Discover Costa Rica’s Top Secrets!
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Roy
3 hours
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English, Spanish
What you'll do
COSTA RICA´S WORLDWIDE RECORD for generating its electricity from renewable sources for 300 days owes much of its success to the town of Nuevo Arenal. We will explore why & how! On the same decade, the Arenal volcano erupted & the country’s largest lake, Lake Arenal, enveloped 2 towns (All of my grandparents’ original villages). We will explore this overlooked spot of world-wide historical & renewable energy importance. 1st) We will enjoy a local gastronomic component, including an insider's look at a genuinely-local restaurant's private organic garden. 2nd) We will take a unique historical/sightseeing walking tour through the newly rebuilt town of Nuevo Arenal, exploring several of the locals’ most treasured secrets, filled with secrets from the past as well as world-class strides in renewable energy. We’ll discuss history, family stories and hard-won lessons all along the hiking part of the experience. 3rd) We will visit a little-known peninsula on the historical Lake Arenal, where the lake flooded two towns that were forced to relocate (including Nuevo Arenal). We will have time to enjoy the stunning view, take a swim and/or relax at the shore of this amazing historical lake.
Other things to note
Walking: This experience involves an approximate of 3 to 4 miles of easy walking.
Not included: Costs for food and drinks are not included.
Weather: it may be very sunny and also rain on the same day
Other things to note
Walking: This experience involves an approximate of 3 to 4 miles of easy walking.
Not included: Costs for food and drinks are not included.
Weather: it may be very sunny and also rain on the same day
COSTA RICA´S WORLDWIDE RECORD for generating its electricity from renewable sources for 300 days owes much of its success to the town of Nuevo Arenal. We will explore why & how! On the same decade, the Arenal volcano erupted & the country’s largest lake, Lake Arenal, enveloped 2 towns (All of my grandparents’ original villages). We will explore this overlooked spot of world-wide historical & renewable energy importance. 1st) We will enjoy a local…
Roy's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
- 12 Reviews
- Identity verified
NOTE: Do you need a different time or date to take this experience? Please text me! I will do my best to meet your needs!
I am a native Costa Rican, both sides of my family have been born and raised in the Lake Arenal area for generations. I’ve loved to travel since I was 6 years old. Today, as a documentalist, researcher, entrepreneur, ex-university professor, bilingual in Spanish and English, I have a deep understanding of my country’s culture and history, and have countless stories to share with you. I am thrilled to share an unforgettable experience rich in history, culture, & gastronomy. Together we’ll explore the most treasured secrets of Costa Rica. You can even conclude with a dip in historic Lake Arenal.
I am a native Costa Rican, both sides of my family have been born and raised in the Lake Arenal area for generations. I’ve loved to travel since I was 6 years old. Today, as a documentalist, researcher, entrepreneur, ex-university professor, bilingual in Spanish and English, I have a deep understanding of my country’s culture and history, and have countless stories to share with you. I am thrilled to share an unforgettable experience rich in history, culture, & gastronomy. Together we’ll explore the most treasured secrets of Costa Rica. You can even conclude with a dip in historic Lake Arenal.
NOTE: Do you need a different time or date to take this experience? Please text me! I will do my best to meet your needs!
I am a native Costa Rican, both sides of my family have been born and raised in the Lake Arenal area for generations. I’ve loved to travel since I was 6 years old. Today, as a documentalist, researcher, entrepreneur, ex-university professor, bilingual in Spanish and English, I have a deep understanding of my country’s culture and history, and have countless stories…
I am a native Costa Rican, both sides of my family have been born and raised in the Lake Arenal area for generations. I’ve loved to travel since I was 6 years old. Today, as a documentalist, researcher, entrepreneur, ex-university professor, bilingual in Spanish and English, I have a deep understanding of my country’s culture and history, and have countless stories…
Where you'll be
We’ll enjoy an authentic local cuisine that will open a door between our hearts, history, and culture (our stomachs will love it!). We’ll then enjoy a stroll through the past, present & future of Nuevo Arenal, a town that was destroyed and then reborn triumphant. We’ll visit the gorgeous lake at the heart of renewable energy in our country and our world. You can take a refreshing dip in the beautiful and historical water and enjoy the view.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 12 reviews.
A tour with Roy is like making a friend from Costa Rica that spends and afternoon telling you about his town and his family’s history in the region. He takes you to his favorite restaurants and sights and shares personal stories along the way. It was a unique and wonderful way to learn more about Costa Rica. I highly recommend booking a tour or private experience with Roy. He is very knowledgeable and thoughtful.
A tour with Roy is like making a friend from Costa Rica that spends and afternoon telling you about his town and his family’s history in the region. He takes you to his favorite r…
My family and I had a fantastic tour with Roy. I’ve been coming to Costa Rica for 17 years now and even studied abroad here twice, but I learned so much new information today about Costa Rica’s renewable energy. Roy’s tour took me out of the classroom and instead was much more personal with his family stories and accounts. So many people focus on Arenal or La Fortuna but I found this tour of Nuevo Arenal to be way more authentic and off the beaten tourist path in the best way possible. The town is so quaint and cute but rich with history and Roy seemed to know everyone in town and everything about it. I was also pleasantly surprised by how accesible this tour was. I was able to do it with my 3 month old daughter in her stroller and Roy even helped push. I’m so glad we decided to do the tour! Thanks, Roy!
My family and I had a fantastic tour with Roy. I’ve been coming to Costa Rica for 17 years now and even studied abroad here twice, but I learned so much new information today about…
My time with Roy was a once in a lifetime experience. The tour was exceptional. His knowledge of Costa Rica and this area was first-hand and it truly enriched my trip. I loved the personal touches (bringing binoculars for me to see the birds), and making sure I really enjoyed the local food with a visit to restaurant with their own garden. Roy is passionate about sustainability and preserving the environment. I wish all my Air Bnb experiences were like this! It’s a must-do in my opinion.
My time with Roy was a once in a lifetime experience. The tour was exceptional. His knowledge of Costa Rica and this area was first-hand and it truly enriched my trip. I loved the…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Government ID
You’ll need to take a picture of yourself that matches the photo on your ID. This is so Airbnb can confirm who’s actually going on the experience. You’ll only have to do this once.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests of all ages can attend.
What to bring
Sunscreen.
Comfortable shoes for walking.
Comfortable shoes for walking.