Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Follow your nose to this authentic stone-built tavern, 14.5km west of Nuevo Arenal, where
the meat is cooked in an open fire pit, producing decadent, delicious aromas. Take a seat at
a wooden-slab picnic table and dig in! A local favorite, this place has been run by the same
family for more than a quarter of a century.
San Luis & Tronadora
On the south side of Laguna de Arenal, the main lake road (Rte 142) takes a sharp turn
south to head toward Tilarán. If you take the northbound road instead, it quickly turns to
gravel and descends into the lakeside hamlets of San Luis and, 3km further, Tronadora.
With dramatic lake and volcano views, these villages are surprisingly and delightfully un-
touristed.
If you're driving between Arenal and Monteverde, consider taking the scenic route
through Tronadora and Río Chiquito instead of driving through Tilarán. The distance is a
bit longer and the roads are a bit rougher, but the marvelous vistas are well worth it. Look
for the turnoff to Río Chiquito about 1km east of Tronadora. Note: if you go this route,
there are no gas stations between Nuevo Arenal and Santa Elena, and the gas gets guzzled
on the rough mountain roads. Make sure you fill up when you can.
Sleeping & Eating
Monte Terras
B&B
( 2693-1349;
www.monteterras.com
;
d incl breakfast US$75; )
Set amidst a blooming, bird-filled garden in the village of Tronadora, you'll find a handful
of comfy
cabinas
, each with high ceilings, polished-concrete floors, colorful paint jobs
and tropical artwork. Rocking chairs deck the shared terrace, where it's easy to while away
the day. Dutch owners Kees and Griselda go out of their way to make sure their guests are
content.
Brisas Del Lago
SODA
( 2695-3363; mains US$6-11; 11am-10pm Tue-Sat, 1-10pm Sun; )
Simple Tico fare is done with panache at this dressed-up
soda
. They marinate chicken
breasts in their own BBQ sauce, skewer Thai-style shrimp and sauce teriyaki chicken, and
