Arenal Observatory Lodge is located about 20 minutes out of La Fortuna on a rugged road. It's important to understand
that the road conditions are not in the condition of those types of roads found in North America or Europe. It's also important to understand that if you decide to stay here that there's a chance that
Arenal might not accommodate you by erupting. However, if you are an adventurous traveler, this is an excellent
opportunity to see an eruption up close.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on a nature reserve and offers trails into the rainforest. There's 8-km (5 mi) of cycling trail, 800m (500 yards) of wheelchair access trail and opportunities to explore via horseback and hiking. Visitors can also take in the views from a hanging bridge.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally built in 1987 by the Smithsonian Institute as a scientific research station. The lodge is located inside of Arenal National Park and is the only accommodation that can boast this location. If you're fearful of the proximity to Arenal Volcano, you'll be happy to hear that the lodge is protected from the eruptions by the gorge of Agua Caliente River.