Hotel Arenal Observatory

There are actually several routes to the Arenal Observatory Lodge . They all take roughly 3 hours by car from San José.

The most popular route heads out of San José along the Inter American Highway to the town of San Ramón, where you head into the hills, passing through La Tigra, on the way to La Fortuna.

An alternative route turns off the Inter American Highway at Naranjo and passes through Zarcero and Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos), before reaching La Fortuna. If you take this route, be sure to stop and walk around.

You can drive north through Alajuela or Heredia, skirting the Poás Volcano enroute to Varablanca and Aguas Zarcas. Beyond Aguas Zarcas, you will come to Ciudad Quesada and continue onwards to La Fortuna. If you have the time, this route permits a visit to the Poás Volcano, as well as a stop to admire the impressive La Paz waterfall.

Once you reach La Fortuna, continue through town towards Tabacón and the Arenal National Park. Just before reaching Lake Arenal you will come to a marked turn-off for the National Park entrance. Take this left turn-off. From here it is 9 kilometers along a somewhat rough dirt road. Continue on past the park entrance following signs for the Arenal Observatory Lodge . A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended in the rainy season, and high clearance is always useful.

Due to extreme weather and heavy rains, road conditions can change rapidly in Costa Rica. It is always best to call the lodge to find out current conditions and what route is best for you.

After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc with the local population and creating a "lava landscape" for miles around its base.



At Arenal Observatory Lodge , nature is bursting at the seams, tropical flora and fauna abound. And all the while, the imposing majesty of the volcano reflects in the mirrored lake at her feet, enhanced by her fiery tantrum-all this right outside your room at the lodge.


You Can Also:
Explore the lava flow trail and take night tours to marvel at the active lava flows.
Ride horseback through varied terrain with great natural beauty.
Tour the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge wetlands.
Canoe Cerro Chato Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Enjoy the comfort of our swimming pool and Jacuzzi while viewing the volcano.
Go birdwatching.
Hike our rich rain forests.
Enjoy a professional massage after your hike.
Soak in the nearby hot springs.



Wake to the roar of howler monkeys.
Watch toucans fly by.
Wade in the waters beneath a jungle waterfall.
Go sport-fishing or kayaking in Lake Arenal.
Hike above the forest canopy at Arenal Hanging Bridges.
See stalactites and stalagmites at Venado Caverns.
Raft the white-water of Sarapiqui River.
Relax on a lazy float down Peñas Blancas River.
And much more!

Arenal Observatory Lodge sits in a private nature reserve in the heart of one of Costa Rica's numerous natural areas. Rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest. Waterfalls and crystalline rivers offer sparkling jungle refreshment. A well marked and manicured trail system traverses the property and provides easy access to the breathtaking natural beauty.

There is also a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail that extends 800 meters into the rainforest and provides excellent views of the volcano. The lodge offers daily complimentary walks by resident naturalist guides.(A reforestation project guarantees healthy forest in perpetuity for future generations)

The Arenal Observatory Lodge features 37 rooms in a four-building spread on the property. Five rooms are fully equipped for disabled travelers, with rooms, bathrooms, hallways, parking areas and even the new swimming pool designed accordingly. Most have a view of the volcano and all have verdant garden surroundings. Everywhere one feels the volcano's commanding presence.

The gardens and landscaping are extravagant with color. Natural flowering plants and shrubs were carefully chosen to attract wildlife. Jewel-toned hummingbirds dart from heliconia to oleander and brilliant butterflies adorn the blooms.

ROOMS

Near the main lodge are two Junior Suites. Airy rooms have private terraces and spectacular views of the lake and Arenal volcano. Cool tile floors and colorful fabrics highlight the comfortable furnishings and original artwork depicts the volcano’s many moods. These rooms feature two king-size beds, a mini-bar and a mini-refrigerator for your enjoyment.

The Smithsonian rooms feature huge walls of glass that provide premiere views of the volcano from the comfort of your bed, or from the two sitting chairs strategically placed for your comfort and enjoyment.
Seven of the Smithsonian rooms are located just off the main lodge and dining area. Four of these rooms feature a king-sized bed, modern private bath, and an amazing volcano view through their over-sized windows, one of these rooms also feature views of Lake Arenal. Three of these rooms features two queen-sized beds.

Ten Smithsonian rooms are housed in a modern building located about 110 meters from our main lodge, reached by a 134-foot suspension bridge through a small patch of rain forest. These rooms feature tiled floors, private bathrooms, one queen and one twin-sized bed. This block of rooms is located near the pool and Jacuzzi area. It also features a viewing deck, conference room, and our own volcano museum with an active seismograph constantly monitoring the volcanic and seismic activity just outside your door.
Five Smithsonian rooms are located on the way to the farm. These rooms are fully equipped for physically-challenged travelers and feature one queen and one king-sized bed.



Our nine Standard rooms provide a rustic, yet comfortable base for your volcano viewing and rain forest activities. These rooms were originally designed and used by researchers. Each room features one bunk bed and a full-sized bed, as well as a private bath. Adjacent to the main lodge and dining area, two of them feature direct views of the volcano.

Budget travelers will find five comfortable rooms in La Casona, our original family farmhouse, a perfect place for groups. Four of the rooms have queen-sized beds with direct views of the volcano. And the fifth room has three bunk beds. Located about 500 meters from the main lodge and dining area, La Casona features two full bathrooms and a large common sitting room, as well as a spacious front porch with a volcano and lake view.

White Hawk Villa. Crowning a hilltop some 800 meters from the lodge is the White Hawk Villa with breathtaking views of the volcano and the lake, with a capacity for 8 guests. The spacious living area is open and airy, includes satellite television and a fully-equipped master kitchen.

The two large "Trogon" and "Toucan" bedrooms downstairs feature one double bed and a two twin beds each. The villa also has a living room with a sofa-bed and dining room.


MEALS

Meals are served in our large main dining room, which features walls of windows opening onto views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. 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 fish from Lake Arenal.

Breakfast: 7:00am - 8:30am
Lunch: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm - 8:30pm





We also have a comfortable bar open from 10:00am to 12:00 midnight everyday. This is a wonderful spot to gather with other guests, an excellent place to be for any volcanic eruptions.

Hotel Rates Arenal Observatory Lodge Rates Include: Personal attention by our guest service manager Full breakfast buffet Free guided morning hike along a well maintained property trails Walking, bike and horseback riding trails. Swimming pool and Jacuzzi Bird list Children under 6: free meals and lodging* (shared room with parents) Children 7-11 years old, 50% discount rate for meals, free lodging (shared room with parents) Note: At most other Arenal hotels, rates quoted are for rooms only. For security reasons our main gate closes at 11:00 p.m.