Costa Rica´s Best Guide

Tilaran, commonly known as the "Ciudad de Los Vientos"(the city of winds) became known for its great potential in many industries, so people flocked to settle here. Farming and cattle were the main industries at the beginning. Later, the wind became Tilaran's best friend and commodity as we now see hundreds of "torres e ó licas" known as electricity producing windmills. During the last century the neighbors witnessed how El Lago Arenal was created to generate electricity by way of hydroelectric turbines. There are 3 hydroelectric turbine locations around the lake with the fourth one becoming a reality soon. The Arenal Lake, Costa Rica's biggest man-made lake, is not only a beauty to visit, but it also attracts a lot of land development investment opportunities for individuals and large companies. One long-time running, family-owned business, is the Catamaran Tucan Arenal, which entertains thousands of families get closer to nature. Tilaran, is the gateway to the great windsurfing on Lake Arenal. Classes are available so you can enjoy this great sport. Tilaran is a charming town that lies in the northeastern regions of Guanacaste province, close to the border of Alajuela. Located along the Pan American Highway some 4 km from Lake Arenal, Tilaran is now fast becoming a key location for adventures in and around the lake area. A quaint little town 22 km from Ca ñ as, Tilaran is also a major farming zone for coffee, peanuts and macadamia nuts in the region as well as for cattle and horse ranching. A relaxed and laid-back town, where the residents are friendly and everyone knows each other, Tilaran is a great place to stay in while touring the Arenal area due to its fantastic climate and slow pace of life. Continued on page 88

SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA CATHEDRAL, TILARAN

TILARAN CENTRAL PARK

COOKING ON A TRADITIONAL WOOD STOVE IN TILARAN