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Location:

Arenal Volcano

How to Get There:

There are three different routes each of which takes roughly 3 1/2 hours by car.

The most popular route heads out of San José along the Inter-American Highway to the town of San Ramón, where you turn off into the hills, passing through La Tigra on the way to La Fortuna. Even without a map, La Fortuna is easy to find.

An alternative route turns off the Interamerican Highway at Naranjo and passes through Zarcero and Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) before reaching La Fortuna. (No road map is needed; just follow the signs for San Carlos.) If you take this route, be sure to stop and walk around the Zarcero plaza with its sculpted trees.

You can drive north through Alajuela or Heredia, skirting the Poás Volcano en route to Varablanca and Aguas Zarcas. Beyond Aguas Zarcas, you will come to Ciudad Quesada and continue onwards to La Fortuna. If you have the time, you could plan a visit to the Poás Volcano, as well as a stop to admire the impressive La Paz waterfall. Though not essential, a detailed map will help you take advantage of this route.

Once you reach La Fortuna, continue through town towards Tabacón and the Arenal National Park. No La Fortuna roadmap is needed for finding the Observatory Lodge from here. Just before reaching Lake Arenal you will come to a marked turn-off on the left for the National Park entrance. From the turn-off it is 9 kilometers along a somewhat rough dirt road. Continue on past the park entrance following signs for the Arenal Observatory Lodge. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended in the rainy season, and high clearance is always useful.


Arenal Observatory Lodge

  • Rates
  • Rooms
  • Features
  • Restaurant
  • Tours
    • Dec 01, 2009 - Apr 30, 2010
    Single Double Triple
    Junior Suite $148 $155 $162
    Smithsonian $122 $135 $143
    Standard Room $91 $104 $111
    White Hawk Villa $N/A $451 $N/A
    May 01, 2010 - Nov 30, 2010
    Single Double Triple
    Junior Suite $121 $127 $143
    Smithsonian $101 $114 $133
    Standard Room $77 $92 $103

    All rates are in USD per room per night and do not include hotel tax of 13%.

    JUNIOR SUITES
    The JUNIOR SUITES are rooms with a volcano view through large picture windows framing the often active side of the majestic Arenal; see the volcano from the room or enjoy the beauty of the Arenal Lake from the comfort of your private deck. The walls are decorated with original ceramic paintings done by a local artist illustrating the area's flora and fauna. For your comfort each of these suites is furnished with two king-size beds, a small living room, coffeemaker, mini refrigerator and room safe.

    SMITHSONIAN
    The SMITHSONIAN rooms feature huge picture windows giving you a premiere majestic view of the volcano from the comfort of your bed. Each room has two double beds (queen-size), a private bathroom, coffee maker and room safe. Some SMITHSONIAN rooms have balconies commanding a magnificent view of the volcano.

    STANDARD
    The STANDARD rooms are another way to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arenal volcano and/or contemplate the beauty of the lake from your balcony. Each of these rooms has two double beds (queen-size), a private bathroom, coffeemaker and room safe.

    LA CASONA
    LA CASONA offers ideal group or family accommodations and is set 500 meters off from the main building. Its 5 comfortable, value-priced rooms with a large terrace provide an impressive view of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Four rooms are furnished each with a queen-size bed and offer a beautiful volcano room view; the fifth room has 3 bunk beds with a view of the rainforest, and all have room safes. The two large, comfortable bathrooms are shared by all La Casona guests.


    WHITE HAWK VILLA
    WHITE HAWK VILLA with its peaceful surroundings and the ultimate spectacular view of the volcano and lake is about 800 meters from the rest of the hotel. It offers group or family accommodations and is recommended for guests with their own transportation or those who enjoy walking. The main level entrance takes you into a large, well-ventilated living room with satellite television, a dining room and a fully-equipped kitchen. The lower level can accommodate 8 people in its two bedrooms, "Trogon" and "Toucan", each with a queen-size bed, two twin beds, private bathroom and room safe.


    Laundry service
    Pool
    Jacuzzi
    Hiking Trails
    Transportation services
    Parking
    Rooms specially designed for handicap access and 2 km of paved trails

    Explore the lava flow trail and marvel at the active lava flows on the Arenal hotel's night tours Ride horseback over varied terrain with great natural beauty Tour the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge wetlands Canoe Cerro Chato Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano Enjoy the comfort of the Arenal lodge's swimming pool and Jacuzzi while viewing the volcano Go birdwatching Hike through the Observatory Lodge's lush rainforests Enjoy a professional massage after your hike Soak in the nearby hot springs Wake to the roars of howler monkeys Watch toucans fly over the volcano observatory Go sportfishing or kayaking in Lake Arenal Hike above the forest canopy at Arenal Hanging Bridges See stalactites and stalagmites at Venado Caverns Raft the white waters of Sarapiquí River Relax on a lazy float down Peñas Blancas River

    When mealtime arrives, you can head for town and check out La Fortuna restaurants or, better yet, stick around and enjoy a delicious meal at our Arenal hotel restaurant. Our chefs prepare a variety of continental and Costa Rican dishes, with an emphasis on fresh local fruits and vegetables, as well as locally raised beef and poultry and fresh-caught Lake Arenal fish.

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    The Arenal Volcano Observatory sits in a private nature reserve in the heart of one of Costa Rica's numerous natural areas. Rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest. Waterfalls and crystalline rivers offer sparkling jungle refreshment for the soul. A well-marked, manicured trail system provides easy access to the property's breathtaking natural beauty.