Lake Arenal

Driving Instructions

Part of the beauty of Costa Rica is its natural splendor and vibrant countryside. So, it follows that we do not have a freeway system where you can go roaring from airport to your destination. Through years of experience driving to and from San Jose and Liberia, we offer these guidelines for your journey to Lake Arenal.

First, we would recommend buying a good road map of Costa Rica, and not relying on a cheap or free map. It is worth an investment of $10 or more; you’ll avoid a lot of frustration.

Second, do not rely on a GPS for directions. At this time, using a GPS to get to Tilaran, Lake Arenal, will definitely get you lost.

Third, we have had many clients get lost or arrive hours late for property showings, because they relied on the directions from rental car employees. Please buy and rely on a good road map. Then, supplement your map with our detailed instructions below:

From San Jose International Airport to RE/MAX Rico Realty, near Tilaran, Lake Arenal

• From San Jose Intl. Airport (which is actually in Alajuela), take the road (Highway 1 or "Interamericana") towards San Ramon.
• Continue on Hwy 1 or “Interamericana” towards Puntarenas. (Do not take the Puntarenas exit.) Continue towards Cañas. (Stay on Hwy 1 to Cañas for approx. 96 miles. Never turn).
• As you near Cañas, look for the bullring "Plaza de Toros Chorotega" on the right and the sign to Lake Arenal - turn right (east towards the mountains). This will take you into Cañas.
• Drive through Cañas, when you get to end of the road, turn left (north) and drive to Tilaran (Cañas-Tilaran 22 km or 13 miles).
• Just before entering the town of Tilaran, you will see a TOTAL gas station on your right, and a restaurant on your left. Make a sharp left turn (north) at the restaurant. This is the turnoff to Lake Arenal. Do NOT enter the town of Tilaran. If you arrive in the town, you have driven too far.
• Caution: The turnoff to the Lake is very tricky. You must make a sharp left turn at the restaurant. You have gone too far if you arrive at the main intersection (stop sign) that leads into Tilaran.
• After making the sharp left turn at the restaurant - follow the road for about 4 km until you get to the “Y” intersection (3 minutes). Stay right, driving straight for about 50 yards. You will see a RE/MAX Rico Realty sign. (There will be several of our signs along this 4 km stretch of road.)
• Our gate is to the right, and you will see the office building with its red roof sitting on the hill.  Welcome!

From Liberia International Airport to RE/MAX Rico Realty, near Tilaran, Lake Arenal

• Leave the parking lot of Liberia Intl. Airport and go out to the main road.
• Turn left (east) towards Liberia.
• At the main intersection in Liberia (Burger King on left corner, gas station on right), turn right (south) towards Cañas (48 km).
• As you near Cañas, look for the bullring "Plaza de Toros Chorotega" on the left and the sign to Lake Arenal - turn left (east towards the mountains). This will take you into Cañas.
• Drive through Cañas, when you get to end of the road, turn left (north) and drive to Tilaran (Cañas-Tilaran 22 km).
• Just before entering the town of Tilaran, you will see a TOTAL gas station on your right, and a restaurant on your left. Make a sharp left turn (north) at the restaurant. This is the turnoff to Lake Arenal. Do NOT enter the town of Tilaran. If you arrive in the town, you have driven too far.
• Caution: The turnoff to the Lake is very tricky. You must make a sharp left turn at the restaurant. You have gone too far if you arrive at the main intersection (stop sign) that leads into Tilaran.
• After making the sharp left turn at the restaurant - follow the road for about 4 km until you get to the “Y” intersection (3 minutes). Stay right, driving straight for about 50 yards. You will see a RE/MAX Rico Realty sign. (There will be several of our signs along this 4 km stretch of road.)
• Our gate is to the right, and you will see the office building with its red roof sitting on the hill.  Welcome!