arenal lodging
 

How long will it take to get from Heradurra to the Arenal area?

Any "must see" spots along the way?

Suggestions for loding in the Arenal area?

Thanks.

Our family stayed at Villa Encantada. It was lovely. They have a great website with pictures, rates, and info. nr

Darcy,
Herradura near Jaco? It should take you about 4 hours to get to Arenal. I can't think of any "must sees" along the way. Although you will cross the Rio Tarcoles and should definitely stop long enough to check out the crocs. Also, you will be near Carara Biological Reserve as well as the new Turu-bari park. These could be interesting. You could leave Herradura early (8:00 or so), spend some time at the Rio Tarcoles and one of the other places I mentioned and still be at Arenal by 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.

Villa Encantada would be a good choice, but you should know it is a Lake Arenal hotel rather than a Volcano Arenal hotel--meaning it is on the lake rather than in the closer vicinity of the volcano.

I and other posters would highly recommend Arenal Paraiso--a very nice property directly across from the volcano affording you wonderful views of the lava flow should you get lucky with the weather! Also it is a short drive from Tabacon Hot Springs, IMO a "do not miss" place! Right next to the Paraiso is Montana de Fuego--a very similar property. These properties have thermal pools, Paraiso's with a swim up bar, small spas, hiking trails, and Paraiso also offers a canopy tour.

Others like to stay at the more expensive Tabacon Lodge. On the plus side, that gains you free admittance to the Hot Springs (they cost $29 otherwise). On the minus side, the hotel has received mixed reviews on this board.

Thanks so much for the great info!!!

We just returned from a 12 day vacation from CR. We stayed at the Arenal Lodge which was great. The room was beautiful and the view of the volcano was marvelous. This property is 6 miles from the volcano and a lot higher up than most of the others. We are certain the reason we had clear visibility both days we were there was because of this. Spoke to others who stayed in lower properties while we were out and about and they did not have the viewing we did. Just some food for thought. On that same note, the food is really good at Arenal Lodge.

Is this different than the Observatory Lodge?

http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm

Ellen, this map will give you a good idea of where everything is located. Yes, they are two different places. You can see that the two Arenal Lodges are a little more difficult to get to (not that it's a big deal), and Arenal Paraiso is on the main road between La Fortuna and Tabacon Hot Springs. This is the same road that follows on around the lake when you are driving to the north Pacific coastal areas.

We also just returned from CR & we stayed at Arenal Paraiso while in that area. It was afforadable, clean, comfotrable & offered an amazing view of the volcano (weather permitting). Also, the thermal pool w/ swim up bar is always nice. :-)