Arenal Observatory Lodge hike
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 4.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 381 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 381 ft
- Max elevation
- 2,598 ft
- TrailRank
- 19
- Min elevation
- 2,247 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- one hour 28 minutes
- Time
- one hour 43 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1174
- Uploaded
- December 30, 2022
- Recorded
- December 2022
near Jilguero, Alajuela (Republic of Costa Rica)
Viewed 207 times, downloaded 1 times
Itinerary description
The Arenal Volcano National Park closes at 16h in December and after a rather lazy morning I wanted to stretch my legs with the aid of a hike. Since La Fortuna doesn't offer many walks the only opion left was the Arenal Observatory Lodge. This lodge is actually a (not so small) park where you have a breath-taking view on the vulcano El Arenal. Or at least I think you have that view, because when I was there it was very cloudy and rainy and I didn't see the top. There goes my $15 entrance fee...
Nonetheless I'm glad that I came to the park in the evening, because it offers some nice trails where I explored a waterfall, some gardens and a small tower. That tower is situated near the start of the trail and gives a good overview of the surroundings. Even with all the clouds the views are astonishing. All paths are well-maintained and easily accessible, even the path downwards to the waterfall.
Halfway the route I wanted to explore some seasonal waterfalls, but I had to cross a small river and it was already pretty dark. I don't do this much, but this time I used my brains and I decided to go back because otherwise it would be too dangerous alone and in the dark... The second half of the route is not as exciting with paved roads and a passage next to some meadows. In all, this route is however pretty nice and one of the better "lodge parks" in Costa Rica.
Nonetheless I'm glad that I came to the park in the evening, because it offers some nice trails where I explored a waterfall, some gardens and a small tower. That tower is situated near the start of the trail and gives a good overview of the surroundings. Even with all the clouds the views are astonishing. All paths are well-maintained and easily accessible, even the path downwards to the waterfall.
Halfway the route I wanted to explore some seasonal waterfalls, but I had to cross a small river and it was already pretty dark. I don't do this much, but this time I used my brains and I decided to go back because otherwise it would be too dangerous alone and in the dark... The second half of the route is not as exciting with paved roads and a passage next to some meadows. In all, this route is however pretty nice and one of the better "lodge parks" in Costa Rica.
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