Want to know what it feels like to be just a couple miles away from the bottom of a volcano?
Find out if you stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, the only hotel located inside Arenal Volcano National Park.
This huge property of 350 hectares (864 acres) has 11 kilometers (7 miles) of trails as well as a waterfall, daily guided hikes, a museum, an observatory tower, on-site restaurant, pool, and a garden all with incredible views of the volcano.
Check out what we thought of our stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
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What to Know About Arenal Observatory Lodge
Built in 1972 originally as a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station, it is now a hotel perfect for those seeking a vacation immersed in nature.
- Located 30 minutes from La Fortuna
- Offers day passes to non-hotel guests
- Has standard rooms, standalone casitas and houses
- Popular among birders
- Great views of Arenal Volcano
The Property
If you’re staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge, you have to spend a day exploring their property and trails.
You can walk to the waterfall, across the hanging bridges and through their gardens.
The main attraction is The Nest, an observation tower that is 28 meters (92 feet) high.
It has incredible views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rainforest.
They have a second observation tower closer to the entrance of the hotel, with beautiful views of Lake Arenal.
Although Arenal Observatory Lodge does not have their own hot springs, they have a pool.
Activities
Arenal Observatory Lodge has several on-site activities, such as birdwatching, a waterfall – farm tour, hiking, and a cross fit challenge.
We saw a few people on birdwatching tours at the lodge and even without a guide, we saw tons of hummingbirds, toucans and a hawk!
The Restaurant
The restaurant has a magnificent view of both the volcano and lake with a large observation deck.
Their restaurant servces typical Costa Rican food which was very good.
Breakfast is a whole show. Arrive early so you can watch the bird feeding frenzy!
The Rooms
Arenal Observatory Lodge offers standard rooms near the reception, casitas by the Lake Arenal observation tower and then standalone houses in the back of the property.
We’ve stayed at the standard rooms and also at the White Hawk villa when we visited with a larger group of friends.
The Smithsonian and standard rooms are spacious and comfortable with two double beds, located close to the reception and main building.
For more privacy and bigger groups, the White Hawk villa was incredible. You do need to drive there as it’s located far in the back of the property but it has some of the closest views of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by the rainforest.
They also have casonas, located near the Lake Arenal observation tower. These are like little houses with lovely views of the lake.
Other
The observatory museum is small but very informative. They have walls and boards full of facts about the volcano and La Fortuna.
The museum has a small cafeteria with nice seating areas.
Why We Loved Arenal Observatory Lodge
Fantastic birding, so much nature and rainforest, friendly staff, gorgeous views, super quiet and peaceful.
Cons: It’s far from everything. You need to have a car to stay here. If you don’t, you can still book tours but tour companies normally charge an extra fee to provide transportation from the lodge.
We recommend 2 nights at the lodge. If you have more days in La Fortuna, you can then move to another hotel closer to town.
A 4×4 is not required to get to the lodge.
Book your rental car with our Costa Rica car rental discount to save money!
If you don’t want to stay overnight at the lodge, you can visit with their day pass. You have access to the trails, observation towers and museum. You can also reserve the day pass with a meal.
Arenal Observatory Lodge is not a 5 star or an all-inclusive resort but that is not the appeal of this hotel.
The appeal is that it gives visitors a real taste and a chance at a true appreciation of nature at it’s finest! And also incredible views of Arenal Volcano and birdwatching.
Check out our two week wildlife and birding itinerary that includes a stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
Rebecca says
Thank you for your review and video – very, very helpful. Are the horses used for the horseback tour located on-site or do you have to travel to begin the tour?
Sammi says
Their horses are on the property
Sandra says
Hi there, is it possible to drive to the observatory at night? we plan to stay there but wanted to go to the hot springs at Tabacon in the evening. But we’re not sure if the roads are ok to drive back to the observatory after dark.
Sammi says
Hi Sandra, yes, it is fine to drive there at night.
Mary says
Hi,
I love your site, thank you.
Can you tell me if the Observatory arranges for tours to go to the volcano for activities? I assume of course but cannot find info on the hotel
Thank you
mary
Sammi says
They should be able to, just send them a message or call!
Roy Fuller says
Can you hike the trails if you are NOT staying at the lodge? If yes, is there a fee to park and hike?
Thanks,
Roy
Sammi says
Yes you can as an outside guest, they have a parking lot and the entrance fee is I believe $8 per person.
Cristina says
Hi, if you stay at the lodge how far away are the hot springs? What would be the best way to get to them? We were thinking of getting a driver to take us from the airport straight there. Many thanks
Sammi says
It depends which hot spring you go to but all are not too far, they’re all around a 15 minute drive or so from the lodge. You will need to get a driver/taxi from the lodge if you don’t have a car.
Katie Crook says
We are planning to stay at the Observatory Lodge in June. I am a little bit confused about the location of the lodge relative to the park. Is the Lodge actually in the National Park? Is there a separate entrance fee? If so, is there any reason to hike the park trails over the ones accessible by the Lodge? In your opinion, can you see everything there is to see by staying at the Lodge and not venturing out much further (for hiking or views)? I realize that other activities may be outside the lodge property like thermal springs, zip lines, etc.
Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Katie, the lodge is actually in the national park and they have their own trails on the property which as a guest you don’t need to pay for. If you’re an outside guest, you have to pay a small entrance fee.
For hiking, the lodge has excellent hiking trails with an amazing view of the volcano and also horseback riding trails. They don’t have lava trails or a view of Lake Arenal (the national park does) but the AOl trails are super nice even still. But they don’t have any ziplining, hot springs or other activities so you need to go out of the property for that.