The Amazing Venado Caves

Less than one hour north east of Arenal Town  and the Lake are the Venado Caves, one of the wonders of Costa Rica.

The caves first formed during the Miocene Period, about 15 to 20 million years ago.  At this time, the Guatuzos aborigines became the first people to stumble upon their discovery.

A Venado Cave Tour, will take you through the river and waterfalls at the upper portion of the cave. Then  you will make your way into the dark caves and seek to discover interesting marine fossils, bats, spider, crickets, and other insects. Tours are led by a bilingual guide (English-Spanish,) and it runs for about 1.5 hours. Our Friends at Desafio Adventure Company will be happy to book your exciting tour of the cave Venado Caves Tours.
The Venado Caves are the direct result of water currents penetrating and passing through the surrounding limestone rocks. Over time, the continual flow of water opened crevasses and forced sediments to flow throughout the caves, leaving in it's wake an endless network of deep tunnels. So complex and deep, absolutely no light penetrates these caves, except for a few isolated areas. As a result, it is mandatory that you carry a flashlight with you during your trip.

The structure of the tunnels vary tremendously with some displaying ceilings of nearly 20 feet in height, while others requiring that you slide through like a serpent. While one can enter on your own, it is highly recommended that you utilize the services of a guide. The guides experience and in depth knowledge of the numerous paths can dramatically improve your experience in the caves. Depending on your physical fitness and sense of adventure hours can be spend crawling from one section of the caves to another, challenging the most fit and adventurous. A hard hat is also mandatory as the walls and ceilings are comprised of hard, porous limestone.
Within the caves one can find five thousand year old rock formations, such as the "papaya" which is a vertical formation formed by the union of two different rock types; the name is derived from it's shape, looks just like a papaya.  Covering approximately 2 1/2 km (1.5 miles) with areas limited for tourism of only 600 meters (1,800 ft). Throughout the caves water in continually flows along the floors, at times a few feet high. In fact, during the height of the rainy season visitors are prohibited from entering the caves. The ever present water creates a moist, humid climate within the caves, making them remain quite cool.  Expect to get wet and dirty, particularly if you plan on discovering the more far reaching places within the caves.
The caves contain four different species of bats and numerous types of spiders, many of which are endemic to the area. Some of the spiders have extremely long feelers, designed to assist them in total darkness. The bats fly endlessly above, sometime clustering in groups of a hundred. It is more common to find them attached to the ceiling above than along the walls.

To see the best properties and greatest Values in all of Central America go to Moran Real Estate or call 506 2694 0088 24/7

The Sunken City Of Old Arenal

This shows Old Arenal in the pink area which is now flooded

In The 1970,s The Government Electricity Company known as ICI developed a plan to build an earthen dam on what is now the eastern end of Lake Arenal to create and hydro electrical project and produce much needed electricity for Costa Rica.  The Lake would be increased to 3 times its original size in the process. The only problem other than the cost was that there was a fair sized town called Arenal in a spot that would be one of the deepest parts of the expanded lake. Another town Tronadora would also be partially sub merged as well as a number of farms and homes.

            

So the work commenced, at the same time personel from ICI negotiated with the residnets of Arenal, Tronadora and elsewhere to relocate. In the case of Arenal, an entire new town was planned called Nuevo (New) Arenal, with new commercial areas, church, school clinic and the many homes necessary to accomodate all the residents. This plan was not popular with all the people required to move, some had lived in the same homes for generations and in fact refused to move. In some cases families refused to vacate their homes until the water lapped onto their doorsteps.

Old Arenal, as it is now called lies under 200 feet of water. The steeple of the old church, which is closer to the shore sometimes pops up above the water when the lake is low.

Some of the old timers who now live in Nuevo Arenal pine for the good old days in their old town.

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Moran Real Estate - Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Lake Arenal Costa Rica Homes Of Distinction

This fantastic Gated Estate was carefully constructed and is impeccably maintained and includes a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Main Residence plus a Guest House and Garage. All situated on 64 Acres of Lakeview Land including over 100 fruit trees, 14 acres of primary jungle, 14 springs, a large pond, interior road network with 8 building pads all with tremendous lake Views ready to build. This property is primed for a B&B, corporate retreat, family estate or a private sub division. It is minutes from Arenal Town and The Lake, yet affords all the privacy and security you will ever need.
This property is a bargain at $795,000

Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Bella Vista Estates - A Unique Development Of Habitation With Nature

 

The developer of Bella Vista Estates wanted to accomplish two things when he planned this unique sub division. One, to create large spacious lots of 3 to 14 acres so everyone has plenty of land for privacy and gardening, and with the  rich black soil and plenty of water  have the ability to grow much of your own food. The second mission was to take this former cattle farm and reforest it back to the way it was hundreds of years ago.
He has achieved both. Not only was the master plan carefully studied  and implemented to afford maximum privacy, but also to take advantage of the magnificent views of the Lake and The Volcano.
 On this large 175 acre parcel he has sub divided only 23 lots and to date  planted over 4000 trees and plans to plant an  additional 8000.  A caretaker lives on site to provide security for those who wish to occupy their residences part time.
Bella Vista is situated just 6 miles from the town of Nuevo Arenal, which gives it a living in the country feel while still being a short distance to all the conveniences.
Only 12 lots remain unsold with prices beginning at $85,000.
So if you are looking for more than the normal one acre lot or less, Bella Vista offers a wonderful alternative and a great price.

 

Moran Real Estate Call 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

 Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica Experts

Rainbow Bay Tennis And Yacht Club

If you are looking for the absolute very best at Lake Arenal, look no further..  Rainbow Bay was created 10 years ago with a developer doing something they seldom do, that is putting in all the infrastructure and amenities first, which are extensive for this small 30 acre Garden of Eden. He then sub divided just 20 lots, on one of which he built just 9 luxury lakefront townhouses of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms. For this very low density development he included 2 tennis courts, one of which is professional and covered, 2 pools, a club house, a small gymnasium, bar b q area, a marina and a stable.
There are currently just a few lots left starting at $175,000 and there are 2 townhouses for sale furnished , a 2 bedroom 2 bath and a 3 bedroom 3 bath starting at $225,000. Rainbow Bay is located just 5 minutes from Arenal Town and has been richly landscaped
including over 100 fruit trees. Once a week a fresh fish truck from the coast comes right to your door, as does a truck delivering fresh baked goods from the German bakery.

So If you want the best, there is only one place to go

Call Moran Real Estateat 506 2694 0088 or cell 506 8880 8888  24/7 The Lake Experts.

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica