Arenal Volcano Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

A Hotel in Arenal, La Fortuna The Arenal Volcano Observatory. Treat yourself to a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure at Arenal Observatory Lodge. This volcano hotel - perched high on a ridge only 1.7 miles from Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most spectacular volcano - offers the area's most stunning views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. With easy access to the Arenal Observatory Lodge, only 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.

A paved trail extends 800 meters into the rainforest; in addition, 7 miles of bicycle, horseback riding and hiking trails wind throughout the volcano lodge’s property through rainforest and over a hanging bridge. Just around the bend on every trail is a magnificent new view of the impressive volcano. The volcano observatory lodge offers daily complimentary walks led by resident naturalist guides.

Bird Watching tours Arenal Observatory Lodge

The Roads to Arenal Observatory Lodge and Arenal National Park entrance

Transportation to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Lake Arenal, Arenal volcano

A hiking experience in Arenal Observatory Lodge

The weather in Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

DISCOVER the Arenal Volcano, EXPLORE the nature, RELAX in our unbelievable destination!

Reception at Arenal Observatory Lodge

Our Reception

Our staff welcomes you. Reception area offers a charming living room, Computer to use Internet Service, Phone Cabin to make international and local calls, and the most diverse local tours can be hired at our reception desk

Arenal volcano View point at Arenal Obsertory Lodge

Arenal Volcano and Lake view point

As soon as you arrive to Arenal Observatory Lodge, the Arenal Volcano will be just in front. Take your time to check-in and then few steps away there is our view point looking at the volcano and the arenal lake. You will be amaze of the landscape!

Rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal volcano, costa rica

Rooms in Arenal Observatory Lodge

The Arenal Observatory Lodge features 48 rooms in various buildings spread over 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 overlook verdant gardens. Everywhere you can feel the volcano’s commanding presence.

Restaurant at Arenal Observatory Lodge

Observatory Lodge Bar & Restaurant

The Restaurant overlooks the volcano southern slop with floor to ceiling windows and opens to a wide deck to enjoy a majestic panoramic view of the lake and Arenal volcano.

Landscape & gardens at Arenal Observatory Lodge

Gardens & Landscape

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

Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi at Arenal Observtory Lodge

Swimming pool & Jacuzzi

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 framing the volcano’s peak against a starry sky.

Walking trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge

Walking trails & hikings

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. 

 

Bird Sanctuary at Arenal Observatory Lodge

The Bird Sanctuary

Birders will be particularly delighted, as the diverse habitats surrounding the volcano observatory lodge shelter nearly 400 species. Birds can be seen everywhere!

Cerro Chato from Arenal Observatory Lodge

Cerro Chato "The Sleepy Volcano"

The mysterious emerald lagoon at Cerro Chato Volcano fills the now extinct crater. A challenging hike from the Arenal volcano observatory lodge takes guests through primary forest to a waiting canoe for a dreamy paddle on the lake’s mirror surface

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. But you needn’t go far to feel nature’s magic. It’s all around you!

Did you know?

Arenal Volcano, which lay dormant for centuries, erupted in 1968 and has been active but in the last months the Arenal volcano is in a passive phase with very little activity as a part of its natural evolution. Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally built in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. Unlike other La Fortuna hotels, this volcano lodge is the only Arenal Volcano observatory situated within Arenal National Park, protected from danger by the deep gorge of the Agua Caliente River.