Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Day Passes & Hot Springs · Arenal & La Fortuna · Park day pass
The only lodge inside Arenal Volcano National Park, with a 350-hectare private reserve that day visitors can explore on 11 km of jungle trails. Expect volcano and lake views, a canopy tower, hanging bridges and a waterfall, and some of the best birding around Arenal, often with few other people on the paths.
- Open
- 05:30–17:30
- Days
- Daily
- Takes
- 3 h–4 h
- Best time
- morning
- Booking
- Optional
- Ratings
- 4.8 on Google (2,815) · 4.8 on Tripadvisor (43)
Highlights
- The Nest observation tower with a 360-degree view over the canopy
- Danta waterfall and hanging bridge loop
- Hundreds of bird species, monkeys and coatis around the lodge deck
- Views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal on clear days
- Day Pass includes lunch at El Jilguero restaurant
Tips
- Arrive at opening (5:30 am) for birds and monkeys; trails close at 5 pm
- Drive in daylight; the last kilometres are gravel and a higher-clearance car helps
- Bring binoculars, rain gear and shoes with grip
- Start with the short trails near reception, then add the waterfall and tower
- If clouds hide the volcano, wait a little; views often open up
- Arrive early for birds
- Trails close at 5 pm
- Gravel road: drive by day
Good to know
- Entrance Pass does not include lunch; pool and jacuzzi are not part of the day pass
- The river trail is steep and muddy; The Nest tower has about 150 steps and feels high
- About 30-40 minutes from La Fortuna on a bumpy road; taxis cost about 30 USD each way
- The Cerro Chato trail from the lodge has been closed since 2017; ignore anyone at the entrance offering other trails
- Snakes and other wildlife live on the grounds; stay on marked trails
Prices (as published)
| Day Pass — per person · includes lunch at El Jilguero restaurant (main dish, dessert, natural juice) · trails, tower, museum | $40 |
| Entrance Pass — per person · 11 km of trails, observation tower, waterfall, hanging bridges, museum | $22 |
| Danta Waterfall (Waterfall-Farm) Tour — per person · departure 2:00 p.m. · approx. 1.5 h · max 15 people | $10 |
Contact & directions
- Website: https://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com
- Phone: +506 2290 7011
- Phone: +506 2479 1070
- Location: 10.4436, -84.723 — Google Maps · Waze
Secret spots nearby
- Mirador ColadaViewpoint · hidden gemA viewpoint near La Fortuna, Alajuela province.
- Mirador VolcánViewpoint · hidden gemA viewpoint near La Fortuna, Alajuela province.
- Mirador de Volcán ArenalViewpoint · hidden gemA viewpoint near La Fortuna, Alajuela province.
- las casonasViewpoint · hidden gemA viewpoint near La Fortuna, Alajuela province.
- Mirador de Jilguero, La FortunaViewpoint · hidden gemA viewpoint near La Fortuna, Alajuela province.
- Arenal Volcano National Park – Las Coladas Lava TrailTrail · about $17A trail through regrown rainforest that ends on the black, jagged lava of a 1990s flow, with Arenal's cone looming straight ahead.
Sources: https://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com · https://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/day-passes/ · intel-A.json · 0012_partner_sites.sql · traveler reviews checked 2026-10-10