Free
Activities

You needn’t go far at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails to feel nature’s magic – it’s all around you! And with so many free things to do at our Arenal eco-lodge, you will have a Costa Rica rainforest adventure to remember forever.

Here, on our 870-acre property uniquely located right between Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, you can explore rainforest, waterfalls, streams, 11 kilometers (7 miles) of trails, and see an amazing wealth of wildlife. Arenal Observatory Lodge is a renowned destination for bird watching in Costa Rica, with more than 500 species of birds noted so far in our forest. Nature rises early in Costa Rica. It is worth it to get up at first light to see the howler monkeys and birds that were your alarm clock in the morning.

Arenal Observatory Lodge isn’t just a beautiful Arenal hotel from which to watch the wonders of the Arenal Volcano. It’s also a great base for an entire gamut of activities and tours in the Arenal area.

You also can read interesting news and stories in our blog.

What our guests say

Activities

In complete harmony with nature

Guided Walks
(Guests Only)

Bird
Watching

Pool
& Jacuzzi

Observation Tower
“The Nest”

Frog
Pond

Arenal Crossfit
Challenge

Observatory
Museum

Walking Trails

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is located in the heart of one of the largest natural reserves in Costa Rica: The Arenal Conservation Area. The rich volcanic soils and primary and secondary forests offer a great variety of birds, butterflies and reptiles. Howler monkeys announce their presence during the mornings and afternoons.

One of the best features of Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is its extensive 11 kilometer trail system through the Rain Forest. The trails are located within the property and the traffic of visitors is controlled to avoid impact on the environment. Here you can walk, ride a horse or do it on mountain bikes. Additionally, we have an 800-meter universal paved path for disabled people who wish to explore the gardens and the forest. This path is also ideal for night walks and discovering the exotic sounds and aromas of the tropics at night.

Danta
Waterfall Trail

El Saino
Trail

La Hormiga
Trail

River
Trail

Los Cangrejos
Trail

La Culebra
Trail

Los Monos
Trail

We recommend the Guided Walk with our Naturalist Guides, every day. We also recommend exploring the other trails in the morning or after noon to discover the wildlife, and the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

The detailed maps of the trails that indicate the distances and characteristics of each one can be found at the Hotel Reception. The 7.5 kilometer network is identified with different colors: red, yellow, brown, green and orange which will help to recognize them.