Costa Rica Tours

Extensions

Icon Legend

Escort

Escorted

Unescorted

Difficulty

Easy

Moderate

Challenging

When to Travel

Excellent

Very Good

Unpredictable

Unavailable

This is our primary hotel choice in this location, though availability is not guaranteed. If a given hotel is not available for your tour date, we will reserve you a room at a hotel of similar appeal and quality in the same area.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

About the Lodge · Activities At Arenal

Set high on a ridge facing Costa Rica's most active and spectacular volcano, the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers the adventurous traveler a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The observatory is located within 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.) At the Arenal Observatory Lodge, you can enjoy the sound & fury of Arenal Volcano’s constant eruptions from the comfort of your room, or from one of the many perfect volcano viewing sites around the lodge.

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.

An “Infinity” swimming pool was added for jungle refreshment. Tiled in cobalt blue, it melts into the rainforest beyond. A sunken bubbling jacuzzi provides soothing relaxation beneath a glass gazebo that frames the volcano's peak against a starry sky.

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. Birders will be particularly gratified during their visit. The diverse habitats surrounding the lodge shelter nearly 370 species. Guests can see birds everywhere. Other attractions include a waterfall, just a short hike away, which cascades into the cool forest depths. A well maintained path leads guests to this magical spot.

A host of activities await the spirited adventurer. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hanging bridges, butterfly gardens, canopy tours, fishing, horseback riding and more are all available.

Meals are served in the lodge’s large main dining room, which has 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. What you catch in Lake Arenal, the chefs will prepare for you!

There is also have a comfortable bar open from 10:00am to 12:00 midnight everyday. This is a wonderful spot to gather with other guests. And of course, it’s a good place to be for any volcanic eruptions.

Rooms at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Junior Suites

Near the main lodge are two Junior Suites. These 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.

Smithsonian

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.

Standard Rooms

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.

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.

La Casona

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.