Arenal Volcano and Area Activities

Birding:

Over 350 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.  Click here for a more complete bird list from the Arenal Observatory Lodge.  List of birds

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.

Morning hike:(Temporarily closed)

Hike the Arenal Volcano National Park through a well protected secondary forest to see wildlife such as Spider Monkeys, White-throated Capuchins, Howler Monkeys, Toucans, Oropendulas, Black Guans, Crested Guans, Coatis and Collared Peccaries.

The half-day hike crosses a still-steaming lava flow from 1992, where tourists learn about key aspects of Arenal Volcano.  The trail is an easy hike and visitors should wear closed shoes (not sandals), and carry rain ponchos, binoculars, water and insect repellent.

Although the tour is free, the national park entrance fee is $6 per person.

Departs from the hotel daily at 8:30 a.m.. Duration: 3 hours.

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.  A manicured, well-marked 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.

Spring-fed Swimming pool and Jacuzzi:

Guests can relax and enjoy a jungle refreshment by our “infinity” swimming pool.  Tiled in cobalt blue, it melds with the rainforest backdrop.  The bubbling, sunken Jacuzzi, our convenient alternative to trekking down the mountain to the public hot springs, provides soothing relaxation for 12 under a glass gazebo framing the volcanic peak against a starry sky. The perfect combination – volcano viewing with a hot soak!