Getting to Arenal Observatory Lodge
Coordinates to use on your GPS:
Latitude:10.434215 / Longitud:-84.701500
From San Jose:
The most popular route heads out of San José along the Inter-American Highway to the town of San Ramón, where you turn off into the hills, passing through La Tigra on the way to La Fortuna. Even without a map, La Fortuna is easy to find. Once you reach La Fortuna, continue through town towards Tabacón and the Arenal National Park. No La Fortuna roadmap is needed for finding the Observatory Lodge from here. Just before reaching Lake Arenal you will come to a marked turn-off on the left for the National Park entrance. From the turn-off 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.
From Guanacaste:
Turn off the Interamerican Highway at Cañas, on to Tilarán and around Arenal Lake until you find a gravel road on the right that will take you up to the Observatory Lodge. Follow the signs for about 9 km.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.
From Tortuguero National Park
When coming from Tortuguero to Arenal Observatory Lodge, the route will guide you through nice rural town along the way. Instead driving back to San Jose, you can take the route that cross the Central Mountain Range heading to the low lands in the northern region. Driving time about 3 hours but on the road is a must-do to stop to get a cup of coffee and know locals.
From Manuel Antonio National Park
Arenal Volcano by Car
The drive to Arenal Volcano from San José passes through some of the most scenic regions in the country – vibrant green pastures, rolling mountains and meadows, patches of lush cloud and rain forests and picturesque Costa Rican villages. Driving to Arenal, you’ll pass by working dairy farms, hillsides full of grazing cattle, and fields of papaya, citrus, cacao, yucca, sugar cane and, of course, coffee. As you can see from the Arenal map, if you are driving to Arenal you can choose from several routes to the Arenal Observatory Lodge.
By Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus, there is regular bus service from San José to La Fortuna. From La Fortuna you can take a taxi – directions to the hotel are not even necessary as all the taxis are familiar with our lodge. It is best to call the lodge to find out the most current and accurate bus schedule and information.
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"Of our entire 9 days stay in Costa Rica , we (my boyfriend and I) both agree that our favorite place was the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The view was more that we could have hoped for. The rooms were perfectly accommodating. We love Antonio at the bar and the food was wonderful at both breakfast and dinner. The lava flowing from the volcano of course was stupendous. A memory to have forever. Also, Esteban at the front desk could not have been more helpful. He is very knowledgeable and is very eager and willing to share his knowledge. The ground of the lodge was beautiful beyond description. Peaceful, restful !! . I´m transporting my mind there now. Thank you. Thank you."
