Arenal Observatory Lodge sits on its own 350-hectare reserve next to Arenal Volcano National Park. It was built in 1987 as the Smithsonian's volcano research station, and birders still use it the way the scientists did: the volcano from the window, an observation deck, and trails from the door.
That is why it is the lodge our recent birding itineraries sleep at more than any other.
From the trails come Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Lovely Cotinga, Yellow-eared Toucanet and Great Curassow, birds of the wet Caribbean slope. The Mistico hanging bridges nearby put you up in the canopy, with more than 350 species recorded in that reserve.
The Bare-necked Umbrellabird, a regional endemic, and the Lovely Cotinga are the two birders ask us about here. With them Yellow-eared Toucanet, Keel-billed Toucan, Great Curassow walking the trails, and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron at the water's edge.
| English | Scientific | Spanish | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare-necked Umbrellabird | Cephalopterus glabricollis | Pájaro-sombrilla Cuellinudo | Regional endemic |
| Lovely Cotinga | Cotinga amabilis | Cotinga Linda | |
| Yellow-eared Toucanet | Selenidera spectabilis | Tucancillo Orejiamarillo | |
| Keel-billed Toucan | Ramphastos sulfuratus | Tucán Pico Iris | |
| Great Curassow | Crax rubra | Pavón Grande | |
| Bare-throated Tiger-Heron | Tigrisoma mexicanum | Garza-Tigre Cuellinuda | |
| White-necked Jacobin | Florisuga mellivora | Jacobino Nuquiblanco |
Fly into San José or Liberia. From Arenal, Caño Negro is about two hours for a day on the water, and the dry side at Palo Verde about four.
All year. It rains in every month on this side of the country, so pack the rain layer whatever your dates.
Four lodges: the one next to the park, two smaller family lodges near La Fortuna for the birder travelling with people who are not, and a 127-acre working farm with a canopy tower, 25 minutes from La Fortuna.
Photo: Arenal Oasis Ecolodge & Wildlife Refuge
Arenal
Where Tranquility and Rustic Auras meet Sustainability
★★★
A small family lodge 3 km from La Fortuna with its own frog sanctuary, butterfly garden and trails, and guided birdwatching walks run by the family. Basic, in one reviewer's word, and the same review called it magical.
Photo: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
A Stunning Hotel on Amid 870 Acres of Lush Private Rain Forest
★★★
Built as the Smithsonian's volcano research station, on its own 350-hectare reserve next to Arenal Volcano National Park. The observation deck and the trails from the door are why six of our 45 recent birding itineraries sleep here, level with Trapp Family Lodge for the most.
Photo: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hacienda
Arenal
A sustainable resort above any other
★★★
Inside its own rainforest reserve near La Fortuna, with a guided birdwatching walk at 6 am and a night walk at 6 pm every day, and a warm spring pool kept for hotel guests. The adults-only tree house sits 20 metres up in the canopy.
Photo: Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
Arenal
So much variety! This will be a Birders Delight
★★★★★
A 127-acre farm near La Fortuna with a canopy tower, forest trails and a tropical birding tour that reports more than 250 species on its private reserve.
A few minutes on the form, and one of our Costa Rica specialists comes back to you personally with a first itinerary: the lowlands in the right order with whatever else is on your list, and how many nights each stop really needs. That first version is just a place to start.
Or call us: 1 (800) 996-1139 from the US and Canada, +506 4052-2140 in Costa Rica.
Keep going: add more birds, lodges or tours, then turn your Wishlist into a trip.
