happytrails06

I'm planning my daughter's honeymoon and am trying to get everything just right. My research shows that you can only witness lava flows from the west side at Arenal Observatory or Arenal Lodge. They won't have a car, so I'm not sure they should be so far removed from activities.
- How expensive is a taxi from the Lodge(that seems to be closer) to town and how long does it take?
- Are there activities at the Lodge or Observatory - lectures, music, etc. - at night?
- Do tours pick up at either place?
- If they stay in town or close to town, is there any place to view the lava flow at night?
Perhaps dinner at the Lodge?

They will be traveling in July if that matters. Thanks for any help.

Deb15July

I didn't stay at AOL, but it's my understanding that it's quite a hike into town and the food at the Lodge gets mixed reviews.

BAJJ

We will be staying at AOL and probably won't have a car. Sunset Tours will pick up from either AOL or Arenal Lodge, but the cost is extra. Here is a link to their rates:

http://www.sunsettourcr.com/index.php?page=rates#ftop

volcanogirl

The volcano hasn't been doing anything for a while, so you may not have lava flows no matter where you stay. We've seen it from the Lost Iguana every time we've gone, but seems like it hasn't done anything for a few months.

http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm is a good map of the area. I don't think most people would want to stay at AOL without a car. Tours will usually pick up and drop off at hotels, but they'll often charge more for AOL since it's so far out and off a bumpy road. I would go with a hotel that they'll love and not base it on the lava view since that's pretty iffy these days. Like Deb said, AOL isn't known for its food.

Deb15July

VG has an EXCELLENT point. Even though I didn't stay there, I've done mucho research on the area and AOL w/o a car is not a good option IMHO.

Sorry...I missed the detail about not having a car.

RAC

I would rent a car in the Arenal area, regardless of where we were staying. Everything in Arenal is spread out, and you'll save money and gain increased convenience by having your own ride.

The AOL doesn't have much in the way of cultural activities at night. But, in addition to lave views (lava flow is unpredictable), it has the best straight view of the volcano itself--awe-inspiring. It also has the best wildlife viewing in the area (sightings of wild cats like ocelot and jaguarundi are not unusual) and great hiking.

volcanogirl

We stay at the Lost Iguana; it's a romantic property. We've paid anywhere from $10-17 for a taxi depending on where we've gone.

Kinkazote

At Arenal, think it is regretable that people are led to believe that they are going to see flowing lava as in Hawai'i. When Arenal is seriously active, there may be some flowing lava, but "seriously active" also means danger and even evacuation. The most typical red-rock activity at Arenal is not lava but red-hot, house-sized boulders that are thrust up and out of the top of the volcano. These monsters (which look quite small from a distance) strike the side of the mountain, break up into more red boulders and bounce down the side of the mountain. At night, a lot of them might look like a lava flow, but it is most likely not. (A lava flow would be broad and red, not a mesh of red stringy trails of boulders.) The dark patches and slashes on the "lava flow side" of the volcano is where the boulders usually strike, and they are also the places where there have been landslides of accumulated ash and boulders. When the volcano is seriously active (rarely), there may be pyroclastic flows (hot and dangerous), lava, very audible explosions and gas releases, and about anything that a volcano can do. The official "lava flow" side of the volcano is where lava, if there were any, would likely flow--however the rare major eruption could cause almost any volcanic activity anywhere.

Most people never have to confront the lack of lava because (1) Arenal is covered with clouds when they visit, and they think they have missed flowing lava, or (2) there is a wonderful nighttime display visible of numerous red-hot boulders that is just as good or better than real flowing lava. It's faster moving and covers more territory that lava would.

In any case, and this is important, the volcano is incredibly beautiful, especially on the non "lava flow" side where it is green all the way to the top. It is majestic, imposing, and more than a little frightening. I have spent many happy hours staring at it and reading about it. It is worth a vew days there just to get some clear-day-time with this classically shaped and beautiful natural wonder, even if it is silent.

RAC

Well said. Especially from the AOL grounds, the volcano is a jaw-dropper. When the clouds do lift, you just can't take your eyes off it. People focus too much on the 'lava' and not enough on the majesty of the volcano itself.

mlgb

AOL is a great place to stay if you want to do their on site hikes and horseback riding. I was lucky enough to have a clear view of the volcano but there was no activity in November. AOL was upfront that nothing was happening when I called.

AOL books tours that depart from the lodge. While having a car will probably save you some money, you aren't going to want to drive that long bumpy road every day.

The food was much better than some comments led me to believe. The breakfast buffet was probably the best I had, and I had a simple grilled chicken for dinner that came with the only fresh veg I actually enjoyed in CR.

klam_chowder

Was in CR over the Xmas holidays and stayed at AOL for 2 nites. As others said, no "activity" from the volcano but great views of the volcano itself.

I was dreading the food a bit as well, based on reviews I'd read. The included breakfast is great and we had an a la carte dinner one nite that was quite good (grilled fish), comparable quality to a $22 dish I'd pay at a moderate independent restaurant in the USA.

The honeymooners might enjoy the infinity pool & 22-person, covered hottub with direct views of the volcano. Not sure what time it closes but we were there late without any problems.

There are a few hikes they can do from the grounds that go to hanging bridges, a waterfall, etc. A guided hike in the morning is complimentary for resort guests.

AOL grounds are beautiful. If they just want to enjoy the lush gardens, there's a wonderful environment to kick back and relax. We saw lots of birds, a family or more of coatimundis including babies that were darling to watch from the observation deck. It seems like all the rooms have balconies for relaxing viewing - even our basic room had a deck on both sides of the room (entry & back). If they take time to explore the grounds, they will likely find lots of hidden gems like we did.

We did not have a rental car and took a cab from La Fortuna for $20 - it is a pothole ridden, 9 mi road. Lots of tours picked up guests at reception in the morning; Interbus picks up there as well.

Have fun planning - Enjoy-la!

BAJJ

klam - I didn't realize there was a hike from AOL to Hanging Bridges. Did you do it? If so, how long did it take?

mlgb

There are hanging bridges within the grounds of AOL (smallish ones). You may find that you're happy enough with wildlife viewing inside the AOL grounds that you elect not to visit the "Arenal Hanging Bridges."

volcanogirl

B, the Hanging Bridges is right next to the Lost Iguana.

BAJJ

Oh, I understand now. Thanks!

happytrails06

Thanks to all for your help and suggestions. I now know that their chances of seeing a lot of volcano activity are rather slim, so, even though AOL sounds wonderful, I think I will have them stay on the east side. I will also explore renting a car while there. As you pointed out, the volcano will be magnificent no matter where they are. Thanks again.

volcanogirl

ht, if volcano activity does pick up, there are volcano hike tours that you can take to go see the lava flow. Sunset Tours and Desafio are two good tour groups in the area. Make sure they check out the natural hot springs - that's a fun honeymoonish thing to do.

LindainOhio

If it were my honeymoon, I would stay at Lost Iguana. The rooms are beautiful and even though no lava is visible, the rooms have a wonderful porch that frames the view of the volcano. It was a fabulous happy hour/reading spot.

The grounds are lush, there is a spa, it is right next to the Hanging Bridges. A full breakfast is included and since they are travelling off season, there are specials. We got the stay 2 nights, get one night free special (came to $123/nt).

It is a wonderful place to relax, has a lovely pool---and we actually missed several things we planned on doing at Arenal because we so enjoyed spending time there.

We didn't have a car there but Erick Guzman www.tarabatours.com is a great guide who would pick them up if they want to do any hikes. There are other scheduled tours from the hotel. We got picked up to do the zipline with Sky Trek. The meals were very reasonably priced and were delicious. We ate most of our meals there during our stay. We loved the open air dining room surrounded by lush greenery and ponds.

We all felt it was a great bargain for a beautiful resort.

Deb15July

We stayed at Silencio del Campo and enjoyed it immensely. It has about 25-30 cabinas on beautiful grounds with an on-site restaurant. Breakfast and taxes are included in the rates.

You can walk to both Baldi and Eco Termales Hot Springs, but the hotel also has a hot springs pool on-site. We didn't go to any of the other Hot Springs, but based on my research, I would choose ET.

We didn't have a car and just used taxis to get around. We didn't go into town except for dinner on two nights. The 3rd night we had dinner at the hotel.

We did a trip to Cano Negro that I would recommend, but it takes most of the day. We never saw the volcano unobscured by clouds though.