of the lake is the Arenal Volcano towering to a height of 5,000 feet, and which can be seen erupting day and night from vantage points all around the lake.
Far from the scorching heat on the coastal areas, the average temperature at the lake is 75 degrees, making air conditioning unnecessary.


Another point worth mentioning is that in all the microclimates that make up Costa Rica, the lake area in my opinion is one of the best for several reasons.
The temperature is truly delightful and coupled with this is an average of 100 inches of rain per year which not only keeps everything always green, no dry season, but also contributes to the springs, rivers and waterfalls that dot the landscape.
And very best of all, because it is just being discovered, the real estate prices are still a fraction of those at the beaches and in the Central Valley.
Lake Arenal - Really only now being discovered.


Humble Tico styled homes can be found for around US$25,000 and up. Lake view homes sites will start at about US$35,000 for 1,000 square meters and if a view is not important to you, other home sites can be found for US$12,000+
PS. I am sure some of you are wondering, how safe is the volcano? Volcanologists have stated that this type of an active volcano is safer as is it is continuously venting and letting off pressure every day, rather that having it build to become a major eruption, so don't worry, just enjoy the free fireworks display nightly.
Written by Costa Rica Realtor Terry Moran. Before moving to Costa Rica Terry Moran co-owned the largest real estate company in the Caribbean for over 20 years, originating in the U.S. Virgin Islands and expanding to six offices on four islands with over 50 agents and affiliates on virtually every island in the Caribbean. Terry has lived and worked in Costa Rica since 2001 and has more experience helping people to find their dream homes than 95% of the Realtors in Costa Rica.
If you are interested in buying real estate anywhere near lake Arenal and would like to contact Terry Moran

Hints For Happier Living At Lake Arenal

HINTS FOR HAPPIER LIVING AT LAKE ARENAL

Lake Arenal is one of the most beautiful, bio diverse, peaceful places on planet earth, but here are some suggestions and information to make your life here easier and more comfortable.

UTILITIES
Utilities in Costa Rica are dependable and relatively inexpensive. The telephone and electricity companies are government owned and a monopoly called ICE. Costa Rica produces more electricity than in consumes through wind, hydro electric and geo thermal and actually exports electricity to Nicaragua and Panama.
Satellite TV service is available via Direct TV and other systems which provides TV coverage throughout the world. Payments for Satellite TV may be paid at the Banco National and they will deduct the cost from your account if you make arrangements with them.

Electricity and phone may be paid through a cooperative available throughout Costa Rica called COOPEMEX by setting up an account there, where they will receive your statements and pay your bills.

WATER
Water in the Lake Arenal area is abundant and clean, in the towns and on most of the main public roads it is supplied by the municipalities. If you are in an area not serviced by public water lines there are springs everywhere and if not you can drill a well with almost certainty of finding water.

GARBAGE
Garbage is picked up in and near the town of Nuevo Arenal several times per week by putting your garbage on the curb in front of your home or business. Municipal taxes pay for this service.

SEPTIC TANKS

Sewage is disposed of in this area via septic tanks and drainage fields, which if adequately designed and built will almost never need care.

ZONING, BUILDING CODES

The Arenal region is in an agricultural zone and thus has particular rules and regulations pertaining to development. There is no zoning as such, so that land may be used as you wish, without special permit. The law regarding the sub division of land is as follows. If you are within 60 meters (roughly 200 feet) of a public road, you may sub divide into whatever lot size you wish. Beyond 60 meters you are restricted to a minimum lot size of 5000 meters, or approximately 1.25 acres. A licensed engineer is needed to sub divide land and register the new parcels with the government, a process that is normally very quick and trouble free.
Another important factor of note is that there exist areas that are designated primary forest. If a property includes land designated as such, the trees may not be cut or used without permission, however if you can find a clearing in the forest you may use it for development.
Building codes do exist and it is advisable to have a licensed architect draw your plans and submit them for permitting. For residential purposes this is normally very quick and easy. The fees for such work are set by the government, but may be negotiated somewhat.

CONSTRUCTION AND LABOR

The current rough rule of thumb for construction cost in this area is about $70 per square foot for quality construction. There are numerous reputable contractors available. If you wish to build or renovate yourself labor costs are between $1 and $2 per hour and there is plenty of willing skilled labor available. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws pertaining to the health insurance you must provide to your workers while they are working for you.

INSECTS AND ANIMALS

There is a tremendous variety of flora and fauna to be found around the Lake. Yes there are snakes, but luckily you very seldom even see them. And surprisingly insects are not a problem either. There are virtually no mosquitoes, or sand flies.

CLIMATE

With up to 150 inches of rain annually, there are some months that get more rain than others. Generally December and January are rainy months here, but the rainfall varies significantly in the various micro climates surrounding the Lake. Ask for a copy of the rainfall map to get a clearer picture.
The climate around the lake is for the most part pleasant and cool and there is no need for air conditioning, with the average mean temperature about 75 degrees, and never gets oppressively hot and dry as is common in the coastal areas. There are many homes in the area in fact that have fireplaces and the temperature in the winter can get as cold as 60 degrees.


THE PEOPLE

The Costa Rican people are for the most part warm, open, helpful and friendly.
However the lake region is experiencing a real estate boom and things are changing rapidly. There is more work, more prosperity and more opportunity than ever in the history of the area. Opportunistic petty crime does exist and it is not advisable to build or live in a remote area without either a full time caretaker, or an alarm system, as robberies do occur when you are away from your home. If several of the gated communities do not appeal to you, then be sure to make other arrangements, so that you will not have any surprises. Otherwise there is little or no violent crime in the area and you can live here in peace, harmony and tranquility.

SHOPPING

The town of Arenal has several small grocery stores which are adequate for everyday shopping. For more variety and availability the residents around the Lake make weekly trips to the nearby town of Tilaran, which has several large supermarkets, several pharmacies and a variety of other stores which are not available in the smaller towns. Many residents of the area make periodic trips to San Jose to shop at Price Mart (similar to Sam’s Club, or Cost U Less), Office Depot and others for more intense shopping, as well as some very large supermarkets which sell almost all products found in supermarkets in the U.S.

MEDICAL

Arenal has a day clinic that provides service for most emergency medical needs. If more is necessary there is a larger clinic in Tilaran. There is ambulance service available in Arenal. 20 minutes from Tilaran towards the Pan American Highway in Canas, there is a new modern state of the art hospital, which is fully equipped and staffed.
San Jose has one of the most modern, state of the art hospitals in Central/South American, called CIMA, which is owned and operated By Baylor University. The care and quality is first rate and equals anything you will find in the US.
Health insurance is available to foreign nationals at a fraction of the cost in the US, check or list of recommended professionals for the insurance agent we suggest in the area for further details.

TAXIS, TRUCKING, BUS SERVICE AND CARE RENTAL

Inexpensive taxi service is available in Arenal and arrangements can be made for airport pick up or even day trips to the beaches and San Jose. There are several trucking services available that will pick up or deliver cargo from San Jose for a reasonable fee (check the hardware store in Arenal). Regular bus service is available in Arenal with connections throughout Costa Rica and even to Nicaragua and Panama.
Bus service is also provided to and from the International Airport in San Jose.
There are cars for rent in Arenal through the Hotel Rana. Otherwise all the major companies have outlets at the International Airports in San Jose and Liberia.
Be sure to check the small discount car rental companies that you can find advertised in either the Weekly English speaking newspaper Tico Times or AM Costae Rica on the internet. Strongly advisable to rent a 4 wheel drive when coming to the area. The roads are far improved from where they were years ago, but still have a ways to go. Also if you want to take some of the local sightseeing side trips on unpaved roads you will need 4 wheel drive.


SECURITY

An important subject in Costa Rica, and not to be of concern if you are aware and precautious. In the Lake Arenal region and throughout Costa Rica for that matter there does exist petty crime and theft, usually petty crimes of opportunity. Never leave anything of value in your car and always lock it where ever you go. If you are considering buying or building a home not in a gated community or a close knit residential community, we strongly advise you have a full time live in house keeper/caretaker, either in an apartment in your home, or in a small cottage on your property. This will prevent any unfortunate problems which can easily be prevented. Just remember you are seen as wealthy foreigners moving into what had been a poor rural farm community. The people are happy to see you as you are providing jobs and opportunities that did not exist before, but be aware of the criminal element that exists in all societies and you will be fine.

THE LAKE AND THE RIVERS

Lake Arenal is a 50 square mile unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water lake at an elevation of approximately 1500 above sea level. Fishing in the Lake is excellent and it is famous for its very good eating Rainbow Bass, or Guapote. Boating, sailing and windsurfing are also popular and growing. There are numerous beautiful bays and islands that offer peaceful, private vantage points to view the exotic and abundant wildlife around the Lake. ICE, the governmental monopoly that provides electricity and phone service in Costa Rica also controls the Lake. They have a set back that varies in width within which you cannot build or develop. You may apply to cross this set back for access to the lake, or to apply for a dock. The rules and regulations pertaining to the uses and access to the lake are being written right now and will be available soon.

Before the Lake was expanded, public roads which ran into what is now the lake remain as public access points to the lake and may be used by all for access and to launch boats. Several small marinas exist and there are many larger ones planned and in the permit process.

If you are lucky enough to have a river or stream running through your property there are several rules and regulations you must abide by. You may not stop the flow of the water to the adjoining land. If you wish to build, you may not build closer than 15 meters from the stream. You may build a pond or dam as long as the flow is permitted to continue.

Turtle Cove Lake And Yacht Club

TURTLE COVE LAKE AND YACHT CLUB
LAKE ARENAL COSTA RICA

Almost 5 years ago, an ecologically friendly developer named Kendall Sanborn came to Lake Arenal for the first time to escape the hustle bustle and the heat of the coast where he had a development underway called Lomas Del Mar. He like almost everyone who almost stumbles upon the undiscovered beauty of the lake was struck by the pristine virgin quality of the land surrounding the lake and recognized a unique opportunity to create something special with this secret jewel.

An exceptional 30 acre lakefront parcel had just come on the market at a reasonable price which he immediately purchased, and thus were planted the seeds for TURTLE COVE LAKE AND YACHT CLUB.
I might also point out that lakefront land with lake access is a very rare commodity as most of the land on the lake side of the Lake Shore road that rings the lake is owned by the Government and only a small percentage is available for sale and development.

The concept for Turtle Cove has been very a carefully designed master plan, using only the best professionals familiar with the lake and its peculiarities to take painstaking care of the land and the environment.

What evolved is a low density 40 lot sub division., including several villas, a small boutique hotel, a spa, pool, fitness center and the lakes first yacht club and marina.
The views from Turtle Cove are truly spectacular spanning 180 degrees and taking in the entire lake as well as the volcano. Just above the marina is a dry land boat storage facility for those owners who wish to keep their boats on a trailer and launch it at the ramp a short distance away. Security was addressed early on in the planning and there will be 24 hour security personnel at the elegant gate house and the marina. The development is well underway, with the marina in, the boat storage facility, security building, the gate house, all the roads, landscaping well underway and several homes under construction.

Another unique feature about Turtle Cove is that all construction will require a sewage treatment plant rather than septic tanks as further protection of the pristine nature of the lake.

The home sites range in price from just $70,000 including one remaining lakefront lot at $92,500, all available with terms. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath villas begin at $175,000 with construction of the first phase to begin very shortly. Luxury custom Homes are also available beginning at $350,000.

Turtle Cove is one of just two lakefront residential sub divisions with lake access developed at the lake, the other Rainbow Bay about the same size has long been sold out. There are no other comparable lakefront developments on the horizon at this time and with the permit process becoming more and more stringent, the values at Turtle Cove will become more and more attractive for those that wish to be close to the lake with boat and swimming access.

A Culinary Jewel At Lake Arenal

A CULINARY JEWEL AT LAKE ARENAL


In 2003 an Israeli chef named Eyal Ben-Menachem came to Costa Rica and fell in love. All the way from the cold north in Chicago where he had studied at the Kendall Culinary School, via travels and study in France, England Japan and Thailand. Upon arrival here he helped open the first Kosher Restaurant in Escazu and later worked at restaurants on the beach and in Monteverde. But he had a dream, and that was to open his own restaurant somewhere in a beautiful peaceful place in the country.

Thus were planted the seeds for Gingerbread. After leaving a restaurant owned by a friend in Monteverde Eyal traveled to Lake Arenal were his dream blossomed when he met an investor that was just completing a boutique hotel and restaurant and looking for a partner to run the operation.

When asked what type of food the restaurant specializes in he says it is a fusion of all his combined knowledge he has gleaned in his schooling and world travels as well as what is fresh that day. The menu is posted on a board and changes daily. Aside from the terrific food, Gingerbread includes one of the best wine selections you will find in Costa Rica.

In the less than 2 years since a quiet opening many of the local and foreign clients that crave gourmet food have unanimously said it is one of the top five restaurants in all of Costa Rica. The person who heads up the real estate office for International Living and constantly travels Central America says it is the best restaurant in all of Central America.
It is common for clients to drive 2 hours each way from the Pacific coast just to eat in the restaurant.

Aside from the restaurant, the boutique hotel has also gotten rave reviews. Each room is decorated differently with a separate theme with murals painted on the walls by famous artists, such as the “Jungle Room”, The Cupid Room” and “The Butterfly Room”. All rooms are air conditioned and have satellite TV. A fresh breakfast of fruit, gourmet coffee and fresh baked scones is included in the fare.

Gingerbread has already been written up in such publications as Conde Naste Traveler, Trip Advisor, International Living, Tico Times, Luxury Backpackers, Rough Guides and in the next edition of Delta Airlines in-flight magazine.

Existing plans call for more rooms, 2 more under construction right now, a jungle pool and waterfall and a Jacuzzi.

If you are looking for a treat either as a tourist or resident and are a connoisseur of great food it is well worth your while to come eat and spend a night at this gastronomic utopia at Lake Arenal. You will be hearing more and more about Gingerbread as the reputation grows through word of mouth.

You can see more about Eyal, and Gingerbread Restaurant and Boutique
Hotel by going to their web site at gingerbreadarenal.com.

Bon Appetit

Lake Arenal Watersports

LAKE ARENAL – WATERSPORTS WONDERLAND


Many of the snowbirds dream of being on or close to the water when looking for property in Costa Rica. But when they search the coastal areas two factors make the reality of these dreams something they hadn’t contemplated. One is the weather, it is hot and dry most of the year. Hot enough to make air conditioning necessary all the time. And for those from the cold north not used to this kind of heat, it fast becomes uncomfortable and a burden.
Secondly, most of the coastal areas have already become developed and the prices have skyrocketed in recent years making it unaffordable to many.

I am here to tell you that there is a wonderful alternative to your quest for waterfront living. And that is the 50 square mile pristine Lake Arenal. Situated just one and a half hours from the Pacific beaches and Liberia Airport. At an elevation of 1500 feet, the climate is absolutely perfect, making air conditioning not necessary, ever. Better than this, Lake Arenal is just being discovered and the prices are just a fraction of those on the coast. You can still find Lakefront Lots for under $100,000 in gated communities, with access to private marinas and the lake. Great lake view lots can still be had for as little as $39,000, with breath taking views of both the lake and the active Arenal Volcano that sits on the eastern shore of the lake. Brand New lakefront 2 bedroom 2 bath villas for just $165,000. Just check the prices on the coast and if you can find anything close to Ocean view lots for anywhere near these prices you will likely be 10 miles from the ocean and have to use binoculars to see the water. I can offer you great lakeview lots just minutes from the lake with tremendous water views for a fraction of the cost. On top of this when it gets dark with an ocean view there is nothing to see, here at the lake there are towns and homes on the other side of the lake and the views are great night and day. The key is you are looking at property at Lake Arenal at the bottom of the curve, the prices are still low, the boom is just beginning, the time is now.


Now the icing on the cake is that Lake Arenal is also a water sports paradise. The windsurfing is world renowned, with winds in excess of 25 mph , the fishing for the great eating Rainbow Bass is exceptional. The lake is blessed with an irregular shoreline dotted with beautiful secluded bays and inlets, large islands untouched for thousands of years, full of wildlife, birds, exotic plants and flowers. The shores are covered with artifacts from the large pre Colombian Indian population that lived here a thousand years ago.

The sailing is excellent with constant winds blowing almost invariably from east to west, and there are several large sail boats at the lake where the owners will go out for the week end and either anchor in a secluded bay or right at the base of the Arenal Volcano and watch and hear the fireworks from the volcano day and especially at night. Water skiing is also popular in the larger protected bays and kayaking is a great way to observe the myriad of Central American animals that come to the lake to drink.
Swimming from the public park, the many access points around the lake or from your boat is always fun with the water temperature remaining an almost constant 75 degrees.

Yes, there is a fantastic inexpensive way to realize your dreams of water front living in Costa Rica. The thing I always say to those interested in taking a look at the lake is come on up, THE LAKE WILL SELL ITSELF.

Lake Arenal Bass Fishing

THE UNTOUCHED FISHING OF LAKE ARENAL

For all you fishing fans, you are missing the boat so to speak. Certainly the off shore ocean fishing is great in Costa Rica, but there is another type of fishing that has been kept a secret for many many years. And that is the excellent fresh water fishing in the 50 square mile Lake Arenal. A long kept secret by the local fisherman living around the lake, it is only now being discovered by the aFISHinados that crave the hard fighting, great tasting bass fishing so prized in other parts of the world.

Lake Arenal is internationally known for Rainbow Bass Fishing. These bass, locally called Guapote (Spanish for very handsome) are a prize catch and can reach over 12 pounds. The average catch is 1 to 4 pounds but don’t be surprised to hook an 8 to 14 pounder, while you are trolling near the jungle shoreline. Not only fun to catch but the meat is pure white and delicious eating. If you are vacationing the Restaurant Gingerbread will be happy to cook your catch for you. You can also hook into a hard fighting Machacca with their razor sharp teeth used for stripping weeds and grasses.

A typical day of fishing starts out early, at first light, motoring out to cast top water lures for the eager Rainbow Bass. When the sun starts to rise the bass typically go to deeper water, so we cast near the shorelines covered in grass, trees and brush, where the fish hide out. As the day progresses we troll deeper for the really big fish.

One man who is especially hooked on this type of fishing recently moved to Lake Arenal and has set up a very successful fishing tour business.
Ron Saunders of Captain Ron’s Arenal Fishing Tours is a seasoned American Fisherman with over 30 years experience. He is an avid fly fisherman and supplies top quality gear for conventional, spinner or fly-fishing. His Boston Whaler is fully equipped with life vests, safety gear and marine radio. His business is family friendly, so be sure to bring your kids for an adventure they will never forget.

For tours originating from Fortuna, Ron fishes right at the base of the Arenal Volcano, close enough to see and hear the lava and boulders rolling down the sides of the volcano. Tours can originate from almost anywhere on the lake and include a great homemade lunch.
Captain Ron can be reached at 506 339 3345 or visit his web site at arenalfishing.com

Another Persons Blog About Moran Real Estate

Moran Real Estate Costa Rica Sells Paradise
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is also one of the places where many people are buying properties as an investment or to establish a vacation home. One of the most popular real estate companies that render professional and honest real estate services is managed by Terry Moran. The company is known as Moran Real Estate Costa Rica. It focuses on giving investors, retirees and prospective homeowners the opportunity to own a home and inexpensive real estate properties in the Lake Arenal area of Costa Rica.Moran Real Estate Costa Rica is comprised of many professional real estate agents that will guide you in buying your property in Lake Arenal area. They are very much familiar with all the excellent places in Lake Arenal where you can develop your business or build your home. Some of the places recommended by Moran Real Estate Costa Rica agents include Fortuna, Nuevo Arenal, Tilaran, Tierra Morenas, as well as Tronadora.You may also ask these agents about the areas located within the mountains, over-looking the whole paradise of Costa Rica. Unlike other real estate agents, they don’t push you to buy this or that property just because of their commission. Moran Real Estate is there to assist you in finding your perfect home or spot even if it means they have to search the whole of Costa Rica.These professional real estate services are owned and managed by Terry Moran and has been recognized as one of the leading names when it comes to real estate industry, especially when it comes to properties in and around the Caribbean. For more than fifty years it has been selling tropical paradise properties. The main office of the company is located in Virgin Islands. And because of the success made by Terry Moran and his agents, there are now a lot of branches scattered all over the Caribbean. It was only a few years that they focused their attention on the Lake Arenal area.Because of the efforts of Moran Real Estate, many five star hotels as well as restaurants are now affiliated with this real estate company. If you are one of their clients, you may avail special discounts and VIP treatments from the finest establishments in the paradise. Aside from the discounts, you may gain access to the exclusive art galleries where the paintings, sculptures, and other masterpieces of famous local artists in Costa Rica are exhibited and for sale at the same time.So if you are in the market for a piece of paradise in Costa Rica then you should consider contacting Moran Real Estate Costa Rica. They have a reputation for providing great real estate services and will help you find you own piece of paradise.James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Inexpensive Costa Rica Vacation website at .costa-rica-source, providing great information on vacations and travel in Costa Rica as well as information on buying a piece of paradise with Moran Real Estate Costa Rica.
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at 7:46 pm

Lake Arenal Real Estate April-June 2008

The real estate market has definitely been adversely affected

by the world economy, but some areas much more than others. For example the coastal and beaches are much more negatively impacted than Lake Arenal. The real estate market at Lake Arenal is much better this year than last year and the trend seems to be growing stronger as the lake becomes more and more discovered. Plus the market here is different than the market on coastal areas which are more speculative, second home/vacation home/investment rather than at the lake more permenent residential in primary and second homes.

The developers have recognized the tremendous potential of the lake eqauting it to Lake Tahoe of Lake Como and in the past 3 to 4 years have bought up thousands of acres around the lake, the majority sold by Moran Real Estate. Therefor in various stages of planning or development are all kinds of projects either on the market or will be soon, including land sub divisions, condos, 4 star hotels, marinas, more quality restaurants and shopping to serve the growing expat community here.

One of the Developments of note, Turtle Cove Yacht Club has had a very successful last 6 months having sold numerous lots, 2 custom homes , several lake townhouses and a boutique hotel in the permit process.

A word about the developers who have come to Lake Arenal. It has been my experience that the great majority of the developers who have purchased property here are very much concerned about all the environmental aspects and special concerns about building at Lake Arenal to preserve the pristine nature of this 50 square mile body of water.

Although the real estate values are still way below those on the coast and there are many bargains to be had still, we have also seen values increase in some cases 100-200% in one year on some of the prime properties.

Even though ICI, the Government Utility company that controls the lake has promissed and promissed to publish rules and regulations regarding boats on the lake, marinas, docks and access, in typical government fashion nothing has happened, thus people are continuing to put floating docks on the lake and then deal with ICI as necessary. We have an attorney who specializes in this if anyone needs more information

More to come very soon

Terry Moran