Treat yourself to a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. This volcano hotel – perched high on a ridge only 1.7 miles from Arenal Volcano (Volcán Arenal), Costa Rica’s most spectacular active volcano – offers the area’s most stunning views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. With easy access to the Arenal Observatory Lodge, only a twenty minutes drive from the small town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, volcano and nature lovers alike can feast their eyes on the majesty of Arenal Volcano in its lush tropical setting.
Located 500 meters off from the main building, 5 comfortable rooms with a large terrace near the volcano and Arenal Lake, 4 rooms furnished with 1 Queen size bed, 1 room has 3 bunk beds with a view of the rainforest, 2 large bathrooms
2 Queen size beds, Balcony with volcano and lake view
2 Queen size beds, Huge picture windows to admire the colossus
2 Queen size beds, Small living room, Mini refrigerator, Arenal Volcano view through large windows, Private deck with lake view
When mealtime arrives, you can head for town and check out La Fortuna restaurants or, better yet, stick around and enjoy a delicious meal at our Arenal hotel restaurant. La Fortuna dining is never finer than in the comfort and beauty of our large main dining room , which features walls of windows opening onto views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, unique among La Fortuna restaurants. Our chefs prepare a variety of continental and Costa Rican dishes, with an emphasis on fresh local fruits and vegetables, as well as locally raised beef and poultry and fresh-caught Lake Arenal fish.
There is also a comfortable bar open from 12:00 m to 10:00 pm everyday. This is a wonderful spot to gather or meet other guests, and definitely an excellent place to be for any volcanic eruptions.
The Morning Walk- Every morning about 8:30 a.m., our hotel guests and guide meet outside the office for the complimentary morning walk. We begin by crossing the nearby hanging bridge and head off along the Saino trail, winding our way through a combination of beautiful tropical gardens and lush rainforest. Stopping along the way to view and discuss the flora and fauna, the walk continues out to the trail that leaves the hotel grounds and makes its’ way to the primary forest trail that joins the River Danta and allows access to the beautiful jungle waterfall below. After climbing up from viewing the waterfall, the rustic trail heads for the Danta hanging bridge, crosses the river and opens out onto a path that continues between green pasture lands to one side and wild jungle vegetation along the river edge to the other. Not too much further, the path crosses the river a final time where the comfortable, open air “Jungle Bus” is waiting to bring the guests back to the hotel. The whole adventure takes about two and a half hours and with more than 250 species of birds, three types of monkeys and a whole host of other mammals, insects, reptiles and plants and flowers, each excursion provides a different look at the tropical paradise that we call home.
Birding- Over 370 species of birds have been spotted in the area around the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Well–marked, well-groomed trails through primary forest, open pasture land, secondary forest and hardened lava flows offer numerous habitats and birding opportunities. Some of the more spectacular local residents include Three-wattled Bellbirds, Fasciated Tiger-Herons, Sunbitterns, Laughing Falcons, Red-lored Parrots, Great Curassows, Northern Jacanas, Steely-vented Hummingbirds and Keel-billed Toucans.
Waterfall Trail- One of the most popular trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge. A short, relatively easy walk from the lodge (20 minutes), the trail ends at the base of a 20-foot waterfall. Hikers are refreshed by the moist air, cooled by the waterfall, and the surrounding forest, lush with ferns and palms. Duration: 1 hour roundtrip.
Old Lava Trail –
You can travel this path without a guide, leaving from the hotel and climbing down to the Agua Caliente River. From this point on, the path is in a high risk zone that leads to the foot of the volcano. Along the way you will see how the local plants are becoming reestablished, and with luck, you’ll spot some howler monkeys. The trail also takes you to a lava field that stopped flowing in September 1992 but continues to issue steam at various points. This is a fairly difficult hiking trail due to the slope and texture of the terrain.
Duration: approximately 4 hours roundtrip.
Walking Trails – Arenal Observatory Lodge lies in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s largest natural areas. The rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest teeming with birds, butterflies, mammals and reptiles. Howler monkeys call from the forest every morning and late afternoon. Seven miles of manicured, well-marked walking, bike and horseback riding trail system traverses the property and provides safe, easy access to breathtaking natural beauty. A paved trail, wheelchair accessible, extends 800 meters into the rainforest allowing excellent views of the volcano and primary forest. This trail is perfect for a short night hike to immerse yourself in the exotic sounds and smells of the jungle after dark. Trail map available at the hotel desk.