Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
DISCOVER nature, EXPLORE the Arenal Volcano, RELAX in our unique destination!
Treat yourself to the most stunning views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal in Costa Rica at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. …Read More
Junior Suite
Our two Junior Suites are the most spacious rooms with grand views of Arenal Volcano and Lake…
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Our very comfortable eco-lodge is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. No other hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and the Arenal area is so close to the famous volcano and its lovely lake.
Arenal Observatory Lodge is safely located 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) from the south side of Arenal Volcano, but the live volcano seems so close that you could reach out and touch it. The perfectly shaped volcanic cone commands nearly every view at the hotel – from the panoramic windows of the Arenal Observatory restaurant to the main buildings and most of the guest rooms. Beautiful Lake Arenal with its many little islands stretches west into the sunset.
Resting on a ridge amid tall pine trees and luxuriant rainforest, Arenal Observatory Lodge is the only hotel that is located inside the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Eleven kilometers (7 miles) of well-maintained hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails wind through the Arenal Volcano hotel’s 870-acre (352-hectare) property, through the primary and secondary rainforest, past waterfalls, and across verdant pastures. Plenty of wildlife lives in the area, including three kinds of monkeys, anteaters, coatis, raccoons, deer, and more than 500 species of birds – making Arenal Observatory Lodge a preferred destination for bird watching in Costa Rica.
In addition to all of the activities you can enjoy at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, our Arenal hotel serves as a great base camp for adventure tours in Arenal like the Sky Trek zip lines, Sky Tram, Arenal Hanging Bridges, hot springs, whitewater rafting and more.
We invite you to stay with us, enjoy our trails and tours, hanging bridges, a refreshing swim in our pool, and relax with a massage in our Spa. Everything you want in one unique place!
Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna Village
After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc on the local population and creating a “lava-scape” for miles around its base.
At the Observatory Lodge, nature is bursting at the seams. Tropical flora and fauna abound about the Arenal lodge, while the majestic volcano and its fiery outbursts reflect off the mirror lake at her feet – all this right outside your Arenal hotel room at the Observatory Lodge.
Things to do in Arenal
The Morning Walk
Included with your stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is a daily free guided walk along our ....
Birding
Close to 900 species of birds can be found in Costa Rica, and more than 500 kinds of birds have been spotted ....
Spring-fed Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
Our spring-fed “infinity” swimming pool, tiled in cobalt blue, melds with the surrounding rainforest ....
Frog Pond
Especially in rainy season (May to November), the sound of frogs in the rainforest is common ...
Waterfall Trail
One of the most popular trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. A short, relatively easy walk from the lodge....
Saino (Peccary) Trail
A paved trail of approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) allows universal access to explore the hotel gardens ....
From Our Blog

Planning how to best spend a two-night, three-day stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica is no easy task. With a complimentary morning walk, two observation towers, a pool and jacuzzi, a variety of spa treatments, a historical museum, horseback riding tours, some of the best birding in the country, 7 miles (11 kilometers) of trails to explore across 870 acres (352 hectares) of property, and much more to offer, finding time for it all can seem an impossible task.
Testimonials
We wish we could have stayed longer
We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Observatory Lodge. Our room was very nice with a great view just like we dreamed of. The entire staff was among the very best I have seen. The property was beautiful and we loved taking hikes around the area. We wish we could have stayed longer. It is so peaceful and beautiful there. We will definitely plan a return trip to your beautiful lodge and country.
My children and I had the time of our lives
My children and I had the time of our lives. The lodge was unbelievable. The volcano was so close, we were able to see it every day and night. The food was very good. Front desk staff was wonderful; they were very accommodating and bent over backwards to help. We appreciate all that they did. Lots to see and do – really just the trip of a lifetime. Thanks so much.
Exceptional experience
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is a private paradise for hiking and truly submersing yourself in beautiful Costa Rican nature. Exceptional experience. The room had a beautiful view, pool was amazing, and there were many fun activities, and the service was great too. Keep up the good work. I would recommend this hotel.
Just wanted to say that your lodge was amazing
Just wanted to say that your lodge was amazing … beyond any accommodation we have experienced. Food, people and scenery were wonderful. The landscaping is pure beauty and the trails around the lodge are so therapeutic; please don´t change a thing. Your pool is unreal, almost like one is on the edge of the earth overlooking scenic tranquility, and the view of the volcano was mesmerizing. Toughest part was getting sleep because we didn´t want to miss anything at night. We had an amazing time and we will be back. Thank you.
Everyone was so helpful and friendly
Thank you so much for giving us a wonderful memory that we truly cherish. We enjoyed our stay very much. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is the most beautiful place we have seen near Arenal Volcano. It has the best views. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Our guide gave us a bird walk at 5:45 a.m. and he was great and knowledgeable; we saw many birds and hear their calls. Horseback riding was wonderful. I will recommend the lodge to anyone coming to Arenal.