The small, picturesque town of Tilaran lies on the southwestern tip of Lake Arenal and offers a variety of hotel and restaurant options. Tours in the area include mountain bike trips in the surrounding hills.
Fishing on the lake is also offered along with the opportunity to rent your own small boat. The Arenal area is great for bird watching. Kingfishers, hawks, and swallow tailed kites are commonly sighted, as well as smaller winged residents such as tanagers and hummingbirds.
The area is reminiscent of the English countryside for some and for others holds a special attraction all its own. The hills roll into the horizon and form a perfect border for the shining waters of Lake Arenal. The verdant slopes seem to meld into the blue waters that are topped with whitecaps.
While several tour operators offer transportation to the area of Tilaran, many travelers opt for getting there on their own. Armed with a map, a camera and binoculars, your trip through the area will prove fascinating and worthwhile. The roads winding through the area are in good condition and will take you through impressive landscapes.