I fell in love with the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa the moment I stepped out of the Taxi. The sounds of nothing but tropical birds and the rustling wind was instantly soothing to the soul.
The view was stunning and you felt like you had stepped on to the set of Jurassic Park. The volcano is less than two miles away but looks closer with it's imposing presence.
For thirty years, you could see lava flow from the volcano which I understand was a sight to see at night. You could even see red hot boulders ejected from the volcano. For the past seven years, the only thing you will see is an occasional puffs of steam and a few deep rumbles.
The facility was founded by Smithsonian researchers in 1987 and has rustic tall pines on one side and the volcano on the other.
And did I mention the lake? You could see beautiful Lake Arenal from our room.
With over 400 species of birds and 870 acres of private rain forest, this property is a dream for bird-watchers and those who seek peace and quiet.
 |
| CRESTED GUAN |
 |
| KISKADEE |
 |
| TOUCAN |
 |
| MONTEZUMA OROPENDULA |
 |
| MONTEZUMA OROPENDULA |
 |
| CRESTED GUAN |
 |
| TANAGER |
 |
| YELLOW THROATED EUPHONIA |
Now that you have seen the birds, let us look at some of the flowers
The observatory was landscaped beautifully and is a photographers dream if you like to photograph flowers or birds.
The observatory was landscaped beautifully and is a photographers dream if you like to photograph flowers or birds.
Below are just a few of the flowers you will see.
Keep an eye out for other beauties like this rainbow eucalyptus. The bark is gorgeous and they grow so tall in this rich environment.
There are other activities if you want more than just birds and flowers. They have complimentary guided hikes to the waterfall, horseback riding, or relaxing at the spa.
The photo above is the entrance to the trail that leads to the waterfall.
It is not a long hike but it is steep going down to the waterfall.
Those with mobility issues should not attempt this. We hiked for a couple of hours and never saw another person and we had no phone signal. Keep that in mind before heading out and stay on the marked trails.
Once you finish with the waterfall, take a right and head toward Danta's Hanging Bridge.
On you hike, keep your eyes open for cutter leaf ants.
If you have any energy after you hike, head to "the Nest." A 92 foot high tower that looks out over the tree tops. You will also have a great view of the volcano.
There is a nice spring-fed swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The Jacuzzi will feel wonderful to those sore calf muscles after all of that hiking.
As I have mentioned, the grounds around the observatory are amazing. There is a 7 mile network of marked trails that crisscross the 870 acre property.
The food at the El Jilguero restaurant was fantastic. We ordered "Taste of Costa Rica" which included beef and chicken fajitas, plantains, refried beans, guacamole, tortillas, salad and fried cheese. The cost was ¢14,000 (about $24 USD). Food is so much better when you are close to the source and the vegetables and fruit tasted so fresh and sweet.
A breakfast buffet is included with the price of the room and includes hot coffee and tea, fresh juices, cereals, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh homemade breakfast breads, and Costa Rica’s famous “gallo pinto” breakfast of rice, black beans, and spices.
You can see their entire lunch menu HERE and their dinner menu HERE.
A breakfast buffet is included with the price of the room and includes hot coffee and tea, fresh juices, cereals, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh homemade breakfast breads, and Costa Rica’s famous “gallo pinto” breakfast of rice, black beans, and spices.
You can see their entire lunch menu HERE and their dinner menu HERE.
Not only was the food wonderful, the view was equally as great with it's floor-to-ceiling windows looking at the southern slope of Arenal Volcano, and panoramic views of Arenal Lake.
Restaurant doors open to the wide viewpoint deck just outside, giving you a completely unobstructed view of the towering volcano and the rainforest leading down to the picturesque lake.
The lodging at Arenal Observatory is fantastic. You can read about the lodging HERE.
The Arenal Observatory was my favorite place in Costa Rica for rest and relaxation. Restaurant doors open to the wide viewpoint deck just outside, giving you a completely unobstructed view of the towering volcano and the rainforest leading down to the picturesque lake.
The lodging at Arenal Observatory is fantastic. You can read about the lodging HERE.
Though I feel like the cons listed below should go in the pro list, some people may find the lack of cell phone service and location a deterrent.
PROS
- Amazing views of the Arenal Volcano
- It is very secluded
- Room rates include breakfast, taxes, and guided hike
- Perfect place if you like to walk or hike
- Variety of trails that vary in duration and difficulty (something for everyone)
- Love birdwataching
- Love flora
- Love taking photos - It is a paradise for photographers and you will see a lot of expensive equipment being used. I was a little jealous but still enjoyed using my camera and cell phone.
CONS
- The roads to the observatory are rough
- Isolated location
- No a/c, TV, or phones in rooms
- Patchy Wi-Fi
- There are no other restaurants except for the one on site but the food was amazing and priced reasonably so it was not an issue for us.
- If you have not rented a car, you will need to hire a taxi or shuttle to get there. We went from Baldi Resort so it was more expensive that it would have been if we had hired a regular taxi. The Baldi taxi charged us $30 which is pretty expensive and should have been more like $15 to $20.
No comments:
Post a Comment