Arenal is still a town with very few residents, and it keeps the feel of the country in its customs and inhabitants. There are area legends, it's said, for instance, that a giant snake lives in the lake and sometimes, especially in the afternoon, shows itself to people.

It's also been said that both at Arenal and Cote Lakes, about 26 kilometers from Tilarán, UFOs have been frequently observed. At Eco-Lodge you may see an aerial picture showing one of them flying over the lake. You should note that this place is very peaceful and free from all the normal security measures taken in the city; generally the roads are in good shape, so any type of vehicle can drive on them.
In some cases, and depending on the place where you want to stay, you might need a 4x4 vehicle to avoid surprises on the road. One of the attractions that you shouldn't miss is a bar-restaurant called Equus, where at night you'll find a very original discotheque built completely of stone; you have to see the decoration with your own eyes to believe it.
For many people the Arenal Lake is a hidden treasure, their refuge when they need peace and quiet. For others it's their amusement park where they find speed, aerial jumps and natural adventures.