About
The Lodge

Observatory Lodge & Trails

You came to Costa Rica to experience its rainforest, volcanoes, and nature. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails gives you unparalleled access to this extraordinary ecosystem. There are 870 acres on our property to explore, including 270 acres of natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, 400 acres of reforested land and tropical gardens, and 200 acres of pastureland. Our gardens and landscaping are extravagantly designed with colorful flowering plants, shrubs, and trees chosen to attract wildlife, like jewel-toned hummingbirds, brilliant butterflies, and exotic birds.

Unlike other hotels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, we are the only hotel located within the Arenal Volcano National Park. When the national park was formed in November 1991, its boundaries encompassed our farm. No other hotel is as close to the Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, and Lake Arenal as we are. While on the property you can always feel the volcano’s commanding presence.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails was originally built in 1987 as a scientific research station for the world-famous Smithsonian Institution. After Arenal Volcano’s sudden and dramatic explosion into life in 1968, Smithsonian Institution scientists began frequenting the area and would camp on our family’s land because of its strategic location. We built cabins and a small hotel to take care of them and expanded over the years.

Discover · Explore · Relax

Today, the historic Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa features 49 comfortable guest rooms located in several buildings throughout the property, as well as 3 beautiful vacation villas. Five of our rooms are fully accessible and thoughtfully designed for guests with disabilities. Accessible pathways, parking areas, and even the swimming pool ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all visitors.

Savor delicious meals at our Observatory Restaurant, where floor to ceiling windows showcase breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Just outside, you’ll find our scenic observation deck the property’s signature gathering place and one of the best spots to take in the spectacular landscape.

Our Spa offers the perfect opportunity to unwind in the heart of nature with a selection of relaxing massages and rejuvenating body treatments.

We are proud to be a certified eco-sustainable hotel and have been recognized with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for multiple consecutive years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality and environmental stewardship.

Your stay with us at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails includes daily complimentary walks in our gardens and the rainforest with our naturalist guides. On our 870-acre property, you can explore 11 kilometers (7 miles) of well-maintained trails – hiking,  or mountain biking. An 800-meter (0.5 mile) paved trail allows universal access to explore the gardens and rainforest. For the adventurous, experience our rugged River Trail through the primary rainforest. Additionally, Arenal Observatory Lodge is a hotspot for birdwatching in Costa Rica, with more than 500 species of birds noted so far in our forest.

at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails