Sleek panoramas of the volcano and Lake Arenal
Observatory Lodge is ideal for guests eager to explore the Arenal Volcano National Park
Location
You’ll find the lodge uniquely situated inside Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, giving you unrivalled access to its forests, lava fields, waterfalls, and volcanic vistas. It's just a short drive from La Fortuna yet feels wonderfully separate and serene. The property spans primary rainforest, reforested land, pasture, and gardens, each area weaving into the surrounding national park habitat.
Rooms
There are 48 comfortable rooms, including standard, Junior Suite, Smithsonian rooms with majestic volcano views, and expansive villas like White Hawk and Phil’s Villa, perfect for families. Many rooms open onto private terraces where you can watch the volcano awake in the morning light. Five Smithsonian rooms are wheelchair accessible, offering outstanding views and thoughtful design.
Amenities
Guests love the atmosphere here: an infinity pool and glass-covered Jacuzzi overlooking the rainforest, the rustic yet refined El Jilguero restaurant serving Costa Rican and international cuisine, and Chato’s Bar for sunset drinks. There’s also the Observatory Spa, hiking trails, a small poolside smoothie bar, and even a mini CrossFit circuit for active guests.
Activities
Every stay includes guided morning rainforest walks across 11 km of trails, guided birding (with more than 500 species spotted onsite), and access to the observation tower 'The Nest'. For extra adventure, enjoy waterfall hikes, horseback riding, mountain biking, or explore local attractions like hanging bridges and lava fields.
Sustainability
Arenal Observatory Lodge is a pioneer in eco-conscious hospitality. Within its grounds, 270 hectares remain untouched rainforest, and 400 hectares have been reforested. They use spring-fed water, low-flow fixtures, sun-dried laundry, and biodegradable products. Light pollution is minimised to avoid disturbing wildlife, and wastewater is fully treated to protect surrounding ecosystems. Staff are local wherever possible, and the lodge supports area schools with donations and infrastructure aid.
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Best places to stay in Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano Trip Inspiration
When to go to Costa Rica
Discover the best time to visit Costa Rica with our helpful guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the dry season in Costa Rica (although you can still expect the odd tropical shower) and so a fantastic time to visit, the only downside is it is peak season and so you can expect some crowds and peak season prices.
The dry season is ideal if you want to walk through the jungles of Manuel Antonio National Park. It is also an excellent time to visit the soft sandy beaches as you can see humpback whales, as well as green and leatherback sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean.
February
The dry season continues in February with hot, dry conditions but fewer visitor numbers than in January making it a wonderful time to visit Costa Rica.
If you're hoping to see turtles or humpback whales you want to head to the Pacific Coast, or if you are looking to surf, both the Atlantic and Pacific Coast are great this time of year.
March
March is still the dry season in Costa Rica, and with fewer crowds, it is a fantastic time of year to visit. March kicks off with Monteverde Music Fest where national and international musicians gather in the cloudforest town for a month of song and dance.
April
April is the final month of the dry season, and also one of the hottest meaning many visitors prefer the breezy Pacific coast or visit higher mountainous areas. Easter holidays mean that Costa Rica does get busy, but it quietens after Easter.
Every two years (even numbers), San José plays host to the International Arts Festival where you can expect ten days of theatre shows, concerts, dance performances and art exhibitions.
May
May is the start of the rainy season, but with it, you benefit from fewer visitors, lower prices and still plenty of good weather. Although there are rain showers, these tend to be in the afternoon, meaning you've bright, sunny mornings to explore, watch wildlife for longer, uninterrupted by other tourists.
Surfers will love this time of year with an increasing swell on the Pacific coast and empty beaches.
June
June is still part of the rainy or green season, meaning there are tropical showers, but also plenty of lush, vivid vegetation. June is when surfing is at its peak on the Pacific coast.
July
Whilst July is still part of the rainy season, there is a letup in the volume of rain making it a fantastic time to spot wildlife without the crowds and with amazing plush vegetation.
July is also when green turtles return to their favoured nesting grounds in Tortuguero, with some turtles travelling 2000km to reach their breeding beaches. More turtles can be found at Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa and Ostional Wildlife Reserve, where olive ridleys lay millions of eggs in the black sand, often in the middle of the day.
August
August still forms part of the wet season, but this doesn't put off families visiting Costa Rica who bring children during the school holidays for the plethora of activities available.
It is a good month to see both green and Hawksbill turtles nesting around Tortuguero. Further up the Pacific coast, olive ridley turtles storm the sands in a synchronised mass nesting event known as arribada which will continue until November. The northern part of the Pacific coast receives the least rain so is ideal for those hunting sunshine.
September
September and October are the wettest months of the green season meaning that remote areas of Costa Rica can become inaccessible due to the roads and spotting wildlife can be more challenging. The east of the country is the driest so visitors willing to brave the rain head to Tortuguero National Park.
Independence Day occurs on the 15th September which is a big fiesta, across the country, you can expect large patriotic parades celebrating the country’s independence from Spain in 1821.
October
October is another very wet month in Costa Rica, especially on the west coast which is the best place to see whales and turtles at this time of year. For beach time, the Caribbean is drier.
October is an important month for festivals with Limón Carnival happening. Expect week-long celebrations to mark Christopher Columbus’ landing at Isla Uvita.
November
November marks the end of the wet season and transition into the dry season. Travel this month can be a gamble, with the upside being lower prices and fewer crowds, plus the potential for glorious sunshine. If you get lucky, November can be the best month to visit.
The Caribbean Coast on the east gets the dry weather first, and if there is rain, it tends to fall in the afternoon so you can easily plan your day around it.
December
December marks the return of the dry season with visitors flocking to the beaches of sea, sun and sand.
It also means wetter areas of the country reopen with Arenal National Park being one of the most popular for its volcano, hanging bridges and zipwire through the forest, and its magnificent waterfalls.
On the 27th December, there is San José Carnival where you can see huge parades with colourful floats, vibrant music and lots of dancing.
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Amanda
Costa Rica Expert
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