Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located in the heart of Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, the main center of adventure activities and ecotourism. From here you can explore rivers, rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs, Arenal Lake and of course the famous Arenal Volcano. Take your time to enjoy the abundant beauty and incredible adventures available to you. Tours offer a guide and require a minimum of two people.
There are so many activities to discover and explore at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails.
Our Tours
Bird
Watching
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Danta
Waterfall Tour
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Dense forest trails, open views of pastures and a lovely waterfall. We will guide you through part of our 350-hectare private nature reserve. You will explore from tropical forest to open grassland areas. Start the tour by walking along the “La Catarata” trail and exploring a 6-meter-high waterfall. Cool mist fills the air and the thunderous sound of falling water from the waterfall creates a relaxing and magical atmosphere. If you dare, you can take a dip in the natural pool.
The tour consists of approximately 2 kilometers of walking, including a steep descent down a set of stairs to reach the waterfall. This tour has a cost of $10 per person. We limit the group size to 15 people to ensure a good experience. After visiting the waterfall, you’ll walk through a series of tropical gardens and explore a section of the hotel estate, concluding the tour at a small lagoon. During this experience, our guide will ensure that you have the best chance of spotting wildlife while answering any questions you may have. After concluding the tour of the farm, you will board our tractor-drawn wagon for a pleasant ride back through our farm, where you can enjoy the scenery that the property has to offer.
Departure time: 2:00 p.m.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours.
What to bring: Walking shoes, drinking water, cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and raincoat.
Night
Tour
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70% of life in the forests comes out at night… What are you going to see?
We will provide you with an exclusive guide for your night walk through the trails of the Arenal Observatory Lodge and the frog pond. You will experience the night life in the forest, and you will see flora and fauna in general, especially amphibians and reptiles.
Departure time: 18:00 pm.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours.
What to Bring: Insect repellent ponchos, sweater, tennis shoes or shoe covers, flashlights and cameras.
Volcano
Tour
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Learn about the natural history of the Arenal Volcano.
This tour takes place at the El Silencio Viewpoint located just 15 minutes by car from Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails. Once at El Silencio Viewpoint, our guide will take you through the different trails providing you with information about the history of the Arenal Volcano while enjoying the beautiful views and trails of this place. Since this place is surrounded by forests, there is always the opportunity to observe different types of birds and sometimes mammals such as monkeys, coatis or peccaries.
What to bring: Walking or tennis shoes, sunscreen, camera, poncho or raincoat, water, and insect repellent.
Sloth
Tour
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See the elusive sloth at a local nature reserve near La Fortuna.
A tour guide will accompany you to show you the sloths, you will also learn about their behavior and habitat. This tour goes through the city of La Fortuna in search of sloths in their natural habitat.
Included: Professional bilingual guides, transportation.
“Baldi”
Hot Springs
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25 thermal water pools in the middle of the tropical forest.
At Baldi you can enjoy wet bars, 2 restaurants, 3.5 ha of tropical gardens, water slides, jacuzzi and sauna. Children can have fun playing and using the water slides inside the special children’s pool. The pool area includes a fun and colorful playground, while adults can enjoy the adventure on a spinning slide. Extreme adventure lovers looking for an adrenaline rush and extraordinary experiences have the perfect challenge to slide and jump through the slides, a fun activity for the whole family. You can also find a wide range of swimming pools to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
What to bring: Extra clothes.
“Eco-Termales”
Hot Springs
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An exotic natural therapeutic spa with 6 thermal pools and a waterfall and freshwater pool.
Admission to these hot springs is limited to no more than 80 guests at each of two daily timeslots, to ensure that everyone has the chance to find complete relaxation and inner peace, renewing both mind and body. You can enjoy cocktails, juices and other drinks at the pool bar; We also offer a package that includes food to enjoy our authentic Costa Rican home style. The facilities have large bathrooms and changing rooms, lockers, towels, a rustic restaurant and a bar with a terrace.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Arenal “Mistico”
Hanging Bridges
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Walking through valleys and through the treetops.
Our expert guides in natural history will accompany you to discover the wonderful secrets that are hidden in this wildlife sanctuary that we call tropical forest. Having a specialized guide guarantees that visitors will acquire a broad knowledge of the biodiversity that inhabits the reserve and will be able to observe species in the canopy and forest floor. The guides will help you learn about the balance and complexity of tropical forests and learn about the relationships between species and their value, as well as the interactions within the ecosystem. You can also explore and enjoy the hanging bridges on your own.
Included: Naturalist guide service (extra cost) and entrance to hanging bridge trails.
Departure time: 8:00 am. 9:00 am. 10:00 am. 12:00 noon. 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
(from the tourist offices).
Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours.
Recommendations: Cameras are allowed. The guide will tell you when your camera’s flash can be used, as some species are sensitive to light. We recommend applying insect repellent. We recommend that you wear waterproof clothing, long pants, and closed-toe walking shoes.
Sky Tram
& Trek
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An exciting zipline circuit in the magical forests of Costa Rica.
The tour begins with a ride on the Sky Tram to reach the top of the private reserve, then continues with an adrenaline-filled adventure tour over the treetops, consisting of a system of zip lines, which allows you to observe safely the tropical forest and its landscape from a different perspective. Then you can enjoy the “Sky Trek Tour”, this activity includes 7 cross cables that together have a total length of 1.7 miles with distances from 100 to 2460 feet, and with a maximum height of 660 feet, which exceed the treetops. providing a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano and lake.
Restrictions: Minimum age 5 years for SKY TREK. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by their parents or guardian. If the guide considers it appropriate, he must accompany the child during the tour. People over 300 pounds must be evaluated by our technical staff (according to their height and physical condition) our staff will determine if they can take the tour.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours.
Canopy
Ecoglide
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Fly through the forest canopy along a series of suspended cables.
It consists of two cables, one sliding and another independent cable for greater user safety. The circuit consists of 11 cables, 13 platforms and a suspension bridge; The route is divided into two sections. Nine of these platforms are in the trees, where visitors can have more contact with nature while releasing adrenaline in a healthy and safe way. Within the route we can find the Tarzan Swing, which consists of jumping from a platform and swinging with the help of special equipment, leaving all our worries behind; its height reaches almost 40 meters.
Included: Adventure guides, AC bus transportation, safety equipment, insurance and drinks.
Canoe/Kayak in
Arenal Lake
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Experience peace in the serenity of the largest man-made lake in Costa Rica.
Lake Arenal was built in 1979 to provide hydroelectric power to the country, and is currently a popular spot among Costa Ricans and visitors from around the world. A 20-minute drive from the hotel takes you right where panoramic views of the volcano and lake meet, the perfect place to get a brief safety briefing and kayaking instructions. You will be able to explore the lake at your own pace and if you wish, take a swim in the lake with unbeatable views.
Included: Tropical fruits.
Hours: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 4 hours.
What to bring: Camera, cap, binoculars, sunscreen and extra clothes.
Wildlife Refuge
“Caño Negro”
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Enjoy the rich biodiversity and unforgettable wildlife viewing.
The Frio River located in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, is the place where this incredible boat ride takes place. This is a full day activity for nature lovers; leaving La Fortuna from 7:30 am. On the way you will cross small towns and different fields of cultivation. During the car ride, you will learn about history and interesting facts about Costa Rica. Once in Caño Negro you will see first hand how the wetlands are home to a wide variety of fauna. You can find 3 of the 4 species of monkeys that live in Costa Rica. You will discover why this place is home to the richest biodiversity and its importance not only for this country but for the world. The trip ends at the restaurant “El Caiman” where you will enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. You can enjoy this adventure with two other different options: Canoe or Eco Safari.
Included: Typical Lunch, Fruits & Coffee at “El Caimán Restaurant”.
Hours: 7:45 am (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 7 hours.
What to bring: *a copy of your passport*, camera, hat, binoculars and sunscreen.
Safari Peñas
Blancas River
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Enjoy the true essence of ecotourism floating safely in the calm waters of the Peñas Blancas River.
You will enjoy this half-day tour in the company of naturalist guides who will show you all the local flora and fauna in the middle of the tropical humid forest located in the riparian areas of the Peñas Blancas River. Keep your eyes open because you never know what you will see. It could be sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and toucans right in front of you. After enjoying the wonders of the tropical forest, you will end up in “La Cocina de Tita Yolanda” where a delicious snack awaits you. In addition to the delicious snack, you will be able to learn about the importance of coffee, chocolate and sugar cane crops.
Included: Coffee Break in “La Cocina de Tita Yolanda”.
Hours: 7:30 am -12:00 pm (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
What to bring: Camera, cap, binoculars, sunscreen and extra clothes.
River Safari
in Kayak
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Experience the beauties and wonders of the tropical forest.
Kayak at your own pace as you enjoy this half-day tour in the company of expert river safaris. You will be taken about 25 minutes outside of the city of La Fortuna to reach the meeting point. Along the way, you will learn interesting facts about the lifestyle of the nearby towns. The guides will give you a safety talk and kayak techniques to prepare you for this unique experience. Once in the river, all that remains is to row and appreciate the surroundings. The forest can surprise you with wildlife shows. Before heading back, you will stop by “La Cocina de Tita Yolanda” to have a coffee and learn about local agriculture.
Included: Coffee Break in “La Cocina de Tita Yolanda”.
Hours: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 4 hours.
What to bring: Camera, cap, binoculars, sunscreen and extra clothes.
Sarapiqui River Rafting
Class 2 & 3
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Experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of a whitewater ride.
Located 50 minutes from La Fortuna, the Balsa River provides an excellent setting to enjoy the rapids with the whole family. A 15-minute break in the river allows us to taste delicious tropical fruits while enjoying a tropical environment, surrounded by monkeys, toucans, and other exotic species. On the way back to Fortuna, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at “Vida Campesina”, a traditional farm for visitors to experience the genuine and peaceful way of country life in Costa Rica. You will enjoy a delicious typical lunch prepared in the original wood stove and served traditionally.
*NOTE* Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate in this activity.
Included: Bilingual guides, fruits and snacks in the river, drinks, towels and lunch.
Hours: 10:30 am (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
What to bring: Swimsuit, t-shirt, sunscreen, change of clothes, safe shoes such as water shoes or sports sandals, cash to tip your guides.
Sarapiqui River Rafting
Class 3 & 4
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Experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of a whitewater ride.
Join us and get ready for an exciting time with a full day of class III and IV white water rafting. Located deep in the tropical forests of Costa Rica, the Sarapiquí River, declared a National Heritage Site, provides us with the perfect combination of natural beauty and some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, with big waves and amazing rapids. After meeting your river guide, we’ll drive 90 minutes to the entry point where the fun begins. The guides will explain safety procedures and equipment before embarking down the river. Halfway through our trip, we will “refuel” at the river bank and enjoy delicious tropical fruits while immersing ourselves in the tropical surroundings. At the end of our trip, a cold drink and a dry towel will await you before a short trip where you can change clothes and enjoy a delicious Typical Costa Rican Lunch.
*RECOMMENDATION* Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate in this tour and cannot be pregnant.
Included: Bilingual guides, fruits and snacks in the river, drinks, towels and lunch.
Hours: 8:00 am (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 7 hours.
What to bring: Swimsuit, t-shirt, sunscreen, change of clothes, safe shoes such as water shoes or sports sandals, cash to tip your rafting guides.
Horseback Riding to
La Fortuna Waterfall
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The best way to get to La Fortuna waterfall.
This tour is a horseback ride to get to the La Fortuna waterfall. You will ride through farmland and in transition to forest and arrive at the equestrian park in line with the viewpoint of Cerro Pino Blanco. Here you can take a short break and change clothes for the next part of the tour, walking to the La Fortuna River Waterfall (10-15 min). Once you arrive at the waterfall you can enjoy swimming in the natural pools.
Included: Bilingual Guide, Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall.
Hours: 8:30 am (from the tourist offices).
Duration: Approx. 5 hours.
What to bring: Long pants, fully enclosed shoes, water bottle, camera, and insect repellent.
ATV Quad
“La Pradera”
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One of the best ways to breathe fresh air.
Our tour begins in a private farm along paths over cattle pastures, small streams and part of the mountains. The open spaces allow you to appreciate the spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano. After driving through grasslands, mud, and tropical forest, you will pass through the town of La Guardia to reach the Arenal River. Here you can enjoy a drink, a well-deserved rest and a refreshing swim if the weather allows it, and to end the tour, we will return to our facilities.
Included: Equipment and bilingual guide.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. 11:00 am. and 2:30 p.m. (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes.
What to bring: Tennis, camera, bathing suit.
Arenal
Rapel
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Traverse a canyon filled with whitewater on this adrenaline-pumping activity.
Pure Trek is one of the most popular canyoning and waterfall rappelling operators in La Fortuna. It has high safety standards that allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy rappelling for more than 17 years. Once you arrive at the meeting point, your guides will provide you with high-quality equipment and safety instructions. You will then walk down a small trail, when you reach the end of the trail you will dive right in with the first and highest rappel. From there, you will be entertained with a series of rappels and activities such as rock climbing, the “Monkey Drop” and more. Be prepared to get wet. After the activity, you will return to the Pure Trek headquarters and gardens to enjoy a delicious organic Costa Rican lunch.
*NOTE* Participants must be at least 5 years old to participate
Included: Professional bilingual guides, waterproof jackets, delicious Costa Rican lunch, high quality equipment, photographer, towel.
Hours: 7:00 am. 12:00 noon (from our office).
Duration: Approx. 4 hours.
What to bring: Quick-dry clothing, safe footwear, change of clothes.
ATV
Tour
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An adventure in all-terrain vehicles.
The tour begins with a brief explanation and a small practice circuit where you can train to drive safely. Our 100% off-road and muddy trails are made to create adventures while enjoying the incredible panoramic views. Along the way, you will find the old impact craters of the last eruption of the Arenal Volcano in 1968. On your way, you will discover a river with volcanic mud. Your guide will explain the benefits of this natural scrub. You will also be able to enjoy viewpoints not only of the Arenal Volcano but also of Lake Arenal. This tour includes a brief explanation of the agriculture of La Fortuna and the traditional crops of the area.
This 2-hour tour is full of adrenaline. You will be able to enjoy the amazing Arenal Volcano from a different perspective and an experience that you will never forget.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours.
What to bring: Mosquito repellent, and comfortable clothes.
Chocolate
& Coffee Tour
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Experience the rich culture of coffee and chocolate that permeates Costa Rican society.
We offer two tours in one. First, we have the coffee tour, where you will learn about the wonderful history of coffee and the importance it had for the development of Costa Rica. You will be able to see all the processes carried out to create a delicious cup of coffee, from the seed to the delicious final product, a cup of coffee.
The second part of this tour will be the chocolate tour. You will enjoy the aromas and the history of cocoa. You will be able to participate in the chocolate process and taste the fruit of the cacao plant and see first-hand the magnificent transformation of a cacao bean. We will show you the entire transition process from cocoa beans to ground cocoa. Our goal is for you to learn the complex process of growing cocoa and coffee. It will also help the company to restore the traditional and cultural uses of coffee and cocoa in Costa Rica.
This tour is an accessible tour for the whole family, 100% of our trails are concrete which is wheelchair accessible.
Includes: Tour guide, tickets, coffee and chocolate tasting.
What to bring: Mosquito repellent and comfortable clothes.
Monteverde
by Boat
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Arrive in Monteverde in style.
The Jeep-boat-Jeep service is the best option if you are traveling from Arenal to Monteverde or vice versa. Experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano, a boat ride on Lake Arenal, and incredible views of the mountains and towns en route to the Monteverde cloud forest.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Fishing
Tour
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Catch the biggest one on this Lake Arenal fishing tour.
Fishing would be carried out through two modalities, fishing carried out from the boat in areas close to the shores of the lake and trawling with the boat in motion. The existing fish in Lake Arenal are: guapote pinto, machaca, tilapia and mojarra.
Included: Snack, coffee, cookie, lunch, sandwich, beer, coke, water.
Hours: Full day: 6:00 am (from our office); Half Day: 5:30 am or 1:00 pm.
Duration: Full day: 8 hours; Half day: 4 hours.
What to bring: Glasses, cap, gloves, comfortable clothing, pants and long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen.