Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge, on a ridge inside the national park

The Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on a mountain ridge on the far side of the volcano, 22 km from La Fortuna and inside the national park. It was built as a volcano research station for the Smithsonian, and it still feels like a place made for people who want to be close to the mountain and the forest. It is one of our team's favourites for nature lovers, birders and multigenerational families.

Why we choose it

• A real piece of volcano history. The lodge began as a Smithsonian observation station, and you can still sense why they picked this ridge.
• The view from the dining room. Floor to ceiling windows and a wide deck look straight at the volcano and across Lake Arenal, which makes breakfast an event.
• Private rainforest all around. The lodge sits in a large private reserve, with trails, a waterfall and a hanging bridge right from your room.

Check availability

Rooms and views

Rooms are spread across several buildings around the gardens, and the view depends on the building. La Casona and the Standard Rooms look into the forest. The Smithsonian Rooms face the volcano and the forest, and the Junior Suites look at both the volcano and the lake. For larger families there are two villas: White Hawk Villa sleeps 8 with a view of the volcano and the lake, and Phil's Villa sleeps 10.

On the property

The gardens are planted to bring in wildlife, so the birding starts on the walk to breakfast and a keen birder can fill several mornings here. Well marked trails run through the rainforest, over a hanging bridge and to a waterfall, and one trail into the forest is wheelchair accessible. Resident naturalist guides lead a walk each morning.

After the trails there is a pool and a jacuzzi, and every meal comes with that view.

Location and getting there

Being inside the park makes the lodge quieter and more remote than the hotels in town, and the last stretch of road is part of the experience. It is about 3 hours from Liberia or San José, and we arrange the driver. Read more about Arenal Volcano.

Check availability